Ikea Wardrobe Guide: Best Options for Small Rooms & Dublin Homes

Anyone who has wrestled a flat-pack box through a narrow hallway knows that choosing a wardrobe is about more than just looks. For Irish homeowners and renters, the decision often comes down to IKEA – and with good reason. The Swedish retailer offers three distinct wardrobe systems, each with its own trade-offs in space, cost, and flexibility. This guide breaks down the real differences between IKEA’s wardrobe lines, with a focus on what works in Dublin’s typical bedrooms and where to find the parts you need.

Wardrobe systems available: PAX, Solitaire, Fitted · Door styles: Hinged and sliding · Standard widths: 50 cm, 75 cm, 100 cm · Customization level: High – mix shelves, drawers, rods · Price range (approx.): €150 – €800

Four key facts, one pattern: IKEA’s wardrobe lineup is built around modularity, but the real trade-off is between space and cost. Here is a quick reference table.

What are the best IKEA wardrobes for small rooms?

For a small bedroom, every centimetre counts. IKEA’s PAX system can be configured to fit tight spaces, but the Solitaire and Fitted lines also have merits.

Key dimensions for tight spaces

• PAX frames come in widths of 50 cm, 75 cm, and 100 cm, with depths of 35 cm and 58 cm (IKEA Ireland (official product support)).
• The 35 cm deep frame is ideal for hallways or narrow alcoves where a standard 58 cm wardrobe would stick out.
• Solitaire single wardrobes are pre-designed with a fixed interior, often in widths of 60 cm or 80 cm, making them a quick fit for a small alcove.

Recommended models: PAX, Solitaire, Fitted

• PAX: Best for customisation. Use sliding doors to avoid swing clearance in tight rooms.
• Solitaire: Cheapest option – starting around €150 – but with a fixed layout that may not suit all storage needs.
• Fitted: Built-in appearance, custom dimensions, but requires professional installation and higher budget.

The trade-off: PAX gives you the most control over interior layout, but you pay for the frames and doors separately. Solitaire is a cheaper, faster solution if you can live with a standard interior.

The implication: sliding doors on a shallow PAX are the most practical choice for tight spaces.

For more ideas, check out our guides on Best Side Table for Living Room: Storage, Wood & IKEA Ireland and Side Tables for Living Room: Best Options in Ireland.

How do sliding and hinged doors compare for IKEA wardrobes?

Choosing between sliding and hinged doors is one of the most common decisions for PAX buyers. The choice affects not just the look, but also the ceiling height your room needs.

Three key differences, one pattern: sliding doors save floor space but require more headroom during installation, while hinged doors are simpler to fit but need clearance to swing open.

What this means: If your bedroom has a ceiling height of 205 cm or less, you cannot use a 201 cm PAX with sliding doors unless you build the frame lying down – which is impractical. Hinged doors are more forgiving, needing only 2 cm extra above the frame.

The pattern: ceiling height is the critical constraint for sliding doors; measure carefully before choosing.

What are some IKEA wardrobe ideas for small bedrooms?

Irish bedrooms, especially in Georgian terraces or modern apartments, often have odd dimensions. Here are three proven tricks to make an IKEA wardrobe work in a small space.

Using sliding doors to save space

• Sliding doors eliminate the need for a swing clearance, so you can place the wardrobe flush against a wall or even in a corner (IKEA Dublin (local store guide)).
• This is the single biggest space-saving move for a small room.

Combining wardrobe with a desk

• PAX can be integrated with other IKEA furniture like the Micke desk or a wall shelf. Use the 50 cm wide frame next to a desk to create a unified storage wall.
• The PAX planner tool lets you design a combination that fits your room layout (IKEA Ireland (PAX planner guide)).

Mirror doors for illusion of space

• IKEA offers sliding doors with full-length mirrors, which reflect light and make a small room feel larger.
• Mirror doors add depth and act as a full-length mirror, saving you from buying a separate one.

The pattern: Every square inch can be used by combining PAX frames with other IKEA units and choosing sliding doors. The result is a bedroom that feels bigger than it is.

Where can I buy IKEA wardrobe doors in Ireland?

Getting the right doors is crucial for the final look. Here are the options for Irish buyers.

IKEA Dublin store

• The IKEA Dublin store in Ballymun offers in-store pickup of all PAX doors and frames.
• You can check stock online before visiting.

Online ordering

• IKEA Ireland delivers to most addresses in the Republic of Ireland, including door products. Delivery fees apply for larger items.
• Some door styles may be available for online order only, not in-store.

Third-party retailers

• Some third-party sites and local furniture shops in Dublin stock IKEA doors, but prices may be higher. Always check the IKEA website first for the best price.

Why this matters: If you need a specific door finish (like white, grey, or wood effect), ordering online from IKEA Ireland is usually the most reliable route. The Dublin store has a good selection, but stock varies.

How to customize an IKEA PAX wardrobe?

Customisation is the PAX system’s biggest selling point. Here is a step-by-step approach to designing your own.

1. Choosing the frame size

   • Start with your available space. PAX frames come in widths of 50 cm, 75 cm, and 100 cm, and heights of 201 cm and 236 cm (IKEA Ireland (official dimensions)).
   • Depths of 35 cm and 58 cm give you flexibility for shallow or deep storage.

2. Selecting interior fittings

   • IKEA offers shelves, drawers, pull-out trouser hangers, shoe racks, and basket inserts.
   • Use the PAX planner tool online to visualise combinations (IKEA Ireland (design guide)).

3. Adding doors and fronts

   • Choose between hinged or sliding doors.
   • Hinged doors come in 25 cm and 50 cm widths; sliding doors are sold as pairs in 150 cm and 200 cm widths.
   • Finish options include white, grey, brown, and mirrored.

The implication: A well-planned PAX wardrobe can be designed in under 30 minutes using the online planner. The tool even generates a shopping list and assembly instructions.

“A custom-made wardrobe that’s perfect for your needs.”

— IKEA official product description (IKEA Ireland (PAX design guide))

“From chic sliding doors to spacious walk-ins, IKEA Dublin has a wardrobe solution for every home.”

— IKEA Dublin store page

For Irish homeowners and renters, the choice is clear: PAX offers the best balance of customisation, warranty, and space efficiency. If you have a small bedroom, opt for sliding doors – but measure your ceiling height first. Solitaire is a cheap, quick fix for a spare room or child’s bedroom. Fitted wardrobes are only worth the investment if you plan to stay in the property for years and want a seamless built-in look.

For Dublin homes with limited space, the IKEA PAX wardrobe guide offers practical solutions for maximising storage without compromising on style.

Frequently asked questions

For anyone in Dublin or elsewhere in Ireland, the decision hinges on how much permanence and customisation you need. If you are renting and want a wardrobe that moves with you, PAX with sliding doors is the smart pick. If you own your home and have awkward dimensions, a fitted wardrobe might be worth the extra cost. Either way, IKEA’s systems give you a solid foundation – just remember to measure twice and order once.