The IKEA Axstad and the Bodbyn wardrobes fill different storage needs with distinct styles and materials. The Axstad is a modern, minimalist wardrobe made from budget-friendly engineered wood with a melamine finish, designed for small spaces and contemporary homes. In contrast, the Bodbyn features a traditional, country-style design with paneled doors, is constructed from more durable solid wood or wood veneer, and comes at a higher price point.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right IKEA wardrobe for your home.
IKEA Axstad Wardrobe
The Axstad wardrobe is a prime example of modern Scandinavian design, offering a sleek and space-efficient storage solution. Its clean lines and simple profile make it ideal for contemporary interiors where function and affordability are key. Popular among renters and those with smaller rooms, the Axstad provides versatile storage without overwhelming the space.
- What it is: A minimalist wardrobe system with a focus on simplicity, modularity, and use in compact spaces.
- Key features: Combination of open shelving, hanging space, and optional drawers, modular design allows for some customization.
- Price: Approximately $150 - $200 for a basic configuration.
- Dimensions: Typically has a compact footprint, around 30-40 inches wide, making it suitable for apartments and smaller bedrooms.
- Materials/Construction: Engineered wood and fiberboard core with a durable melamine finish in neutral tones like white.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist Scandinavian.
- Pros: Very affordable and budget-friendly. Its compact size is perfect for maximizing storage in small rooms or entryways. The simple design blends seamlessly into modern decor. Easy and straightforward assembly.
- Cons: Engineered wood construction is less durable than solid wood. The melamine finish can feel less premium compared to real wood veneer. Its minimalist look might be too plain for more traditional spaces.
The Axstad is an excellent choice for anyone needing a functional, cost-effective storage unit for a modern living space, such as a student dorm, first apartment, or guest room.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/axstad-wardrobe-30487659/
IKEA Bodbyn Wardrobe
The Bodbyn wardrobe brings a warm, traditional feel to any room with its classic paneled door design and substantial construction. Part of a line known primarily for kitchen cabinetry, the Bodbyn exudes a cozy, country-inspired charm. It's built for those who appreciate timeless aesthetics and are looking for a more permanent and durable piece of furniture.
- What it is: A classic, country-style wardrobe with a sturdy build and warm aesthetic.
- Key features: Distinctive paneled door design, traditional hardware, and a combination of hanging space and interior shelves.
- Price: Approximately $300 - $400, reflecting its more robust materials.
- Dimensions: Generally larger and more substantial, around 40-50 inches wide, requiring more floor space.
- Materials/Construction: Solid wood or wood veneer construction with a sturdy fiberboard backing, contributing to its durability.
- Style: Traditional, country, farmhouse, and classic.
- Pros: Solid and durable construction offers excellent longevity. Timeless, classic design adds character and warmth. Provides ample storage space. Feels more premium than its engineered wood counterparts.
- Cons: Higher price point makes it a more significant investment. Its larger size is not ideal for very small rooms. Assembly can be more involved due to heavier, solid wood components.
The Bodbyn is well-suited for homeowners looking to invest in a durable, stylish wardrobe that complements traditional, farmhouse, or classic home decor.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/bodbyn-kitchen-wardrobe-30487658/
IKEA Axstad vs. Bodbyn Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most immediate difference is in their physical presence. The Axstad is designed with space efficiency in mind, typically measuring around 30-40 inches wide. Its modest scale makes it perfect for fitting into tight corners, narrow hallways, or smaller bedrooms where every inch counts. It offers essential storage without a bulky footprint.
The Bodbyn is a more substantial piece. At around 40-50 inches wide, it demands more floor and visual space. Its larger proportions provide more generous storage capacity but also require a medium to large room to avoid feeling cluttered. Its visual weight matches its traditional style, making it a focal point rather than a discreet storage unit.
Materials & Construction
Here, the wardrobes cater to different priorities. The Axstad uses an engineered wood and fiberboard core with a protective melamine finish. This construction keeps the wardrobe lightweight, easy to assemble, and incredibly affordable. While great for typical use, it's more susceptible to dings and may not hold up as well as solid wood over decades of heavy use.
The Bodbyn is made from solid wood or a thick wood veneer, giving it a much more durable and premium feel. This construction ensures it can withstand daily wear and tear for much longer, making it a better long-term investment. The added weight contributes to its sturdy feel but can make assembly and moving more challenging.
Style & Versatility
Style is the key differentiator between these two wardrobes. The Axstad is definitively modern and minimalist. With its flat-front doors and clean lines, it fits perfectly within Scandinavian, contemporary, or minimalist decor. Its neutral finishes are designed to blend in, providing storage without making a strong stylistic statement.
In contrast, the Bodbyn's signature paneled doors and classic silhouette give it a warm, traditional character. It's an excellent fit for farmhouse, country, cottage, and classic interior styles. Unlike the Axstad, the Bodbyn is meant to be a decorative element that brings timeless charm and coziness to a room.
Price & Value
The Axstad is the clear winner on budget. Retailing for around $150-$200, it provides fantastic value for anyone who needs functional storage without a large upfront cost. It’s an accessible solution that gets the job done well for its price.
The Bodbyn costs significantly more, typically ranging from $300-$400. This price reflects its superior materials (solid wood/veneer) and more detailed design. The Bodbyn offers long-term value through durability and timeless style, making it a worthwhile investment for those who are not planning to move frequently and want a piece that lasts.
Who Each One Works Best For
The best wardrobe for you depends entirely on your living situation, style, and budget. The Axstad is the ideal choice for renters, students, and those furnishing their first home. Its affordability, compact size, and modern look are perfect for apartment living and rooms with limited space.
The Bodbyn is better suited for homeowners and individuals looking for a permanent, more substantial piece of furniture. Its classic design and durable build make it a great long-term addition to a master bedroom or spacious entryway in a home with a traditional or farmhouse aesthetic.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA wardrobes are excellent storage solutions, but they cater to very different needs and tastes.
Choose the Axstad if:
- You're decorating on a tight budget.
- Your home has a modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian style.
- You live in an apartment or need a wardrobe for a small room.
- You need a straightforward storage solution that is easy to assemble and move.
Choose the Bodbyn if:
- You prefer a warm, traditional, farmhouse, or classic aesthetic.
- Durability and long-term use are your top priorities.
- You are willing to invest more for solid wood construction and a timeless look.
- You have a medium or large room that can handle a more substantial piece of furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Axstad and Bodbyn?
The primary difference is style and material. The Axstad is a modern, minimalist wardrobe made from budget-friendly engineered wood, while the Bodbyn is a traditional, country-style wardrobe made from more durable solid wood or wood veneer.
Which IKEA wardrobe is easier to assemble?
The Axstad is generally easier and quicker to assemble because its engineered wood components are lighter and the design is simpler than the Bodbyn's solid wood construction.
Is the Bodbyn made of real wood?
The Bodbyn is made from a combination of solid wood and wood veneer on a particleboard core, which gives it the look, feel, and durability of solid wood at a more accessible price point.
Which wardrobe is better for a small bedroom?
The Axstad is the better choice for a small bedroom due to its more compact footprint and minimalist design, which takes up less physical and visual space.
Is the Bodbyn worth the extra money?
If you value long-term durability and a lasting, classic style, the Bodbyn is worth the additional cost. Its sturdier construction means it will likely hold up better over many years compared to the Axstad.
Are these wardrobes suitable for renters?
The Axstad is an excellent choice for renters because it is affordable, lightweight, and easier to disassemble and move. The Bodbyn is heavier and more of an investment, making it better for long-term homeowners.
Do these wardrobes need to be attached to the wall?
Yes, IKEA strongly recommends that all wardrobes and tall storage units be securely anchored to the wall using the included safety hardware to prevent tipping hazards.
How do you clean these wardrobes?
Both can be cleaned easily. For the Axstad's melamine finish and the Bodbyn's painted surface, wipe clean with a cloth dampened in a mild cleaner, and then wipe dry with a clean cloth.
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