The ultimate IKEA Pax wardrobe hack: How a couple created a beautiful walk-in closet from a flatpack

You need to know about this chic IKEA Pax wardrobe hack that will make the walk-in closet of your dreams possible

IKEA Pax wardrobe hack for the dream walk in closet
(Image credit: Chrislovesjulia.com)
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Armed with nothing but an IKEA Pax wardrobe, an Idaho-based couple transformed a blank canvas dressing room into a stunning dressing room. 

Chris and Julia Marcum, the team behind Chris Loves Julia, are already renowned for their inventive renovation tips, which they document on their blog. However, their latest IKEA hack will undoubtedly fill any fashion lover with interior envy. 

The closet is based entirely on the IKEA PAX system. However, they trimmed, painted, and redesigned the drawer fronts, meaning the final result is unrecognizable. 

IKEA PAX hacks- create a walk-in closet from flat pack furniture

(Image credit: Chrislovesjulia.com)

See also: A sneak peek at IKEA furniture and homeware for Spring 2021 

Before

With their newly built extension, the couple began their transformation with flatpacks from the famous Swedish chain. 

IKEA PAX Hacks- the start of the walk-in closet

(Image credit: chrislovesjulia.com)

At the end of March, Chris and Julia made one last trip to IKEA before a lockdown gripped the US. Their instructions to stay at home gave them time to focus wholly on the transformation. 

They used the IKEA wardrobe planning tool before creating mood boards, which influenced the design process.  

The process 

When constructing the wardrobes, they swapped the white cardboard folded backs for 1/4″ plywood backs. This trade made the spray painting more seamless. 

IKEA PAX Hacks- walk in closet under construction

(Image credit: Chrislovesjulia.com)

 Chris and Julia then added interior fittings to fill in the holes they were not using in preparation for paint. They sprayed the entire fitting, aside from the drawers, which they painted separately. 

Both individuals designed their side of the closet independently to cater to their personal needs. Chris prioritized drawers, while Julia opted for more hanging space. 

IKEA PAX Hacks- the ultimate walk in wardrobe under construction

(Image credit: Chrislovesjulia.com)

After

The final result is a walk in paradise even Carrie Bradshaw would surely approve of.  

The ultimate IKEA Pax wardrobe hack- walk in closet finished result

(Image credit: Chrislovesjulia.com)

Chris and Julia dressed their closet with marble doorknobs, a custom made mirror, and a leather tufted ottoman. Then, they filled their wardrobe with their clothes, shoes, and accessories. The couple finished by crowning their stylish extension with a striking chandelier.

The ultimate IKEA Pax wardrobe hack finished result

(Image credit: Chrislovesjulia.com)

However, this closet is not only a gorgeous addition to Chris and Julia’s bedroom- it is also practical and a stylish storage idea. Stemming only from an IKEA flatpack, the couple has created a large storage space, where they can treasure their possessions and get dressed in a quintessentially stylish surrounding. 

Megan Slack
Megan Slack
Contributor

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team.

Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US whilst studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site.

Megan currently lives in London, where she relocated from her hometown in Yorkshire. In her home, she experiments with interior design trends and draws inspiration from the home decor ideas she observes in her everyday work life. Her favorite pieces include her antique typewriter and her expansive collection of houseplants. When she isn’t writing, she is browsing London’s coffee shops and bookstores to add to her ever-growing library, taking over the open shelving in her apartment.