The IKEA Pax and Aurdal systems both offer smart wardrobe storage, but they are built for entirely different needs and spaces. Pax is a highly modular system that allows for near-custom designs with a wide variety of frames, doors, and interior organizers, while Aurdal is a simpler, more affordable all-in-one wardrobe solution with far fewer options.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right IKEA wardrobe system for your home, budget, and storage requirements.
IKEA Aurdal Wardrobe
The Aurdal is IKEA's straightforward, budget-conscious wardrobe designed for simplicity and ease. It offers a no-fuss storage solution for bedrooms, hallways, or entryways, focused on essential functionality rather than extensive customization. It’s an excellent grab-and-go option for anyone who needs functional storage without the complexity of a larger system.
- What it is: A simple, standalone wardrobe system featuring cabinets with adjustable shelves and hanging rods.
- Key features: Straightforward, minimalist design with a functional interior layout.
- Price: Typically ranges from $150 to $250 depending on the specific combination.
- Dimensions: Available in standard sizes, with a common width of 31 1/2 inches and a height of 78 3/4 inches.
- Materials/Construction: Made primarily from particleboard with a melamine or laminate finish. Designed for light to moderate daily use.
- Style: Minimalist and clean, available in neutral tones like white or light wood to easily blend into modern decor.
- Pros: Highly affordable compared to Pax. Simpler and faster to assemble. Its compact, standard size is perfect for smaller rooms or apartments. The clean, basic design is versatile.
- Cons: Very limited customization options. Fewer size and color choices available. Materials are less robust than the Pax system. Not suitable for filling wall-to-wall spaces or for complex storage needs.
The Aurdal is ideal for renters, minimalists, or anyone needing functional, low-cost storage for a smaller space where customization isn't a priority.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/aurdal-wardrobe-system-47138/
IKEA Pax Wardrobe System
The Pax is IKEA's signature wardrobe system, functioning as a fully customizable, built-in closet solution without the high price tag. Its key strength is its modularity, allowing you to choose the exact size, style, and interior organization to fit your space and your belongings perfectly. It’s the go-to choice for creating a highly organized, tailored wardrobe solution.
- What it is: A completely modular wardrobe system with separate frames, doors, and interior organizers that you combine to create a custom closet.
- Key features: A vast range of frame widths and heights, a wide selection of door styles (hinged and sliding), and diverse Komplement interior organizers (drawers, shelves, pull-out trays, dividers).
- Price: Varies significantly. A basic frame starts around $100, but a complete configuration with doors and organizers can easily cost $500 or more per section.
- Dimensions: Highly versatile widths range from 19 5/8" to over 59" for combined frames, and heights go up to 93 1/4", allowing for floor-to-ceiling designs.
- Materials/Construction: Sturdy particleboard and fiberboard frames with a professional-grade finish. Backed by IKEA's 10-year limited warranty.
- Style: Modern Scandinavian that can be adapted to nearly any decor style, from minimalist to traditional, based on your choice of doors and finishes.
- Pros: Extremely customizable to fit any room and storage need. Provides a high-end, built-in look for far less than a custom closet. Massive selection of interior organizers. Available in multiple heights and widths to maximize space.
- Cons: Can become expensive as you add doors and organizers. Planning and assembly are much more complex and time-consuming. The a la carte pricing model can be confusing.
The Pax system is the perfect choice for homeowners who want to create a personalized, long-term storage solution that neatly organizes their entire wardrobe.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/pax-wardrobe-system-10364/
Pax vs. Aurdal Comparison
Dimensions & Customization
This is the most significant point of difference. The Aurdal comes in a few standard sizes, making it a simple choice for filling a designated spot in a room. Its interior is basic, usually limited to a hanging rod and a shelf or two.
The Pax system, on the other hand, is a blank slate. You select from multiple frame widths, two depths, and two heights to design a wardrobe that fits your space with precision. The real power comes from the Komplement series of interior organizers - you can add drawers, shoe shelves, pants hangers, jewelry trays, and more to create a spot for every single item you own. It's built for ultimate personalization.
Materials & Durability
Both systems primarily use particleboard and fiberboard, consistent with IKEA's manufacturing approach. However, the Pax system is engineered to be a more robust, long-term fixture in your home. The frames are thick, the hardware is solid, and the overall construction feels more substantial, which is reflected in its 10-year limited warranty.
The Aurdal is perfectly adequate for standard use but is made with simpler components to keep the cost down. It's durable enough for storing clothes in a guest room or for a renter's needs, but it may not withstand the wear and tear of a heavily used primary family wardrobe as well as a Pax.
Style & Aesthetics
The Aurdal wardrobe features a single, minimalist aesthetic with neutral finishes. It's clean, simple, and designed to blend in without making a bold statement. There are no options for different door styles.
The Pax system’s final look is entirely up to you. You can leave the frames open for an open-concept closet, or choose from dozens of door styles - from simple matte white panels to traditional Shaker styles, mirrored doors, or sleek sliding glass. This allows the Pax to integrate seamlessly into any decor style, from modern Scandinavian to traditional or glam.
Price & Value
Aurdal is the clear winner on upfront cost. You can get a complete wardrobe for a predictable, low price, making it an excellent value for anyone on a tight budget. All necessary components are included in one package.
Pax offers better long-term value for those needing a custom fit and superior organization, but it comes at a higher price. The cost is a la carte, the frame, doors, shelves, and drawers are all sold separately. A basic frame might be cheap, but a fully outfitted wardrobe can easily cost three to four times more than an Aurdal. The value in Pax comes from getting a built-in-closet experience for a fraction of the cost of true custom cabinetry.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both wardrobes are strong contenders, but they serve distinctly different customers and needs.
Choose the Pax if:
- You want to achieve a custom, floor-to-ceiling, built-in look.
- You have a specific or awkward-sized space to fill.
- You have diverse storage needs and want specialized organizers for shoes, ties, jewelry, etc.
- Your budget is flexible, and you see this as a long-term home investment.
- You want to choose from a wide variety of door designs to match your room's style.
Choose the Aurdal if:
- You are on a strict budget and need the most affordable option.
- You need a simple, decent-sized wardrobe right away.
- You are a renter and plan on moving the wardrobe in the future.
- You're furnishing a guest room, entryway, or child's room.
- You prefer simplicity and don't want to spend time planning a complex wardrobe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Pax and Aurdal?
The main difference is customization. Pax is a modular system you design piece-by-piece to create a custom closet. Aurdal is a simpler, pre-designed wardrobe sold as a more complete, affordable unit with very few modification options.
Which IKEA wardrobe is easier to assemble?
The Aurdal is significantly easier and faster to assemble because it has fewer parts and a simpler design. A complete Pax wardrobe with doors and interior organizers is a much larger, more complex project.
Can you combine Pax and Aurdal pieces?
No, the systems are not designed to be compatible. They have different dimensions, and the materials and finishes may not match perfectly. It is best to stick to one system for a cohesive look.
Which is better for a small bedroom?
The Aurdal is often better for a small bedroom due to its standard, compact dimensions and lower cost. However, a small, well-planned Pax configuration (like a single 19 5/8" frame) can offer more vertical storage and better organization, making it a great option if budget allows.
Do you have to attach IKEA wardrobes to the wall?
Yes, IKEA strongly recommends and includes hardware for securing both the Pax and Aurdal to a wall. This is a crucial safety step to prevent the wardrobes from tipping over, especially if you have children in the home.
What planning tools does IKEA offer for wardrobes?
IKEA offers an excellent online 3D PAX Planner tool that lets you design your exact wardrobe configuration, add doors and organizers, and see the final price. There is no specific planner for the simpler Aurdal system.
How long does an IKEA Pax wardrobe last?
The Pax system comes with a 10-year limited warranty and is built to last. Many users report their Pax wardrobes holding up perfectly for over a decade with normal use, making it a reliable, long-term storage solution.
Which system offers more interior storage options?
The Pax system offers exponentially more interior storage options through its complementary Komplement series. You can choose from countless drawers, dividers, pull-out trays, hangers, and shelves, whereas the Aurdal's interior is largely fixed.
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