Fitting out a very small walk in wardrobe

[Craikeybaby]

IKEA PAX would usually be my go-to for a walk-in wardrobe, but I'm wondering if I can do something simpler in the small cupboard in my son's bedroom...

The cupboard is 1.2m x 1.3m, the previous owners just had a rail across the room, but I am not too convinced by that, as the walls are plasterboard, and my kids being kids, I can't guarantee that it won't be swung on/overloaded, so was looking for something better...

It seems my options are:

• PAX an open-fronted PAX wardrobe was my initial thought - assuming that I can build it upright. There are plenty of organisation options.
• IKEA BOAXEL - this looks like it is designed for smaller walk-in wardrobes, but I'm not convinced about mounting things off the walls.
• IKEA ELVARLI - I'm looking at the version with the freestanding side frames, rather than the floor-to-ceiling poles. It seems a bit less flexible than PAX, but at least doesn't have all the weight on the walls
• IKEA PLATSA - seems a bit like PAX, but less flexible inside and more flexible outside
• Attach some battens to the walls and put shelves on them, then a hanging rail from one of the shelves. Similar to what was there previously.

Has anyone used any of the non-PAX options? Or is there something else, non-IKEA that I have missed?

Here are a few pictures of the cupboard and how it sits in the room - fortunately the door opens into the bedroom rather than the cupboard.

[Furbo]

Craikeybaby said:

IKEA PAX would usually be my go-to for a walk-in wardrobe, but I'm wondering if I can do something simpler in the small cupboard in my son's bedroom...

The cupboard is 1.2m x 1.3m, the previous owners just had a rail across the room, but I am not too convinced by that, as the walls are plasterboard, and my kids being kids, I can't guarantee that it won't be swung on/overloaded, so was looking for something better...

It seems my options are:

• PAX an open-fronted PAX wardrobe was my initial thought - assuming that I can build it upright. There are plenty of organisation options.
• IKEA BOAXEL - this looks like it is designed for smaller walk-in wardrobes, but I'm not convinced about mounting things off the walls.
• IKEA ELVARLI - I'm looking at the version with the freestanding side frames, rather than the floor-to-ceiling poles. It seems a bit less flexible than PAX, but at least doesn't have all the weight on the walls
• IKEA PLATSA - seems a bit like PAX, but less flexible inside and more flexible outside
• Attach some battens to the walls and put shelves on them, then a hanging rail from one of the shelves. Similar to what was there previously.

Has anyone used any of the non-PAX options? Or is there something else, non-IKEA that I have missed?

Here are a few pictures of the cupboard and how it sits in the room - fortunately the door opens into the bedroom rather than the cupboard.

Some thoughts:

Are you going to cover up that window? I would not want a window in my wardrobe.

Having a door that opens out may be no bad thing. That wardrobe is going to be smaller than you think, once you put some hung garments in there.

[Craikeybaby]

The plan wasn’t to cover up the window, but I expect the blind will stay down.

We realise that the cupboard is small, but want to maximise storage in there to keep as much out of the rest of the room as possible.

[allegro]

Google Porro walk in wardrobe. I have installed quite a few and are ideal for a space such as yours. they keeps small spaces light and airy. They are also extremely expensive but you could achieve similar on a modest budget if you simplify their cantliver solution.

[ATTleigh]

I used boaxel last year in a similar situation, ceiling height was slightly too low for full height pax. With plenty of good quality fixtures I can’t see there being an issue with weight and you can configure as you please. I don’t have any pictures to hand but would be happy to grab some tomorrow.

[Craikeybaby]

allegro said:

Google Porro walk in wardrobe. I have installed quite a few and are ideal for a space such as yours. they keeps small spaces light and airy. They are also extremely expensive but you could achieve similar on a modest budget if you simplify their cantliver solution.

They do look good! Was definitely hoping for more IKEA budget though.

[Craikeybaby]

ATTleigh said:

I used boaxel last year in a similar situation, ceiling height was slightly too low for full height pax. With plenty of good quality fixtures I can t see there being an issue with weight and you can configure as you please. I don t have any pictures to hand but would be happy to grab some tomorrow.

Thanks. It is good to hear some real world experience.

[JQ]

Don't forget that Ikea offer a free planning service. We used it for our walk in wardrobe and the person who helped us was very very good.

We were re-purposing a standard sized double bedroom and 3 years ago Ikea were the only supplier who's costs weren't eye watering.

[Craikeybaby]

JQ said:

Don't forget that Ikea offer a free planning service. We used it for our walk in wardrobe and the person who helped us was very very good.

We were re-purposing a standard sized double bedroom and 3 years ago Ikea were the only supplier who's costs weren't eye watering.

That is a good shout, I will look in to that.

[98elise]

I'd build the storage myself from Melamine. It would be much cheaper than flat pack wardrobes as you dont need half the panels. It also means you can go full height and width.

Our local B&Q will cut it to order.

[clockworks]

I've used Boaxel to create a proper fitted wardrobe (alcove in a bedroom) and also the understairs cupboard.
Great system, very flexible for layouts. Critical that you get the top rail level, easy to fit the verticals and shelves/baskets once the top rail is done.
The wooden Boaxel shelves are much nicer than the metal ones, and make the whole thing more rigid.

[8-P]

Seems like an odd feature, was it part of a bigger room once?

[Craikeybaby]

clockworks said:

I've used Boaxel to create a proper fitted wardrobe (alcove in a bedroom) and also the understairs cupboard.
Great system, very flexible for layouts. Critical that you get the top rail level, easy to fit the verticals and shelves/baskets once the top rail is done.
The wooden Boaxel shelves are much nicer than the metal ones, and make the whole thing more rigid.

Thanks for the feedback - BOAXEL looks like a good system, my only concern is hanging everything off the walls.

[Craikeybaby]

8-P said:

Seems like an odd feature, was it part of a bigger room once?

I believe so. It is in an extension above what was the garage, but judging by the marks in the coving, and slightly different paint under the ceiling wallpaper, it looks like that cupboard was double the current size, extending into the room.

[craigthecoupe]

Assuming toy can fix to studs it should be plenty strong enough shouldn't it? also, you could just fit some privacy film in the window?

[Craikeybaby]

Window film is an option, if we feel the need. Fixing to studs is easier said than done, as there isn’t much wiggle room either side and we don’t know where the studs are.

Off to Ikea tomorrow (first thing to hopefully avoid the rush) for a better look. Might not buy anything for this but it will be good to have an idea of options.

[ATTleigh]

Hopefully I’ve uploaded this correctly and it is of some use to you

[Craikeybaby]

That looks like a good set up.

After looking at the options in Ikea earlier my son said that he liked the enclosed wardrobes more than the Boaxel/frame type setups. My wife thought the Platsa range looked a bit cheap, so we settled for a 75cm wide Pax, with drawers at the bottom. Which my son helped me build earlier. It is hard to take photos of, as the room is so small, but he is happy.