Kid Bedroom Ikea PAX Custom Closet Installation

When we moved into our Nashville house the boys’ closets were standard, sliding doors, one long shelf on top, and a clothing bar that hung just below. They were fine, but I really wanted to maximize the space and of course, make them look cute.

Immediately, we took the closet doors off and painted the rooms. Not until about a year later did we start to dream of what the space could look like. We did research on-line but it was hard for me to find exactly what I wanted. Our carpentry skills are not stellar so we preferred some type of pre-fabricated shelving.

Our Requirements and Budget

We wanted a closet that would suit the needs of our kids as they grew. Clothing bars they could reach while young but the ability to set the bars higher once the children were taller. It was also important to have space for board games, toys, and at least one storage tub to hold clothes for the upcoming seasons. I’m thankful for hand-me-downs but storing them can be a pain so I wanted to make sure we had space for them.

Our budget for 2 closets was $600 in total. We looked at options at Lowe’s and Home Depot but were not really happy with the quality at our price point. Also, I wanted versatility. I wanted to be able to change the positions of the shelves at times. Options like California closets were out of our price range. We ended up looking at options at Ikea and found just what we were wanting.

Planning the Project

The first thing I did was go to the Ikea website and figure out which storage system we were going to use. We decided on the PAX wardrobe system. They have an easy to use design planner where you can customize a wardrobe based on the size of your space and the specifics you are wanting. First, I laid out the design I was envisioning, then Brent and I discussed it further and made a few changes. On the Ikea site, once a design is complete a code is given that can reopen your design in the online planning tool or at a kiosk in-store.

Next, I went to the Memphis Ikea in person to purchase the PAX wardrobe system. Everything I needed wasn’t in stock, but I was able to talk with an Ikea closet specialist who answered some questions for me. It helps me so much when making this type of purchase if I can have all my questions answered with someone face to face. Anyway, since some items were out of stock I decided to have everything shipped to our house directly. I did have to pay extra for shipping but I’m glad I did because it ended up being 18 packages with many being heavy and pretty long.

The total for the PAX wardrobes plus shipping was $589.00. (Note: This was in 2019.) With the few trim pieces we had to purchase, I’m pretty sure we hit the budget almost exactly. A very rare occurrence (at least for us) for house projects!

Installing the Closets

We installed the wardrobes during Labor Day weekend but were not able to finish the trim and caulking at that time. We finally completed the entire project recently. Do you guys ever have projects like that? You finish the majority of it but don’t finalize it until over a year later? Maybe we’re the only ones.

Finished Closets

Since we’ve been using these closets for over a year I can honestly say we really are pleased. They suit our boys well. The shelves can be adjusted by unscrewing a few screws easily when needed. I totally love how much stuff can fit in their closets in an organized way.

We chose to not install closet doors although the PAX system has door options. We could have installed a curtain but I really like the look of them open. I also had the idea to buy super cute wallpaper to put behind the shelves; I thought this one would be fun. But our budget didn’t allow for that and after having them a while I see that since the shelves are mostly full I don’t think the wallpaper would have had much impact. I still may wallpaper an accent wall– who knows.

If you are looking to update a space in your home, my friend, Lesley has an interior design business, Lesley Myrick Art + Design, where she helps high achieving moms bust out of boring. She used the PAX system in her home office. You can read all about it here.

What is essential in your kid’s closet?

You may also like the create something everyday challenge or the colorful houses of Park City, Utah.

If you purchase from a link on this blog a small percentage of the sale may come back to me. You are never charged more for the product. It’s a way to keep this site going and I’m very selective about the things I list. It’s mostly things we already own and love or things I think you would enjoy. Thank you for reading!