The IKEA Hemmafixare and Skubb are both go-to organizational systems, but they differ significantly in materials, durability, and intended use. Hemmafixare is a line of simple, rigid plastic or basic fabric organizers focused on budget-friendly utility, while Skubb is a more versatile system of durable, polyester fabric boxes known for their collapsibility and perfect fit within other IKEA furniture.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you find the right storage solution from IKEA for your closet, drawers, or shelves.
IKEA Hemmafixare
The Hemmafixare series is designed as a straightforward, affordable, and practical solution for everyday clutter. Focusing on function over form, this collection includes various lightweight plastic boxes and containers that are ideal for organizing shelves, cabinets, and drawers in a modular way.
- What it is: A collection of simple and budget-friendly storage organizers, primarily made from lightweight plastic or basic fabric.
- Key features: Modular and stackable designs, comes in neutral colors like white and black, easy-to-clean surfaces.
- Price: Highly affordable, with individual pieces typically ranging from $5 to $15.
- Style: Purely functional and minimalist. The simple, rigid design blends into utility spaces like pantries, garages, or inside deep drawers.
- Materials/Construction: Mostly made from polypropylene plastic, which is lightweight yet rigid. Some fabric versions exist, but plastic is the primary material.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. The plastic material is durable and extremely easy to wipe clean. Stackable design helps maximize vertical space. Its minimalist look doesn't compete with your decor.
- Cons: Can feel basic or less "designed" than other options. Plastic construction isn't flexible and won't compress. Less variety in sizes and specialized shapes compared to the Skubb line.
Hemmafixare is perfect for anyone needing functional, no-frills storage for utility areas or deep drawers where aesthetics are less important than sheer organization and cleanability.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/hemmafixare-series-67123/
IKEA Skubb
The Skubb series is one of IKEA's most iconic organizational lines, beloved for its collapsible fabric design and sizes that are perfectly matched to fit inside dressers and wardrobes like the Malm and Pax. Made from recycled polyester fabric, Skubb offers a softer, more integrated look for clothing and accessories storage.
- What it is: A comprehensive system of flexible, fabric-based storage boxes, drawer dividers, and hanging organizers.
- Key features: Made from durable polyester, most items collapse flat for easy storage, includes handles for easy access, wide range of sizes. A corner zipper allows the boxes to be completely flattened when not in use.
- Price: Starts around $3 for small organizers and goes up to $20 for larger storage cases. Often sold in multi-packs, offering great value.
- Dimensions: Offers a vast range of sizes, including depths specifically engineered to fit bestselling IKEA furniture series perfectly.
- Materials/Construction: Made primarily from recycled polyester fabric with reinforced edges to hold its shape.
- Style: Clean, minimalist, and soft. The fabric construction gives it a more finished look suitable for open closets or visible storage.
- Pros: Collapsible design is great for saving space. Sized to fit perfectly in popular IKEA furniture. Fabric construction is gentle on delicate clothing. Wide variety of shapes and sizes, including hanging organizers and shoe boxes.
- Cons: Fabric can be harder to clean than plastic and can attract dust. Not rigid enough to stack heavy items without the structure warping. White fabric can show dirt over time.
The Skubb system is the ideal choice for organizing closets and dressers, especially if you own other IKEA furniture and want something that looks cohesive and can be stored away easily.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/skubb-storage-series-12555/
Hemmafixare vs. Skubb Comparison
Materials & Durability
The core difference lies in the materials. Hemmafixare uses hard, rigid polypropylene plastic. This makes it impervious to moisture and incredibly easy to clean with a damp cloth, which is a major advantage for garage, bathroom, or kitchen pantry storage. It’s durable against scrapes but can crack under heavy impact.
Skubb, on the other hand, is made of flexible yet sturdy polyester fabric, often from recycled sources. Its reinforced seams give it structure, but it remains soft. This makes it ideal for clothing as it won't snag fabrics. While durable for everyday use, Skubb must be spot-cleaned and is not as resilient against spills or grime as Hemmafixare's plastic.
Sizing & Versatility
Both lines offer modular sizes, but Skubb's range wins on versatility and tailored fitting. Skubb's genius is that many of its boxes are sized specifically to fit popular IKEA furniture. For instance, the drawer organizers fit perfectly inside Malm dressers, and the larger boxes are designed to sit neatly on a Pax wardrobe shelf. This tailored approach creates a tidy, custom-built look.
Hemmafixare offers more generic, standardized box sizes. While they are great for general organizing on open shelves or in cabinets, they aren't specifically designed to seamlessly integrate with other specific IKEA products. Skubb also features more specialized items, like hanging organizers and under-bed storage cases, that Hemmafixare lacks.
Style & Aesthetics
This is an easy point of distinction. Hemmafixare has a utilitarian, almost industrial look. Its hard lines and plastic sheen make it a functional choice that isn’t meant to be a decor piece. It works best when tucked away inside cupboards or used in spaces where function is the only consideration.
Skubb presents a much softer, more residential aesthetic. The fabric texture integrates smoothly into a bedroom or closet, adding organization without the harsh look of plastic. Its crisp white or dark gray colorways feel clean and intentional, making your closet organization look more deliberate and composed.
Price & Value
Both organizational systems are extremely affordable. Hemmafixare may have a slightly lower price point for a basic medium-sized box, cementing its position as the ultimate budget option. However, Skubb often comes in multi-packs (like a set of 6 drawer organizers) that bring the per-unit cost down significantly, offering tremendous value.
For sheer durability and cleanability for the price, Hemmafixare offers great value in utility areas. For bedroom and wardrobe organization, Skubb's superior versatility, collapsibility, and targeted sizing provide a better overall value for just a slightly higher investment.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Hemmafixare and Skubb are fantastic organizing tools, but they excel in different areas of the home.
Choose the Hemmafixare if:
- You're organizing a pantry, garage, laundry room, or under a sink.
- Easy cleaning is your absolute top priority.
- You need rigid, sturdy boxes that can be stacked with similarly weighted items.
- You are on the tightest possible budget for a simple storage project.
Choose the Skubb if:
- You are organizing clothes, accessories, or linens in a dresser or closet.
- You own IKEA furniture like the Pax wardrobe or Malm dressers and want a perfect fit.
- You need your storage to collapse flat when not in use.
- The aesthetic of your organizational system is important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between Hemmafixare and Skubb?
The main difference is material and purpose. Hemmafixare is primarily a rigid plastic system designed for general, utilitarian storage. Skubb is a flexible, collapsible fabric system designed mostly for clothing storage inside closets and dressers, often with dimensions tailored to fit other IKEA furniture.
Which one is better for IKEA Pax wardrobes?
Skubb is definitely the better choice for Pax wardrobes. Many of its box sizes are specifically designed to fit the width and depth of Pax shelves perfectly, creating a seamless, built-in look.
Are Hemmafixare boxes stackable?
Yes, many of the rigid plastic boxes in the Hemmafixare line are designed to be stackable, which is great for maximizing vertical shelf space.
How do you clean Skubb storage boxes?
IKEA recommends not washing, bleaching, tumble drying, or dry cleaning Skubb boxes. You should clean them by hand with a lukewarm water solution and a soft cloth, or spot-clean any stains. Vacuuming can remove dust.
Which system is cheaper?
Both are extremely affordable, but Hemmafixare tends to have a slightly lower entry price for a standard box. However, Skubb's multi-packs often offer a lower per-item price and better value for outfitting an entire dresser.
Do Skubb boxes hold their shape empty?
Yes, the fabric is fused to a sturdy insert and the edges are reinforced, so Skubb boxes hold their boxy shape even when they are empty. However, they are not rigid and will bow if very heavy items are placed on top of them.
Is Skubb made from recycled materials?
Yes, the polyester in many Skubb products is made from recycled materials like PET plastic bottles. This aligns with IKEA's broader sustainability goals.
Can the two systems be used together?
Absolutely. You might use Skubb for your clothes in the bedroom closet and Hemmafixare for cleaning supplies under the bathroom sink. This demonstrates the "right tool for the right job".
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