8 Beautiful IKEA PAX Hacks That Look Like Custom Cabinetry
Have you looked at your closet and thought, “There has to be a way to make this look better than a big white box in my bedroom?”
Well, I’ve been staring at mine for a couple of years now. And I finally decided to do something about it.
If you’ve been around here for awhile, you know I’m no stranger to IKEA furniture. I’ve reviewed the Uppland sectional, the Kivik sectional, and even wrote about the truth about slipcovered sofas. But the IKEA PAX wardrobe system is the one piece in my house that I haven’t touched since the day we put it together. It’s been sitting there, looking exactly like it does in the IKEA showroom, while everything else in our bedroom has evolved over time.
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So I started researching. And let me tell you — there is a whole world of PAX hacks out there that I had no idea about. From simple trim work to full custom door replacements, people are doing incredible things with this wardrobe. And the best part? Most of these transformations are totally doable for a weekend DIYer.
I’m going to walk you through eight different options, from easiest to most ambitious. Some you can do in an afternoon. Others might take a weekend. But all of them will take your PAX from “that’s clearly from IKEA” to “wait, that’s an IKEA wardrobe?!”
Let’s get into it.
Our IKEA PAX Wardrobe — A Little Background
First, let me give you some context. We’ve had the IKEA PAX wardrobe in our bedroom for a couple of years now. It’s the white frame with sliding doors — the kind that looks clean and simple, but also very much like, well, an IKEA wardrobe.
Here’s the thing about the PAX. It’s one of the most popular wardrobe systems IKEA makes, and for good reason. The frames are sturdy, the interior is endlessly customizable with KOMPLEMENT organizers, and the price point is hard to beat. A PAX wardrobe combination runs around $750 for a 59-inch wide unit. Try pricing out a custom closet at that size and you’ll quickly see why so many of us go with IKEA.
But here’s the catch. It looks like an IKEA wardrobe. Clean white panels, handle-less sliding doors, that very recognizable frame. And if your style leans toward cottage, farmhouse, or anything with a bit more character (like mine does), it can feel a little… sterile.
That’s where these hacks come in. I’ve broken them down into three categories:
- Keep the doors, change the surround (the easiest place to start)
- Swap the doors for curtains (soft and cottage-y)
- Replace the doors entirely (the biggest transformation)
Let’s start with the easiest options first.
Option 1: The Built-In Look (Trim + Crown Molding)
This is probably the most popular PAX hack on Pinterest, and for good reason. Adding trim and crown molding around your PAX wardrobe makes it look like it was built into the wall — like custom cabinetry that came with the house.
The basic idea is simple. You add MDF trim boards around the sides and top of the wardrobe, run crown molding across the top where it meets the ceiling, and add a matching baseboard across the bottom. The sliding doors stay exactly as they are. But the surrounding mill work makes the whole unit feel permanent and architectural.
Here’s what you need:
- Primed MDF Crown Moulding — Home Depot or Lowe’s
- 1×2 and 1×6 Primed Poplar trim boards — also at Home Depot or Lowe’s
- DAP Alex Plus Paintable Caulk — Amazon
- DAP Spackling (paintable) — Amazon
- Construction Adhesive — Amazon
The trick here is to use construction adhesive to attach the trim, not nails. Nails can damage the PAX panels and leave holes. Apply the adhesive with the doors lying flat if you’re adding trim directly to them, and let it cure overnight before moving anything.
One thing I learned from my research: if you’re building a base platform underneath (which raises the wardrobe so your baseboard can run across the front), make sure you account for your door height. You don’t want the doors to drag on the base!
Option 2: Painted Cottage Style (Sage Green)
If you want to add some color to your bedroom, painting the PAX frame is a beautiful option. A soft sage green or duck egg blue instantly gives the wardrobe that cottage character.
Now, I’ll be honest — painting IKEA furniture takes some prep. The PAX has a melamine-type finish that paint doesn’t love to stick to. But if you take the time to do it right, the results are gorgeous.
Here’s the process:
- Sand everything with 120-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface
- Prime with Zinsser BIN Primer (shellac-based, about $20) — this is the go-to primer for painting IKEA furniture. Trust me on this one. I’ve ruined enough furniture to know!
- Paint two coats of your chosen color
- Seal with a thin layer of polycrylic for durability
For paint colors, I love:
- Annie Sloan Satin Paint, Cotswold Green — Amazon, I love this paint! I painted my kitchen cabinets with it. It has a built in topcoat and it’s self leveling.
- Annie Sloan Satin Paint, Cambrian Blue — Amazon
- ALL-IN-ONE Paint by Heirloom Traditions, Seadrift— Amazon, a warm neutral that works beautifully in cottage spaces. I have also used this paint in our home. I love that the topcoat is built in.
- Note: if you have a surface that will be getting extensive wear, such as a shelf or counter, it’s best to follow up painting with a polycrylic for extra durability.
You can also add shaker-style molding to the door panels before painting for an even more custom look. Picture frame molding cut with simple miter shears and attached with adhesive, then painted the same color as the frame. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Option 3: Wallpapered Interior Back
This one surprised me. It’s such a simple idea, but the impact is huge. Since the sliding doors are closed most of the time, you might think the interior doesn’t matter. But every time you open those doors, a beautiful patterned wallpaper on the back panel adds a little moment of joy.
The best part? This is the easiest hack on the list. You just need:
- Peel and stick wallpaper — I love the Rifle Paper Company patterns Home Depot or Target . If you haven’t read 11 Cottage Style Peel and Stick Wallpapers That’ll Transform Your Space, there are some great options linked there also!
- Wallpaper Kit, Amazon
Just start in the top corner, peel the backing as you go, and smooth it down. Trim the edges with the X-Acto knife. If you’re using peel and stick, you don’t even have to wait for anything to dry.
And here’s a tip: you can apply the wallpaper to the back panel before you install it in the wardrobe. Much easier than trying to reach around inside a assembled PAX! I have more wallpaper installation tips in the above linked article.
Option 4: Combined Look (Trim + Paint + Wallpaper + Lighting)
This is the option where you go all in. Take the built-in trim from Option 1, add the paint from Option 2, include the wallpaper from Option 3, and top it off with interior lighting.
For the lighting, IKEA makes the MITTLED LED lighting strip — it’s dimmable and runs about $26 for a 15-inch strip. You’ll also want the TRÅDFRI driver for wireless control ($42), or you can use a simple plug-in option.
Mount the LED strip under the top shelf, and it casts a warm glow on the wallpaper and your hanging clothes. It turns the inside of your wardrobe from a dark box into something that feels like a boutique closet.
I have to say, this combined look is my favorite. It takes more work, but the transformation is the most dramatic. And if you’re documenting it for a blog post or YouTube video (like I do!), the before and after photos are incredible.
Option 5: Curtain Doors
Okay, this one is a completely different direction. Instead of hacking the doors or the surround, you remove the sliding doors entirely and hang curtains instead.
I know, I know. Curtains instead of doors sounds like it might look… unfinished? But trust me, it doesn’t. With the right curtains and rod, it creates a soft, relaxed, cottage feel that sliding doors just can’t match.
Here’s what you need:
- IKEA Lenda Curtains — IKEA. They come in several colors and are affordable.
- Or for a more custom look, Belgian linen curtains — from TWOPAGES have such a luxurious look and feel. Still at an affordable price.
- A brass or oil-rubbed bronze curtain rod — A few gorgeous options, CB2, Ballard Designs, Amazon
The curtains soften the whole room. And if you’re like me and love layered textiles, you can choose a curtain fabric that complements your bedding and throw pillows. It’s an instant cozy upgrade.
One thing to keep in mind: you’ll lose the dust protection that doors provide. If dust is a concern, you might want to keep the sliding doors and just try one of the other options. But if your wardrobe is in a bedroom that doesn’t get too dusty, curtains are a beautiful choice.
Option 6: Custom Shaker Doors
Now we’re getting into the more ambitious hacks. If you’re willing to replace the doors entirely, you can order custom shaker-style doors that fit the PAX frame perfectly.
Fast Cabinet Doors makes custom shaker doors starting at $16.40 per square foot. You measure your PAX frame, order the doors in your preferred finish, and swap out the IKEA sliding doors for these. They come with pre-bored holes for hinges, so installation is straightforward.
Another option is Ren Studio, which makes PAX-specific custom doors in several styles — Classic Shaker, Slim Shaker, Dot, and Neat — with painted finishes. Prices range from about $280 to $600+ depending on size and style.
Or you could certainly order different doors from IKEA for your Pax wadrobe cabinets.
Add some brass cup pulls and knobs (Amazon, Amazon) and suddenly your IKEA wardrobe looks like it came from a high-end cabinetry shop.
I would recommend pairing this with the trim work from Option 1 for the full custom look. The shaker doors plus crown molding and baseboard trim? That’s a showstopper.
Option 7: Cane/Rattan Doors
If you love natural textures (and if you’ve read my modern cottage style guide, you know I do), cane doors are absolutely gorgeous.
This would take a little bit of DIY savvy. But it can be done with cane webbing sheets.
For the DIY approach:
- Rattan Cane Webbing Roll , Lowe’s
- Small brass knobs — Amazon, these polished brass knobs are just stunning!
- I found a cane door tutorial on YouTube and there are many more.
The cane texture adds warmth and organic character that pairs beautifully with hardwood floors, Persian rugs, and layered textiles. It’s a bit more work than some of the other options, but the result is unique and very cottage-appropriate.
Option 8: Reeded Wood Doors
This is the most modern option on the list. Reeded (or fluted) wood doors have vertical grooves running across the surface, creating a textured, ribbed look that’s very on-trend right now.
You can find reeded wood on the roll on Amazon. This could be applied to doors. Unfortunately it won’t work on sliding doors. But would be beautiful on hinged doors that don’t slide over each other.
Pair the reeded doors with slim dark bronze or black edge pulls and you’ve got a wardrobe that looks like it belongs in a high-end design magazine. It’s a more contemporary look than the other options, but it still has that organic warmth from the natural wood tone.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Here’s how I’d break it down:
- Easiest weekend project: Option 3 (wallpapered interior) or Option 5 (curtain doors)
- Biggest bang for your buck: Option 1 (built-in trim) — it completely changes how the wardrobe reads in the room
- Most custom look: Option 6 (shaker doors) combined with Option 1 (trim)
- Most cottage-y: Option 7 (cane doors) or Option 5 (curtains)
- Most dramatic before and after: Option 4 (the combined look)
For me? I’m leaning toward the combined look — trim, paint, wallpaper, and lighting. I’ve been living with the basic white PAX for two years now, and I think it’s time for a glow-up!
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Here’s a quick reference list of everything mentioned, with links:
IKEA PAX Components:
- PAX Wardrobe System
- KOMPLEMENT Pull-out Trays
- KOMPLEMENT Interior Organizers
- MITTLED LED Lighting Strip
- TRÅDFRI Driver
Trim and Building Supplies:
- Primed MDF Crown Moulding — Lowe’s
- DAP Alex Plus Caulk — Amazon
- DAP Spackle — Amazon
- Construction Adhesive — Amazon
Paint and Primer:
- Zinsser BIN Primer
- Annie Sloan Satin Cotswold Green
- Annie Sloan Satin Cambrian Blue
- ALL-IN-ONE Paint by Heirloom Traditions, Seadrift
Wallpaper:
- Rifle Paper Co. Peel & Stick
- 11 Cottage Style Peel and Stick Wallpapers That’ll Transform Your Space
Custom Doors:
Cane/Rattan:
Hardware:
Curtains:
- Linen Curtains
- IKEA curtains
- Curtain Rods :CB2, Ballard Designs, Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions About the IKEA PAX Wardrobe
How long does the IKEA PAX wardrobe last?
I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and it’s holding up great. The frame is solid, the sliding doors still glide smoothly, and the interior organizers haven’t given me any trouble. Like anything from IKEA, it depends on how you treat it. But the PAX is one of their more substantial systems. With reasonable care, I’d expect 10+ years from the frame. The sliding door tracks might need occasional cleaning to keep them sliding smoothly — just vacuum out any dust or debris.
Can you paint the IKEA PAX wardrobe?
Yes, but you need to prep properly. The PAX has a melamine finish that paint doesn’t naturally stick to. Sand with 120-grit sandpaper first, then use a shellac-based primer like Zinsser BIN. Once primed, you can paint with any quality interior paint. I’d recommend sealing with a polycrylic for extra durability, especially on doors that get daily use.
Can you add handles or knobs to PAX sliding doors?
This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is a little disappointing. According to IKEA’s own guidance, sliding doors don’t take knobs or handles the way hinged doors do. The sliding doors are designed to be opened by pushing on the panel itself. However, you can find adhesive finger pulls that stick to the edge of the door, or you can look into replacement handle solutions from third-party makers. If having real hardware is important to you, you might want to consider switching to hinged doors (see Option 6 above).
Can you change PAX sliding doors to hinged doors?
Yes, but it requires some work. IKEA says the PAX frame can accept either sliding or hinged doors, but the mounting systems are different. Sliding doors mount to top and bottom tracks, while hinged doors mount to the sides of the frame. If you want to switch from sliding to hinged, you’ll need to remove the sliding door tracks and install hinges on the frame. You can use IKEA’s own hinged doors, or order custom doors from companies like Fast Cabinet Doors or Ren Studio.
What’s the difference between the PAX and a custom closet system?
Price, mostly. A PAX wardrobe combination runs around $750 for a 59-inch unit. A custom closet system at the same size can easily run $3,000–$5,000 or more. The PAX uses particleboard and melamine finishes, while custom closets typically use solid wood or plywood. But with the hacks in this post, you can get 90% of the custom look for a fraction of the price. The PAX is also more flexible — you can take it with you when you move, which you definitely can’t do with a built-in closet.
Does the PAX wardrobe need to be secured to the wall?
Yes, absolutely. IKEA includes wall anchors with the PAX, and you should use them. A tall wardrobe like the PAX can be a tipping hazard if it’s not secured, especially in homes with children or pets. It’s a quick step during assembly and it’s not worth skipping.
How do you clean PAX sliding door tracks?
The tracks can collect dust and pet hair over time, which makes the doors stick or drag. I just use my vacuum with the crevice tool attachment to clean them out every few months. If they’re really gunky, a damp cloth with a little soap and water works fine. Just make sure the tracks are completely dry before sliding the doors back.
Can you use the PAX wardrobe without doors?
Yes! You can buy the PAX frame alone, without any doors, and use it as an open closet system. This is actually a popular option for walk-in closets or for people who want to use curtains instead of doors (see Option 5). You can always add doors later if you change your mind.
Are PAX wardrobe covers or slipcovers available?
IKEA doesn’t make slipcovers for the PAX the way they do for sofas. However, there’s a whole industry of third-party companies making custom covers for IKEA furniture. Companies like Comfort Works and CoverCouch make model-specific covers, though their PAX offerings are more limited than their sofa lines. For the PAX, the most popular approach is the trim and paint method rather than slipcovers.
What size PAX should I buy?
The PAX comes in three widths: 19 5/8″, 29 1/2″, and 39 3/8″. You can combine multiple frames side by side for wider configurations. The depth is either 13 3/4″ (shallow) or 22 7/8″ (standard). And the height is either 79 1/4″ or 93 1/8″. I’d recommend measuring your space carefully before ordering, and using IKEA’s PAX Planner tool to design your configuration before you buy.
Final Thoughts
The IKEA PAX wardrobe is one of those pieces that’s so popular, it’s almost too common. But that’s exactly what makes it such a great candidate for hacking. The basic frame is affordable, sturdy, and endlessly customizable. With a little trim, some paint, or a set of custom doors, you can transform it into something that looks completely custom — without the custom price tag.
I’ve been living with mine for two years now, and I’m finally ready to give it the cottage treatment it deserves.
If you’re planning your own PAX hack, I’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment below and let me know which option you’re going with. Or if you have questions about anything I covered, ask away — I read every comment.
Be sure to pin this post for later, and share it with a friend who’s been staring at their basic white wardrobe wondering what to do with it. We’ve all been there.
Thanks for reading. You can have a home that you love, and do it on a budget.
— Tanya
