Before and after: This IKEA PAX wardrobe is the secret to a stylish gray guest-bedroom

While we have already lusted over several PAX transformations, our latest fling focuses less on a walk-in closet – and more on a fashionable guest bedroom. 

The IKEA hack in question is courtesy of designer Malcolm Begg – the owner of a Scottish Victorian terrace that deserved a guest bedroom as elegant as the historic property. 

Malcolm is slowly turning his home into a Scandi-cool wonderland following several successful transformations from the interiors powerhouse – so the PAX was in capable hands. But how did he turn these units from a flatpack to a bespoke space? Sharing his modern decor ideas via his blog, Malcolm revealed what you need to know. 

IKEA PAX – before the transformation 

Armed with a PAX, Malcolm revealed that ‘only one wardrobe required any demolition’ – which involved cutting down the entire top left section at an angle to fit under the eaves (as seen above). 

‘Although the cutting was easy enough, one wrong measurement would have rendered the wardrobe useless. I tend to measure about five times, just to be sure,’ Malcolm explains. Meanwhile, the second PAX remained intact – but was subject to a reshuffle of the interior fittings. 

The outside was then framed up in MDF to slot into the walls and exhibit a more traditional look. 'I added cornice and skirting to make it look more bespoke and less flatpack,’ Malcolm explains.

IKEA PAX – after the transformation

Malcolm continued to transform the PAX by cutting the deep drawer and removing the original drawer, and creating one that is the correct width to sit on the new runner position. He then added new front doors that were joined to the wardrobe by a piano hinge. 

‘Mouldings were added to the fronts using no-nails adhesive and clamped in position until dry,’ Malcolm adds. He then sanded the units and applied two coats of primer before drenching the PAX in Valspar’s French Pavilion in an eggshell finish – a marshmallow gray that adds a contemporary kiss to the Victorian home.  

Then, in a further nod to luxury, Malcolm added brass door handles to complement the brass details on the ornate fireplace. 

This is the guest bedroom idea we’re rushing to replicate – all we need is a PAX and a beautiful Victorian townhouse.  However, one is slightly more accessible than the other.