The Easy Way To Add Extra Drawer Space To Your IKEA PAX Closet

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Maximizing closet space is essential, but if you don't want to shell out the funds for a custom-built closet, the IKEA PAX wardrobe system is one of the most popular budget-friendly options. One of it's biggest selling points is that it is customizable, allowing you to essentially build your own dream wardrobe, with key storage solutions that will suit you and your personal needs. However, there is one common downside that is consistently pointed out with the IKEA PAX system with hinge doors. Due to the doors' lower hinges being in the way, it isn't possible to add another full-size bottom drawer, therefore you are left with a sizeable gap at the base of the closet that is ultimately a waste of space. Luckily, there's an easy hack that will solve this problem for you and let you add another drawer if desired. It simply involves swapping out the kit's included door hinges for smaller ones. 

Of course, some people make use of the awkward space by storing shoes beneath the drawers. The system itself recommends suggests using a slimline grid basket to compensate for the lack of an additional drawer, but in reality, this fails to utilize the space very efficiently at all. With a drawer, you'll be able to store more small items and accessories. All you'll need is a smaller set of hinges to replace the original ones, like these Ravinte 2-Pack of Overlay Cabinet Hinges, along with a drill or a screwdriver to install them.

To turn your IKEA PAX into the ultimate organizer and to be able to add another full-size drawer to the bottom of it, you'll need to begin by removing the bottom door hinges using a drill or screwdriver. Then, take your new smaller hinges and attach them to where the old hinges were. This will now allow enough space for the drawer tracks to be installed underneath the new hinges. When screwing into your PAX wardrobe, try your best to prevent the MDF from splitting by using straight-shanked or confirmat screws. In terms of cost, new hinges should set you back no more than $10, and an additional full-size IKEA KOMPLEMENT drawer is $45, whereas a IKEA KOMPLEMENT basket costs $30. While it may cost a little more upfront, swapping out the hinges and adding the drawer is definitely more of a cost effective way of adding space to the PAX wardrobe.

However, one obstacle you may want to consider before swapping out the hinges is that your closet doors will no longer have a soft close feature. Unfortunately, soft close hinges are often too big to fit a full-size drawer underneath. Although, there is a way around this. For instance, where you can't replace the door hinges, there are special soft-close adaptors, which can be installed to any type of cabinet door. What's better is that they can be installed at any height, so you will no longer need to worry about being able to fit a drawer at the bottom of your PAX wardrobe.