The IKEA Pax Mesh Basket and the Pax Drawer are two of the most popular internal organizers for the Pax wardrobe system, but they serve entirely different needs. The Mesh Basket offers visible, breathable storage perfect for items like sweaters or shoes, while the solid Pax Drawer provides enclosed, dust-free containment for a cleaner look and organization of smaller items.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which organizer is the right fit for your IKEA closet.
IKEA Pax Mesh Basket
The Pax Mesh Basket is a simple, functional, and affordable storage solution for the Pax wardrobe. Its wire mesh construction provides excellent ventilation and lets you see the contents at a glance, making it easy to find what you're looking for without pulling every basket out.
- What it is: A slide-out wire mesh basket designed as an internal organizer for the IKEA Pax wardrobe system.
- Key features: See-through mesh design for visibility, excellent airflow to keep clothes fresh, lightweight construction, and simple pull-out functionality.
- Price: Around $10 - $15
- Dimensions: Typically measures around 15 inches wide and 10 inches deep, designed to fit standard Pax frames.
- Materials/Construction: Made from powder-coated steel mesh, which is durable and resists moisture.
- Style: Utilitarian and industrial, its straightforward design prioritizes function over form.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Allows clothes to breathe, preventing musty smells. Easy to see your items. Lightweight and simple to install.
- Cons: Doesn't protect items from dust. Small items can fall through the mesh holes. Provides a less "finished" or high-end look compared to a solid drawer.
This mesh basket is the perfect choice for anyone who needs functional, ventilated storage for bulky items on a tight budget.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/pax-mesh-basket-40412345/
IKEA Pax Drawer
The IKEA Pax Drawer offers a clean, streamlined look that transforms a Pax frame into a more traditional dresser or chest of drawers. Its solid, enclosed design conceals clutter, protects clothing from dust, and glides smoothly for easy access.
- What it is: A solid, enclosed slide-out drawer made of particleboard for the IKEA Pax wardrobe system.
- Key features: Smooth-gliding runners with a pull-out stop, protects contents from dust, opaque front creates a uniform and tidy appearance.
- Price: Around $20 - $30
- Dimensions: Designed to fit standard Pax frames, it's typically deeper than the mesh basket at around 20 inches deep.
- Materials/Construction: Made of particleboard with a foil or painted finish, with fiberboard drawer bottoms and steel hardware.
- Style: Sleek and minimalist, it contributes to a polished, built-in aesthetic inside your wardrobe.
- Pros: Creates a very clean and organized look. Protects clothing from dust and light. Prevents small items from getting lost. Deeper design often offers more storage capacity.
- Cons: Costs roughly twice as much as the mesh basket. No ventilation, which isn't ideal for storing certain items. You can't see the contents without opening it. Heavier and slightly more involved installation.
The Pax drawer is best suited for those looking to create a seamless, organized aesthetic while keeping smaller accessories and folded items neatly concealed and dust-free.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/pax-drawer-40412346/
IKEA Pax Mesh Basket vs. Pax Drawer Comparison
Functionality & Use Cases
The clearest distinction between the two is their primary function. The Pax Mesh Basket is all about visibility and airflow. This makes it the superior choice for sweaters, gym clothes, towels, or shoes - items that benefit from ventilation to stay fresh. Being able to see what's inside means you can find your favorite hoodie without rummaging.
In contrast, the Pax Drawer excels at concealment and protection. Its enclosed design is ideal for organizing smaller items that would fall through mesh, such as socks, underwear, jewelry, or scarves. It also protects delicate garments from dust and creates a visually calm, uniform look inside your closet by hiding the contents.
Materials & Construction
The mesh basket is made of powder-coated steel, giving it a lightweight yet durable structure. It's a single piece that's easy to handle and clean. The solid drawer is constructed from particleboard with a smooth finish, making it heavier and more substantial. It runs on metal gliders, providing a smooth open and close function that feels more like traditional furniture.
Capacity & Dimensions
While designed for the same Pax frames, the dimensions and effective storage capacity differ. The Pax Drawer is typically much deeper (around 20 inches) than the Mesh Basket (around 10 inches), giving it significantly more volume for storing stacks of folded clothes. The shallower basket works well for containing fewer items that you don't want to get lost at the back.
Aesthetic & Style
There is a stark difference in appearance. The mesh basket has an industrial, utilitarian vibe that prioritizes function. It's practical but doesn't necessarily create a "premium" look. The solid Pax Drawer, on the other hand, gives the wardrobe interior a clean, polished, and custom-built appearance. For those who want their closet interior to look as tidy as their bedroom, the drawer is the clear winner.
Price & Value
The Pax Mesh Basket is the budget-friendly option, typically costing half as much as the Pax Drawer. Its value is in providing simple, effective, and ventilated organization at a very low price. The Pax Drawer carries a higher price tag, but its value comes from providing a more finished look, superior dust protection, and the smooth functionality of a proper drawer, elevating the feel of the entire wardrobe system.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both organizers are excellent additions to the Pax system, but they are designed for very different storage needs and aesthetic preferences.
Choose the Pax Mesh Basket if:
- You're storing bulky items that need to breathe, like sweaters, activewear, or linens.
- You want to quickly see the contents of each basket at a glance.
- You are organizing your closet on a stricter budget.
- You prioritize pure function and don't mind a more utilitarian look.
Choose the Pax Drawer if:
- You want to create a clean, uniform, and high-end look inside your wardrobe.
- You need to protect your clothes from dust and sunlight.
- You're organizing small, loose items like socks, underwear, or accessories.
- Hiding visual clutter is a top priority for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Pax basket and drawer?
The main difference is material and function. The Mesh Basket is a see-through wire bin prioritizing airflow and visibility, while the solid Drawer is an enclosed box that prioritizes concealment and dust protection for a tidier look.
Do the basket and drawer fit in the same Pax frame?
Yes, both are designed specifically for the IKEA Pax wardrobe system and come in sizes that fit the standard frame widths and depths. Always double-check the product dimensions against your specific Pax frame before purchasing.
Which one is better for storing sweaters?
This depends on your priority. The Mesh Basket offers excellent ventilation, which is great for wool or cashmere sweaters to prevent them from smelling musty. However, the Drawer will protect them better from dust and pests. Many people prefer the basket's airflow for knitwear.
Can you see what's inside the mesh basket?
Yes, the open-weave steel mesh is designed to let you easily see the contents inside, which helps to quickly locate items without having to pull the basket out.
Which is easier to install?
The Mesh Basket is generally easier and faster to install. It usually just involves clicking the included glides into the pre-drilled holes in the Pax frame and setting the basket on top. The drawer requires assembling the drawer box itself and then attaching the runners, a more involved process.
Is the mesh basket durable?
Yes, the powder-coated steel construction is quite durable and can hold a fair amount of weight. It is resistant to bending and warping under normal clothing loads.
Which holds more, the basket or the drawer?
The Pax Drawer typically holds more because it is designed to use the full depth of the wardrobe frame (around 20 inches), while the wire basket is often shallower. This gives the drawer a larger overall volume for stacking folded clothes.
Can you use IKEA's Skubb organizers inside both?
Yes, IKEA's Skubb boxes work wonderfully in both. They are perfect for compartmentalizing the Pax Drawer to organize socks and underwear. In the Mesh Basket, they can help contain smaller items and prevent them from falling through the gaps.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
