IKEA PAX Wardrobe Dimensions: Sizing & Hardware Upgrades
IKEA PAX frames remain one of the most popular modular wardrobe systems across the UK. While they offer a practical base, many homeowners and joiners look to upgrade standard units with heavy-duty drawer runners, bespoke handles, integrated aluminium LED profiles, or upgraded soft-close hinges. Understanding exact ikea pax wardrobe measurements and internal clearances is essential before purchasing aftermarket hardware to ensure everything fits seamlessly.
Standard PAX Frame Dimensions and Clearances
PAX wardrobes are built around modular external dimensions, but internal measurements are what dictate your choice of replacement fittings. The standard external depths are nominal: 35 cm (shallow) and 58 cm (standard). The nominal widths are 50 cm, 75 cm, and 100 cm, with standard heights of 201 cm and 236 cm.
The carcase panels are constructed from 18 mm thick foil-wrapped chipboard. To calculate true internal clearances for pull-out hardware, subtract 36 mm (two side walls) from the nominal external width:
- 50 cm frame: Internal width is 464 mm
- 75 cm frame: Internal width is 714 mm
- 100 cm frame: Internal width is 964 mm
- 58 cm depth frame: Usable internal depth is approximately 555 mm to allow for door clearance
- 35 cm depth frame: Usable internal depth is approximately 330 mm
Understanding the 32 mm System Hole Spacing
PAX frames rely on standard European 32 mm cabinet hole patterns. The internal vertical rows of pre-drilled holes feature a 5 mm diameter, spaced 32 mm apart centre-to-centre. There are two parallel rows running up the inside of each side panel.
This standardisation makes retrofitting aftermarket components straightforward. Standard Euro screws (usually 6.3 mm diameter) or M4 fixing bolts with expanding sleeves can secure aftermarket runners and mounting plates directly into the existing 5 mm system holes without requiring new drill points.
Upgrading Hinges and Soft-Close Mechanisms
Factory PAX doors and frame pre-drills use standard 35 mm concealed hinge cups with standard drill patterns. When replacing or upgrading hinges to heavy-duty, wide-angle (such as 155° zero-protrusion), or integrated soft-close versions, verify the following:
- Hinge Cup Diameter: Standard 35 mm cup hole with a standard drilling depth (typically 11.5 mm to 12.5 mm).
- Mounting Plates: Choose cruciform or inline mounting plates designed for 32 mm system hole centres.
- Zero-Protrusion Hinges: If you are installing internal pull-out drawers or wire baskets behind hinged doors, opt for wide-angle zero-protrusion hinges so the open door clears the internal frame width entirely.
Fitting Aftermarket Drawer Runners and Pull-Out Rails
Upgrading to heavy-duty soft-close or push-to-open drawer runners is a common modification. When planning internal drawers or pull-out rails within standard 58 cm deep frames, 500 mm or 550 mm nominal runner lengths are standard choices.
Ensure your drawer boxes are constructed to match the specific runner manufacturer's deduction rules. For example, standard ball-bearing runners generally require a 12.7 mm clearance per side, while concealed undermount runners have specific drawer box side-wall thickness tolerances.
Handles, Fixings, and Lighting Profiles
Adding custom hardware finishes the wardrobe transformation. For standard pull handles, measure hole centres precisely (e.g., 96 mm, 128 mm, 160 mm, or 192 mm) before drilling front panels. When installing low-voltage aluminium LED channels under shelves or vertically along the front edge, ensure the profile depth does not foul drawer fronts or door buffers when closed.