30 Genius DIY IKEA Pax Closet Makeover Hack Ideas
The best closet makeovers using the IKEA PAX wardrobe system with hacks to make it look custom and solutions for creating the most functional storage.
If you want the look and function of a custom closet without the custom closet price tag, these IKEA hacks are definitely for you.
Four years ago, we made our own DIY IKEA closet system out of BILLY bookcases in our primary bedroom, and we still consider it one of our best projects to date. When you have a small closet and too much stuff, there are so many IKEA products to utilize as much space as possible.
Why IKEA Closets Are Worth It
We big time heart IKEA. We’ve never worked with them in any sponsored capacity. It’s just one of those budget-friendly sources DIYers have come to know and love over the years.
You can customize their products however you want without breaking the bank. The IKEA PAX wardrobes system is one of the highest rated in the land for closets because it offers TONS of flexibility with interior organizers, pull-out trays, and clever storage solutions.
The total cost of our very small walk-in closet pair was less than $500!
30 Inspiring IKEA Pax Closet Ideas
Just in case you’re in closet organizing mode (or dream to be one day), this post is full of helpful inspiration to make your dream closet a reality.
Once you rip out the builder grade wire shelving, you will be amazed what solid shelves, drawers, and dedicated organizers can do to make your closet as functional as possible.
1. His and Hers IKEA PAX Closets
Source: The DIY Playbook
This his and her closet utilizes PAX units to use every inch of extra space.
2. Simple Wall Decor in a Closet Dressing Room
Source: Chris Loves Julia
Even though IKEA’s PAX system on its own looks very simple, the ottoman, mirror, art, and light fixture in this master closet create a more custom look.
3. Hanging Bars
Source: Place of My Taste
Rather than connecting closet rods between shelves, this utilizes the closet wall for the hanging rod.
4. Wallpaper Focal Wall in a Closet
Source: The Happy Housie
To add some personality to a closet space, consider hanging some peel and stick wallpaper on an accent wall.
5. Clear Drawer Fronts
Source: The Happy Housie
This reach in closet gets a little help from clear drawer fronts to see clothing more easily and save time.
6. Pull Out Pants Bar
Source: What the Fab
Clothes rails that slide out keep jeans and dress pants easily accessible. To make extra room with space is tight, opt for a multi-use hanger too.
7. Top Shelf Accessories
Source: The Pink Millennial
Utilize vertical space by storing less frequently used bags and purses on the top shelf with more frequently used clothing at eye level.
8. Minimalist Approach
Source: Life by Lee
A tiny closet can feel cluttered with too much color and pattern. This simple wardrobe system uses just white paint to create a Container Store closet look for less.
9. Streamline Walk-In Wardrobes with Doors
Source: Young House Love
Closed storage is the perfect way to make the inside of a closet look clean and simple.
10. Statement Ceiling
Source: Erin Kestenbaum
If you love to fill your home with color and pattern, make the closet of your dreams to match! Consider paintable wallpaper for texture or skip the wallpaper and brush stripes on the ceiling using painters tape instead.
11. Glass Front Wardrobe Doors
Source: Crazy Wonderful
Dupe the luxury style of California Closets with glass front IKEA wardrobe doors.
12. Convert a Spare Room
Source: Fashiion Carpet
If you have an extra bedroom or home office you don’t use often, converting it to a large size walk-in closet could be the perfect solution.
13. Combine a Home Office and Closet
Source: Styled Snapshots
If you have limited closet space and still need to use a dedicated space as a home office, combining the two can be a game changer. (Bonus points: Being surrounded by fabric with clothes hanging around the perimeter of the room improves sound quality for Zoom calls. Many podcasters record audio in their closets for its great sound absorption.)
14. Extra Drawers for Accessories
Source: Money Can Buy Lipstick
Add extra storage in IKEA PAX deep frames using drawers with dividers and inserts to separate small accessories like clutches and sunglasses.
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15. Leave Enough Space for Heels
Source: My Hilltop
Plan for different heights of shoes, especially boots and heels, when installing shoe shelves. IKEA’s PAX planner is great at simplifying the entire process.
16. Bookcase for Shoe Storage
Source: Jena Green
If you have a large collection of shoes, dedicate entire closet units for a shoe rack. Stagger shoes so one faces outward and one faces inward to provide a little extra room on a narrow shelf.
17. Use Black for Drama
Source: Housewolf
Break free from the typical white closet unit and opt for IKEA’s black option for a dramatic modern look in your new closet instead.
18. LED Lighting
Source: Dana K.M. Interior
Make items on shelves and in IKEA PAX drawers easy to see with warm white LED light strips. You can even set them on motion sensors so the front of the units light up each time you open the closet door.
19. Set Up a Mini Living Room
Source: Brandy Bourbon
The best way to utilize a small space in the middle of a large closet is to install a seating area or storage island. For an extra practical solution, install a washer and dryer so you can completely skip the trips to the laundry room.
20. Full Length Mirror
Source: Driven By Decor
If you have a long, narrow type of closet, take advantage of the back wall by hanging a full length mirror. Treat that closet like your own personal runway!
21. Remove Closet Doors
Source: Abby Murphy Photo
For a small reach-in closet, skip the doors all together so that all of your clothes storage is as accessible as possible.
22. Shelving Units for a Baby’s Closet
Source: The Littlest 3
If wide wardrobe units won’t work in a skinny, shallow nursery closet, install shelving units instead. Keep shelves adjustable so you can move around fabric bins of toys as the little one grows up.
23. Use the Side of the Closet
Source: Lavender Julep
Save some of your closet makeover budget by utilizing the sides of the closet for attaching closet rods and shelves to a middle IKEA wardrobe unit.
24. Light Fixture With Personality
Source: Thrifty Decor Chick
Add some personality to a simple closet with an interesting light fixture.
25. Paint Shelving a Different Color
Source: Frills and Drills
Customize your own closet even further by painting wardrobe units a different color that flows with the color scheme in the rest of your house.
Related: How to Paint Laminate IKEA Furniture
26. Closet Rug
Source: Chris Loves Julia
Warm up hardwood floors and make a walk-in closet feel cozy by adding an area rug. Make a vintage rug for some extra charm.
27. Ottoman for Dressing
Source: Lifestyle by Anna Elizabeth
Place an ottoman or bench in your walk-in closet as a place to put on shoes or set out your outfit for the next day. Choose a lift-top ottoman for even more storage space.
28. Unique Hardware on Closet Drawers
Source: Hey Jerry Home
Inject a closet with extra personality by adding unique knobs and pulls on wardrobe doors and drawer fronts.
29. Trim With Character
Source: Jenna Sue Design
Add extra charm to the base and crown of wardrobe units with intricate moulding. Small details like trim are one of the easiest ways to personalize IKEA closet hacks. The addition of a vanity in front of a window for good light and a mirror added to cabinet doors makes this space beautiful and functional.
30. Organize Office Supplies With Pull-Out Baskets
Source: Hydrangea Treehouse
This home office closet is brilliant storing craft and office supplies. Different sizes of slide-out bins provide extra storage options.
IKEA Storage Hack Ideas
If you need extra storage on a budget in other parts of your home, these are some ideas to make it happen with more IKEA hacks in a pantry, home office, or living room.
- DIY Built In Shelves Using IKEA Bookcases
- How to Build an IKEA Entertainment Center
- How to Repurpose a Hemnes Cabinet for a Pantry
- Painted Home Office Storage Cabinet
More DIY Closet Ideas
All of these IKEA closet ideas are SO good! I think I drooled a little bit.
Have you ever done a massive wardrobe closet overhaul? Or anything with the IKEA Pax system? Do you have any other helpful tips?
Leave any and all in the comments below because we’ll take ALL of the advice over here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IKEA have a closet design service?
Can I paint an IKEA PAX system?
