The IKEA Jonaxel and Boaxel are modular storage solutions from IKEA, but they serve different primary purposes. Jonaxel is a simple, freestanding system of frames and baskets that's perfect for quickly organizing closets and laundry rooms, while Boaxel is a more comprehensive wall-mounted system of shelves and cabinets designed for visible storage in larger spaces like bedrooms, entryways, or even living areas.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which system is the right fit for your home organization project.
IKEA Jonaxel Storage System
Jonaxel is IKEA's answer to straightforward, adaptable storage for smaller, often hidden, spaces. It's a collection of steel frames and mesh baskets that can be stacked and arranged to fit neatly inside closets, underneath shelving, or in laundry room nooks. The focus is on function and simplicity, providing an easy and affordable way to tame clutter.
- What it is: A freestanding, modular storage system consisting of simple frames, steel mesh baskets, and optional shelving units.
- Key features: Powder-coated steel frames, easy-to-clean mesh baskets, compact footprint, and stackable options. The components are lightweight and designed for quick assembly.
- Price: Highly affordable, with individual components ranging from $10 to $50. A basic frame with a few baskets usually costs under $60.
- Style: Utilitarian and minimalist. Its clean white finish is designed to blend into the background rather than make a style statement.
- Materials/Construction: The frames and baskets are made from powder-coated steel, offering decent durability for light to medium-weight items like clothing, linens, or cleaning supplies.
- Pros: Extremely easy and fast to assemble. No need to mount anything to the wall. Its compact size is perfect for tight spaces. Very budget-friendly.
- Cons: Not as visually appealing for open living spaces. Lower weight capacity compared to wall-mounted systems. Less structural stability for very tall configurations without bracing.
Jonaxel is ideal for renters or homeowners who need a quick, no-fuss organization solution for closets, laundry rooms, or garages without committing to wall modifications.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/jonaxel-system-46328/
IKEA Boaxel Storage System
The Boaxel system is a versatile, wall-mounted storage solution that offers a more permanent and customizable approach to organization. It's built around vertical wall uprights, allowing you to add a combination of shelves, cabinets, drawers, and clothes rails at any height. This makes it a great choice for creating a custom closet system, an open pantry, or display shelving in a playroom or bedroom.
- What it is: A wall-mounted, rail-based shelving system that can be configured with a variety of storage components.
- Key features: Wall-mounted design saves floor space, components can be clicked into place easily once uprights are installed, wide variety of shelves, drawers, cabinets, and clothes rails available.
- Price: Moderately priced, with components typically costing $20 to $70. A small configuration might start around $100, while a larger walk-in closet setup can cost several hundred dollars.
- Style: Clean and modern Scandinavian design. While still functional, its finished appearance makes it suitable for visible areas in addition to closets.
- Materials/Construction: Main parts are made of powder-coated steel for strength, while shelves are typically particleboard or fiberboard with a foil finish.
- Pros: Highly customizable and expandable. Wall-mounted design is very strong and takes up zero floor space. Great for creating a "built-in" look on a budget. More versatile components for different storage needs.
- Cons: Requires drilling into walls for installation. Assembly is more involved and requires making sure mounting is secure. Higher total cost for a complete system compared to Jonaxel.
The Boaxel system works best for those who want a long-term, custom-fit storage solution for entire walls in rooms like bedrooms, home offices, or entryways.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/boaxel-system-47477/
Jonaxel vs. Boaxel Comparison
Installation and Modularity
The biggest difference lies in installation. The Jonaxel is a freestanding system, you simply build the frame and slide in the baskets. Assembly takes minutes and requires no special tools and definitely no drilling. This makes it perfect for renters or those who dislike DIY projects.
Boaxel, on the other hand, is a wall-mounted system. You must securely attach vertical uprights to your wall studs, which requires a drill, a level, and some confidence in finding solid mounting points. Once the uprights are installed, the various shelves and baskets click into place easily. This installation effort is rewarded with a much sturdier, more permanent, and space-efficient system.
Fit & Sizing
Jonaxel is all about compact, fixed dimensions. Its frames are designed to fit in small or awkward spaces where a full shelving system wouldn't work. The system's strength is its ability to tuck into closets, under consoles, or in pantry corners. Its modularity is limited to stacking frames or placing them side-by-side.
Boaxel offers far greater sizing flexibility. Since it's rail-based, you can span an entire wall and adjust the height of each component to micro-manage your space. It can be built tall to maximize vertical space in a room with high ceilings or configured low as a media unit. This makes the Boaxel better for large-scale projects and creating customized walk-in closets or pantries.
Style & Versatility
With its simple steel frame and mesh baskets, Jonaxel is purely functional. It's not designed to be a centerpiece, and while it looks fine, it works best behind closed doors in a closet or laundry room. Its versatility comes from its small size and moveability.
The Boaxel system has a more polished aesthetic that allows it to work in open, visible areas. The combination of clean white or dark gray shelves with metal rails fits well with modern and Scandinavian decor. The ability to mix open shelving for display with closed cabinets for hidden storage makes it a truly versatile solution for bedrooms, home offices, and mudrooms.
Price & Value
For a small-scale project, Jonaxel is the clear winner on price. You can get a useful amount of basket storage for well under $100. Boaxel requires buying the rails, uprights, and individual components, so the entry price for even a small setup will be higher.
However, when looking at the overall value for a larger project, the pricing becomes more competitive. Boaxel offers a very cost-effective way to get a custom, "built-in" closet look for a fraction of the cost of professional organizers. Its durability and wall-mounted strength provide excellent long-term value for a more permanent installation.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA storage systems deliver great organizational performance, but they are built for entirely different needs.
Choose Jonaxel if:
- You are renting or do not want to drill holes in your walls.
- You need a quick and very simple storage solution for a closet, pantry, or laundry room.
- Your budget is tight and you just need something functional that works.
- You prefer freestanding furniture that can be moved easily.
Choose Boaxel if:
- You want to create a custom, wall-to-wall closet or shelving system.
- You are comfortable with a more involved, wall-mounted installation process.
- Maximizing vertical space and keeping floors clear is your top priority.
- The storage will be visible in a bedroom, office, or entryway and you want a more polished look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Jonaxel and Boaxel?
The single biggest difference is installation. The Jonaxel is a freestanding unit that you simply build and place, while the Boaxel is a wall-mounted system that requires drilling vertical rails into your wall studs for support.
Which IKEA storage system is cheaper?
For small, self-contained setups, Jonaxel is significantly cheaper. You can get a useful storage tower for under $60. While Boaxel components are also affordable, the need for rails and multiple pieces means a full system will cost more upfront.
Does Boaxel have to be screwed into the wall?
Yes, absolutely. The entire Boaxel system's stability and strength relies on the vertical mounting uprights being securely screwed into the wall. It is not designed to be used as a freestanding system.
Which system is better for a walk-in closet?
For a full walk-in closet renovation, Boaxel is the superior choice. Its customizability with shelves, clothes rails, and drawers allows you to design a solution that perfectly fits your space and storage needs, creating a true "built-in" look without the high cost. Jonaxel could be used for simple drawer stacks within a larger closet.
Are the components interchangeable between Jonaxel and Boaxel?
No, the parts are not designed to be used together. The systems are built on entirely different frameworks (freestanding vs. wall rail), so the baskets, shelves, and hardware are not cross-compatible.
How is the assembly process?
Jonaxel assembly is extremely easy and can be done by one person in about 10-20 minutes with no special tools. Boaxel assembly is more advanced because it requires accurately measuring, leveling, and drilling the mounting uprights into the wall. After the uprights are installed, adding the individual shelves is quick and easy.
Can you add doors to the Boaxel system?
While the standard Boaxel line doesn't include traditional hinged doors, it does offer cabinet-style components with doors that can be integrated into your layout for concealed storage.
Is Jonaxel sturdy enough for a garage?
Jonaxel is suitable for light- to medium-duty storage in a garage, such as organizing sports equipment, cleaning supplies, or car care products. However, for very heavy items like tool chests or cans of paint, a more heavy-duty metal shelving unit would be a better choice.
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