12 IKEA PAX wardrobe hacks to transform your wardrobe with style

The IKEA PAX wardrobe system has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile and functional flat-pack storage solutions available. With a modular design, generous internal space, and plenty of add-on accessories, it’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their storage. But while the basic PAX system is practical, in its off-the-shelf format, it can look a little basic.

That’s where a good IKEA PAX wardrobe hack comes in.

From sleek custom doors and built-in finishes to clever internal organisation and lighting upgrades, there are endless ways to personalise your PAX wardrobe and make it truly your own. In this guide, we’ll show you how to elevate your wardrobe using simple yet high-impact design ideas – many of which are surprisingly easy to implement! 

Whether you're starting from scratch or upgrading an existing wardrobe, these PAX hacks will help you create a completely custom look.

1. Hack your IKEA PAX wardrobe with custom doors

One of the most transformative IKEA PAX hacks is also one of the simplest: replace the standard IKEA wardrobe doors with custom-made doors. It’s a fast-track way to take your PAX wardrobes from flat-pack to high-end.

At Ren Studio, we craft made-to-order hinged doors designed to fit IKEA PAX cabinets perfectly – available in a range of styles like:

• Slim and Classic shaker profiles for a timeless, elegant aesthetic
• Linear (V-groove) doors for texture and depth
• Neat (flat panel) doors in custom colours and matte or satin finishes

You get the flexibility to choose the look you love while still benefiting from the affordability of IKEA’s internal structure.

Please note: Unfortunately, the sliding doors sold by IKEA include the sliding mechanism and are not sold separately. It's for this reason we cannot manufacture and supply PAX sliding doors.

2. Add LED lighting to upgrade your IKEA PAX closet

Integrated lighting is one of those upgrades that not only looks amazing but adds practical function too. Whether you opt for LED strip lights inside your wardrobe or along the top of the PAX frame, the result is a wardrobe that feels elevated, organised, and easier to use.

Look for:

• Motion-sensor LED strips for hands-free convenience
• Rechargeable options if you don’t want to hardwire
• Warm white lights for a soft, ambient glow

Pro tip: Mount lights vertically on both sides of the cabinet interior for even illumination that’s perfect for outfit planning.

3. Use mirrors to make your PAX wardrobe feel bigger and brighter

Mirrors are one of the easiest ways to make a room feel larger and brighter — particularly helpful if your wardrobe unit is in a small bedroom or darker nook.

Consider swapping one or more of your PAX doors for full-length mirrors. Alternatively, consider adding a mirror to the inside of your Slim or Classic shaker profiled door. Not only do they reflect light, but they also double as a dressing mirror, saving you space and time.

Bonus hack: Install soft-close hinges for a smooth, silent close - an instant luxury feel.

4. Create a built-in look for your wardrobe with filler panels

Want your IKEA PAX wardrobe to look like a custom joinery piece? The secret lies in the surrounding panels.

Use filler panels or side returns to close off gaps between the PAX cabinet and the wall, ceiling, or floor. This makes your wardrobe look built-in instead of like a freestanding flat-pack unit.

At Ren Studio, we offer made-to-measure filler panels in the same style and finish as your custom doors, helping you achieve that clean, built-in wardrobe aesthetic effortlessly.

5. Mix open and closed storage for a designer-style PAX closet

Combining open shelving with closed doors not only adds visual interest but also offers the best of both worlds: storage space for display-worthy items and coverage for clutter.

Try this layout:

• Use open shelves in the centre for shoes, books, or décor
• Frame with custom doors on either side for symmetry and balance
• Include drawers for hidden organisation

This approach works especially well in walk-in wardrobes or home offices where your storage also needs to look good.

6. Swap the handles for a quick customisation boost

Never underestimate the power of a good handle. Swapping out IKEA’s standard knobs for high-quality handles is a small change that delivers big impact.

Some popular options include:

• Burnished brass for a warm, luxe finish
• Matte black for a contemporary, bold look
• Knurled or ribbed textures for industrial character
• Leather pulls for a soft, organic vibe

Choose a handle style that complements your interior, and your PAX wardrobes will feel truly bespoke.

7. Organise the inside of your wardrobe to match your routine

A clever IKEA PAX hack isn’t just about what’s on the outside – it’s what’s inside that counts too.

IKEA offers a wide range of internal fittings, and customising the layout for your daily needs will make your wardrobe storage far more enjoyable to use. Some additions we love include: 

• Drawer dividers for socks, ties, and undergarments
• Pull-out trays for shoes or handbags
• Velvet-lined jewellery trays for accessories
• Pull-down hanging rails for hard-to-reach spaces
• Soft-close drawers to elevate the tactile experience

Plan your internals around your lifestyle - not just what looks good.

8. Give your closet a colour makeover with two-tone or bold shades

While IKEA offers a few basic colours, a true IKEA PAX hack opens up a world of design freedom.

With Ren Studio’s custom paint options, you’re no longer limited to white, black, or oak veneer. We offer 2Pac Polyurethane painted fronts in any colour you choose, at no extra cost. Why not try:

• Two-tone wardrobes with darker lower doors and lighter uppers
• Contrasting cabinetry and fronts to make the design pop
• Colour-matched panels to blend with wall paint for a seamless effect

Whether you’re after soft neutrals or bold statement shades, custom colour is the key to personalisation.

9. Use PAX in other rooms like hallways and home offices

Who says PAX wardrobes are just for bedrooms?

One of the best things about the IKEA PAX system is its adaptability. With the right configuration and a bit of creativity, it can serve countless functions throughout your home.

Here are some unexpected PAX hack ideas:

• Linen cupboard: Perfect for storing towels, bedding, and spare pillows
• Home office wall: Use open shelves, drawers, and tall units for equipment and files
• Mudroom storage: Combine hanging space with cubbies for shoes and bags
• Freestanding pantry: Customise with internal pull-outs and baskets for food storage
• Media console: Fit PAX units around your TV and hide the clutter

If you can imagine it, PAX can probably do it.

10. Add trim or moulding to give it a custom finish

Want your IKEA PAX hack to feel timeless or heritage-inspired? Trim is your best friend.

By adding cornice at the top of the wardrobe or beaded trim around the doors, you can transform a basic flat-pack into something that looks custom-built for a period home.

Popular trim styles include:

• Hamptons-style profiles with thick decorative cornices
• Modern shaker frames for a transitional look
• Heritage-inspired beading for a classic touch

Finish with a paint colour that matches your walls or skirting boards for cohesion.

11. Go handle free for a clean and modern look

Prefer a minimalist look without handles? Opt for push-to-open or touch-latch hardware on your custom doors. This gives your IKEA PAX wardrobe a clean, seamless face and makes it feel ultra-modern.

Handle-free designs work especially well in:

• Contemporary homes
• Small spaces where handles might protrude
• Wardrobes positioned in tight walkways or corridors

Bonus: This also makes cleaning easier - no knobs or handles to gather dust.

12. Work around tricky spaces like sloped ceilings or alcoves

If your room has tricky layouts –  sloped ceilings, awkward alcoves, or non-standard corners – don’t rule out a PAX setup.

Using a combination of custom-sized doors, filler panels, and clever planning, you can build your PAX wardrobes to work with your space, not against it.

Ren Studio can help with:

• Custom door heights and widths
• Oversized panels which can be cut-to-size for sloped ceilings
• Matching side panels for a seamless fit

The result? A fully integrated wardrobe that feels made to measure.

Final thoughts

The IKEA PAX system is more than just a flat-pack wardrobe – it’s a blank canvas for creativity. With a little imagination and a few thoughtful upgrades, you can turn your storage into a design statement that fits your space and your style perfectly.

Whether it’s custom doors, integrated lighting, or smart internal accessories, the right IKEA PAX hack will elevate your home without the cost of full-scale custom joinery.

At Ren Studio, we specialise in crafting premium, Australian-made custom doors and accessories for IKEA PAX wardrobes. From Slim Shaker to sleek Linear finishes, our doors are designed to transform your IKEA wardrobe into a feature of the room.

More information

The IKEA PAX Planning Tool is a free online configurator that helps you design your dream wardrobe, built-in closet or storage space with ease. Perfect for the savvy IKEA hacker, it allows full customisation of frame sizes, internal fittings, and door styles - letting you plan everything from drawer layouts to ceiling height wardrobes.

The tool includes 3D visualisation, a live price estimate, and the option to save or share your design. It’s a budget-friendly way to create a custom solution that looks high-end, especially when paired with Ren Studio’s custom doors and panels for a premium, built-in finish that matches your dream kitchen or home aesthetic.