The IKEA Pax is a highly customizable, traditional enclosed wardrobe system, whereas the Elvarli is a sleek, modern, open-concept shelving unit with a metal frame. Pax is designed for maximum hidden storage and built-in closet aesthetics, while Elvarli focuses on flexible, airy, display-oriented storage perfect for contemporary spaces.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right IKEA storage system for your home and lifestyle.
IKEA Pax Wardrobe System
The Pax is IKEA's flagship wardrobe system, celebrated for its incredible versatility and robust customization options. It allows you to design a completely bespoke storage unit from the frame up, choosing from a massive selection of doors, drawers, shelves, and interior organizers. This system is a functional workhorse designed to conceal clutter and maximize every inch of storage space.
- What it is: A modular, enclosed wardrobe system built from individual frames that can be combined and customized.
- Key features: Wide range of frame sizes, extensive KOMPLEMENT interior organizers (drawers, shelves, valet hooks, jewelry trays), and dozens of door styles from mirrored to traditional.
- Price: Highly variable. Simple frames start around $100, while a complete, multi-unit wardrobe can cost $300 to over $1,000 after adding doors and organizers.
- Dimensions: Available in multiple widths, two heights (79 1/8" and 92 7/8"), and two depths (13 3/4" and 22 7/8").
- Materials/Construction: The frames and most components are made from particleboard or fiberboard with laminate, foil, or paint finishes.
- Style: Can range from seamless and modern to classic and traditional, depending entirely on the door style you select. It’s a design chameleon.
- Pros: Unmatched customization options. Conceals clutter and protects clothes from dust. Huge storage capacity fits large wardrobes. Can be designed to look like a high-end built-in closet.
- Cons: Assembly can be challenging and time-consuming, often requiring two people. Can become expensive quickly as you add interior organizers and premium doors. Made of particleboard, which can be susceptible to damage.
The Pax is perfect for anyone needing a high-capacity, fully enclosed storage solution that can be tailored precisely to their room and wardrobe needs.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/pax-system-19086/
IKEA Elvarli Open Storage System
The Elvarli is IKEA's flexible and modern take on closet storage, designed as a semi-open system that combines industrial style with minimalist function. It is built around sleek metal posts and supports, allowing for an airy configuration of shelves, drawers, and clothes rails. The Elvarli is as much a display piece as it is a storage unit, highlighting a curated wardrobe rather than hiding it.
- What it is: A modular, open-concept shelving system with a stylish metal frame and wood or laminate shelves.
- Key features: A lightweight aluminum frame, adjustable shelf heights, and optional drawer units. The open design promotes airflow and easy access to items.
- Price: Generally more affordable than a fully-featured Pax. Starter kits begin around $50-$150, with larger configurations typically landing between $200 and $600.
- Dimensions: Available in several package widths (e.g., 30", 36", 48") with a maximum height of around 94 inches. The depth is relatively shallow.
- Materials/Construction: The frame is made of sturdy metal (aluminum/steel), while shelves and drawers are typically bamboo or particleboard with a white finish.
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and contemporary with an industrial edge. It creates an airy, boutique-like feel and is not meant to be hidden.
- Pros: Stylish, modern aesthetic. Easier and quicker to assemble than Pax. Very flexible and easy to reconfigure. Open design is great for small spaces where a heavy wardrobe would feel bulky.
- Cons: Offers zero protection from dust. Messy habits are on full display. Fewer deep storage options compared to Pax. Limited finishes - primarily white and bamboo.
The Elvarli is a great fit for renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone who favors a modern aesthetic and wants a closet that is both functional and stylishly visible.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/elvarli-system_all-series-35766/
IKEA Pax vs. Elvarli Comparison
Dimensions & Customization
The Pax system is the clear winner when it comes to customization. With two depths (13 3/4" shallow or 22 7/8" standard), two heights, and multiple widths, you can configure Pax units to fit perfectly into nearly any alcove or create an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling storage. The real power is in the KOMPLEMENT interior organizers, which allow you to micromanage every cubic inch of space with drawers, pull-out trays, custom shelving, and specialized hangers.
The Elvarli is flexible but in a different way. While its widths are more standard and it lacks the deep frame options of the Pax, its modularity makes it easy to add or remove sections as your needs change. It’s less about filling a specific nook and more about creating a freestanding storage statement that can be easily reconfigured or moved to a new home.
Materials & Construction
Each system prioritizes a different kind of durability. The Pax is built primarily from particleboard and fiberboard, which is standard for IKEA furniture. It's perfectly sturdy for daily use, but the finish can chip, and the material doesn't respond well to moisture. Doors and drawers, especially when heavily loaded, can show wear at the hardware points over many years.
The Elvarli’s backbone is its metal framework, usually aluminum or powder-coated steel. This provides excellent stability and a rigid structure that feels light but strong. Wear and tear are less of a concern for the frame itself, though the shelves are made of similar materials to Pax components. For renters or those who plan to move, the Elvarli's construction is arguably more resilient to disassembly and reassembly.
Style & Aesthetics
Style is the most significant differentiator. The Pax is a blank canvas, its aesthetic is defined entirely by the doors you choose. You can make it disappear into a wall with handle-free flat doors for a minimalist look, or you can add traditional shaker-style doors for a classic feel. Fundamentally, it's designed to be a piece of furniture that neatly encloses your belongings.
The Elvarli system, in contrast, has a distinct, built-in aesthetic: modern, open, and slightly industrial. It encourages you to curate your clothing and accessories, turning your wardrobe into a visual element of your room. It is perfect for contemporary lofts, minimalist bedrooms, or anyone who enjoys the "open closet" trend popular in retail-inspired interior design.
Assembly & Installation
Assembling a Pax wardrobe is a well-known rite of passage for many IKEA shoppers. It is a substantial project that almost always requires two people, especially for the larger frames and for hanging the doors. Installing a wall of Pax units is a serious undertaking involving careful leveling and securing them to the wall.
The Elvarli is significantly easier and faster to put together. Its post-and-shelf design is more intuitive and requires fewer large, heavy pieces. Many configurations can be built by one person, and its forgiving design makes it less labor-intensive to get level and in place. This ease of assembly also makes it much more appealing to move.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA systems offer excellent storage, but they are designed for very different needs and aesthetic preferences.
Choose IKEA Pax if:
- You want to hide clutter and dislike having your belongings on display.
- You need the maximum possible storage capacity and deep shelves for bulky items.
- You have a specific alcove or wall space to fill and desire a custom, built-in look.
- You're concerned about dust and want to keep your clothing protected.
- You love organizing and want endless options for drawers, trays, and compartments.
Choose IKEA Elvarli if:
- You love a modern, industrial, and minimalist aesthetic.
- You want your beautiful clothes and accessories to be part of your room's decor.
- You are renting or move often and need a modular system that is easy to take apart and reconfigure.
- Your space is small, and a bulky, solid wardrobe would feel overwhelming.
- You prioritize a straightforward and less time-consuming assembly process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Pax and Elvarli?
The main difference is their design concept. Pax is a traditional, fully enclosed wardrobe meant to look like built-in furniture and hide its contents. Elvarli is a modern, open-concept system that uses a metal frame to display clothing and accessories, making the storage itself a design feature.
Which system is more durable?
Both are durable for their intended use. The Elvarli's metal frame is arguably more robust and stands up better to being moved and reassembled. The Pax's particleboard construction is solid when built but can be damaged during a move if not handled carefully.
Which is easier to assemble?
The Elvarli is much easier and faster to assemble. Its design involves fewer heavy panels and a more intuitive, modular structure that one person can often handle. A large Pax unit is a significant project that typically requires two people and several hours.
Can I add doors to an Elvarli system?
No, the Elvarli system is not designed to accommodate doors. It is an open storage unit. While you can add drawer units to conceal some items, the structure does not support hinged or sliding doors.
Which system holds more clothes?
A deep Pax wardrobe (22 7/8" depth) will almost always hold more clothes than a comparable Elvarli unit. The deep frames are better suited for bulky items like sweaters and allow you to hang clothes without them touching the back of the wardrobe.
Is IKEA Pax worth the money?
For most people, yes. The IKEA Pax offers a level of customization at a price point that is hard to beat. Achieving a similar built-in look with a custom closet builder would cost thousands more. It's a great value for the storage and organization it provides.
Does Pax need to be secured to the wall?
Yes, IKEA strongly recommends and provides hardware for securing all Pax frames to the wall. This is a critical safety step to prevent the tall, heavy units from tipping over, especially when doors are open or drawers are pulled out.
Can you use Elvarli in a small apartment?
Absolutely. The Elvarli's lightweight, open design makes it an excellent choice for small apartments. Its airy feel prevents it from overpowering a room the way a bulky, solid wardrobe might, and its flexibility is ideal for tight or unusually shaped spaces.
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