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Pax Wardrobe Hack

Ever dreamed about having a built-in wardrobe? The beautiful hidden wardrobes with wall paneling like you see in a beautiful Parisian homes? Sharing how you can get the look for less by use IKEA Pax wardrobes.

*Please note this post includes affiliate links

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

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It’s almost been a year since I completed this project and it’s holding up amazing, zero issues, and I still look at it in awe that I made it happen and with Pax Wardrobes! When I completed this project, I really didn’t know what I was doing and had to look up a lot along the way. Plus, I usually film vlog style, so I apologize in advance for non DIY related clips that were included in these videos! 

The Steps:

Step One:

Start by building the KEA PAX Wardrobes

Step Two:

Remove the quarter round and baseboard from the wall on which the wardrobe will be installed. If you do not want to remove the baseboard, that’s okay. You will need to install a block behind the upper half of the closet to ensure the wardrobe is not leaning backwards. You want the wardrobe to be standing up straight.

Step Three:

Next, you need to build a 2×4 base for the PAX wardrobe to sit on. This will allow you to install a baseboard around the wardrobe at the end.

It is important to ensure that all of the points that the PAX would usually touch the ground have a 2×4 underneath it (side to side and front to back).

Put this base in place where the wardrobe will be installed and ensure it is level. If it is not, use shims to get it level (side to side, front to back).

Place the PAX wardrobe on top of it.

Step Four:

Build a similar 2×4 structure for the top of the PAX. This is creating “studs” or a structure that will allow you to attach the trim to that connects the pax to the ceiling. You will eventually attach the drywall to this, so it needs to be flush with the front of the PAX.

Use screws to attach this structure to the pax. Predrill holes into the top of the pax and screw up into the 2×4 structure.

Step Five:

If you plan to build in this PAX similar to how I did, adding sides to make it look like it is built into the wall, you need to add blocks to the sides. Adding wood blocks allows you to attach drywall or trim to the sides and provides support. I recommend using scrap pieces of 2×4. Predrill into the sides of the PAX and attach these wood blocks with screws. This is similar to the previous step with the 2×4 structure for the top.

Step Six:

Next, attach the PAX to the wall. Following IKEA instructions for this.

Step Six:

Install the doors and make sure you are happy with the positioning. I’d recommend installing the cabinet pulls at this point to make sure they don’t rub on each other and close easily.

Step Seven:

Start working on the drywall top.

Cut the drywall to size. Use drywall screws to screw the drywall into the wood studs you created. Repeat this step for the sides.

Ensure the positioning

Use drywall tape where necessary (see video), and also a corner bead between the drywall and the top of the wardrobe. This part is a little tricky, but it’s what makes it look built-in. If you haven’t drywalled before, I recommend looking up some videos on how to do this! That’s what I did since it was my first time drywalling.

Step Eight:

Once you’re finished with the drywalling and messy sanding, use prime to paint everything.

Step Nine:

Add the crown moulding to match the rest of the room and panel moulding to the doors with No More Nails.

I recommend taping it out onto the doors with painter’s tape, then cutting one piece at a time. You need to be careful to ensure it lines up perfectly.

Step Ten:

Install the baseboard

Step Eleven:

Carefully caulk any gaps between the moulding and the door.

Step Twelve:

I only painted the panel moulding (White Dove by Benjamin Moore) but didn’t paint the doors since the colour matched. If you do end up wanting to paint the doors, I recommend using BIN Zinsser.

Want to learn how to paint your IKEA Pax wardrobe and other furniture so that it doesn’t chip or scratch? Learn more here.

Step Thirteen:

Install the quarter round. If your quarter round is painted, you will install it before painting – mine was wood, and I used the quarter round I took off the back wall at the beginning to make sure it matched.

Materials/Tools

There are the main pieces I used to complete this project

One thing I wish I had to complete this project was a Mitre Saw. It was necessary to cut the baseboard for the project! I found a way around it that I wouldn’t recommend/wasn’t perfect!

Before

 

After

 

Videos & Steps

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment below or on any of the YouTube videos and I’ll get back to you!

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