How to choose your wardrobe doors: the complete style and function guide

Let’s be honest: your wardrobe doors are doing more than keeping your socks hidden. They’re setting the tone of your bedroom, influencing how your space feels, and deciding whether your mornings start with a calm, considered vibe or a wrestling match with a wardrobe sliding track from 2009.

Whether you’re upgrading an existing IKEA PAX wardrobe or planning a completely new setup, this guide will walk you through how to choose wardrobe doors that nail both style and function.

Why do wardrobe doors matter so much?

Because they’re the face of your wardrobe. Literally! They’re always on display, so the wrong choice can clash with your interior, mess with your room’s proportions, or worse, leave you with a design regret you’ll stare at every single day.

The right wardrobe doors, on the other hand, will:

• Create a seamless flow between furniture and walls 
• Make it easier to get dressed (full access, no faffing about)
• Elevate your space with a high-end finish
• Keep your home’s design story consistent

In short: the right doors pay you back, every day.

What’s your style story?

Before you dive into profiles and finishes, step back and look at your home’s bigger picture. Your wardrobe doors should feel like they belong, not like they gatecrashed the room.

• Modern and minimalist → Look at Neat (flat-front) or Slim Shaker doors in matte white, grey, or beige keep things sleek.
• Hamptons or coastal → Classic shaker or Linear (V-groove) doors in white or soft pastels, paired with brushed brass handles.
• Heritage or traditional → Shaker doors with satin finishes that play nicely with cornices and ceiling roses.
• Industrial or urban → Dark veneers or charcoal laminates (Natural Veneer, Renwood or Timberline) with matte black handles for grit and character.
  Get this right, and your wardrobe will feel like it was always meant to be there.

Hinged or sliding: why is this even a question?

At Ren Studio, we only make hinged wardrobe doors. Bold move? Not really. It’s just that sliding doors aren’t it.

Here’s why hinged wins, every time:

• Full access → Swing open and see it all. No more shuffling clothes left and right.
• Design freedom → Hinged doors mean stunning Shaker profiles, considered handle placement – the works.
• Low maintenance → No fiddly tracks collecting dust and random socks.

And yes, hinged doors look incredible on an IKEA PAX frame. That’s where we shine.

Profiles: what’s your door wearing?

Wardrobe door profiles are like outfit choices: they completely change the vibe.

• Neat (flat panel) → Clean, modern, minimal. The “white shirt and jeans” of doors.
• Slim shaker → A subtle twist on a classic. Great for transitional interiors.
• Classic shaker → Timeless, versatile, works everywhere from Hamptons to heritage homes.
• Linear (V-groove) → Adds texture and movement, perfect for relaxed coastal spaces or charming Queenslanders or bungalows.

Pick the profile that matches your style. We make them all to fit PAX like a glove.

Colour + finish = the mood of the room

Once you’ve chosen your profile, the fun really begins. Colour and finish can turn your wardrobe into either a quiet background player or a bold statement.

• Matte → Soft, modern, easy on the eyes (and fingerprints).
•  Satin / semi-gloss → A little light bounce, perfect for bright bedrooms.
• Timber veneers & woodgrain laminates → Warmth, texture, that “real furniture” feel.
• Custom colours → Want to match your walls or trims? Go for it. We don’t charge extra for custom colours because you should never have to compromise. 

How can I pick the perfect handle?

Never underestimate the power of hardware. It’s the jewellery of your wardrobe – small, but mighty.

• Bar pulls → Modern, clean, straightforward.
• Knobs → Classic, versatile, a little more traditional.
• Knurled handles → Industrial grit with texture you can actually feel.
• Discreet lip pulls → Quiet minimalism for the design purists.
  

This tiny detail will decide whether your wardrobe whispers or makes a full-on statement.

Built-in look without the built-in budget

Want your PAX to look like it was made for your room? Easy. It’s all in the details.

• Take it to the ceiling → Creates drama, eats up awkward gaps, and minimises dust traps.
• Use filler panels → Seamless edges = polished finish.
• Match your colours → Blend into the walls or trim for that “is it custom?” moment.
  Spoiler: it’s IKEA underneath. But no one will know.

The benefits of upgrading your PAX wardrobe doors

Flat-pack furniture is practical but let’s face it, standard doors can feel a little flat. With Ren Studio wardrobe doors, you can:

• Match colours and textures to your home’s palette
• Enjoy Australian-made quality that’s built to last
• Create a wardrobe that feels unique, without the bespoke price tag

Your final checklist

Ready to choose your wardrobe doors? Here’s your cheat sheet:
1.    What’s my interior style?
2.    Which profile fits best – Flat or profiled?
3.    Do I want the doors to blend in or stand out?
4.    What colour and finish match my palette?
5.    Which handles (or no handles) complete the look?
6.    Do I want my PAX to look built-in?

Final thoughts

Choosing the right wardrobe doors is more than a design decision, it’s a daily experience! The style, finish, and hardware you choose will define how your space feels and functions for years to come.

At Ren Studio, we specialise in making IKEA PAX wardrobe doors look far from standard. With premium finishes, profiles from sleek flat panels to timeless shakers, and colours to match any scheme, we make it easy to upgrade your wardrobe without compromise.

So… are you ready to give your PAX the glow-up it deserves? Let's get started!