The IKEA Pax and Sektion systems are both popular for creating customized closets, but they are built for fundamentally different purposes. Pax is a dedicated wardrobe system designed specifically for clothing storage with optimized dimensions and accessories, while Sektion is a kitchen cabinet system praised for its heavy-duty construction and seamless, built-in look that can be adapted for closets.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide whether the specialized wardrobe functions of Pax or the robust, versatile build of Sektion is right for your home storage project from IKEA.
IKEA Pax Wardrobe System
The Pax system is IKEA's flagship customizable wardrobe, renowned for its modular flexibility and extensive range of interior organizers. It's designed from the ground up to be a closet, with frame depths perfect for hanging clothes and a vast ecosystem of drawers, shelves, and inserts (the Komplement series) to neatly store everything from shoes to jewelry.
- What it is: A modular wardrobe and closet system designed specifically for clothing and accessory storage.
- Key features: Multiple frame widths (19", 29", 39"), two depths (13", 22"), and two heights (79", 93"). Paired with the Komplement series of interior organizers for total customization.
- Price: ~$200 for a basic frame up to $1,000+ for larger, fully accessorized configurations.
- Style: Clean, minimalist Scandinavian design that fits a variety of decor styles. Door styles range from simple flat panels to shaker and mirrored options.
- Materials/Construction: Particleboard and fiberboard frames, available in finishes like white, black-brown, and wood effects. Designed for easy, though time-consuming, DIY assembly.
- Pros: Highly affordable entry point. Enormous selection of interior organizers made specifically for closets. Dimensions are optimized for hanging clothes. Easy to design with IKEA's online planner.
- Cons: Lighter-duty construction may not feel as substantial as kitchen cabinets. Particleboard can be susceptible to damage and may sag over wide spans without support. Assembly can be a large project for complex systems.
The Pax is ideal for anyone who needs a dedicated closet solution on a budget and wants maximum flexibility with interior organization right out of the box.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/pax-wardrobe-system-10364/
IKEA Sektion Cabinet System
Sektion is IKEA's main kitchen cabinetry line, but its robust construction and clean, modular design make it an increasingly popular choice for creating durable, built-in closets and storage walls. Built to withstand the rigors of a kitchen, Sektion cabinets are perceived as tougher and more premium-feeling than Pax, offering a truly integrated look when installed wall-to-wall.
- What it is: A modular kitchen cabinet system often used for building custom closets and built-in storage units.
- Key features: Sturdy cabinet boxes designed for heavy loads. Wide range of standard cabinet sizes (widths from 15" to 30"+). Deep cabinet options offer significant storage capacity. Drawer fronts and doors can match IKEA kitchen styles for a cohesive home aesthetic.
- Price: Generally more expensive than Pax, with basic closet setups starting around $300-$500 and complex systems costing $2,000 or more.
- Style: Modern, streamlined, and integrated. Offers options from high-gloss flat fronts to classic shaker styles, allowing it to blend seamlessly into walls.
- Materials/Construction: Heavier-duty particleboard with durable melamine or veneer finishes. Construction is designed to support heavy countertops and handle daily kitchen abuse.
- Pros: Superior durability and sturdiness. Achieves a true "built-in" look. High-quality hardware and smooth-gliding drawers. Versatile enough to be part of a larger storage system in a utility or laundry room.
- Cons: More expensive than Pax. Standard kitchen cabinet depths (15” for wall, 24” for base) may be too deep or shallow for typical closet use without modification. Fewer dedicated closet interior organizers than the Pax system.
The Sektion system is perfect for those planning a large, permanent built-in closet who prioritize durability and a seamless, high-end look above all else.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/sektion-kitchen-cabinets-23588/
Pax vs. Sektion Comparison
Dimensions & Sizing Options
This is one of the biggest functional differences between the two systems. The Pax system is purpose-built for clothing. Its 22 7/8" deep frame is the perfect depth for standard hangers, ensuring clothes don’t get crushed by doors. The shallower 13 3/4" option is great for narrow spaces or shoe storage. Frame widths are also optimized for closets, coming in ~20", 30" and 40" options that can be combined.
The Sektion system is based on kitchen cabinet standards. The base cabinets are about 24” deep, which is slightly too deep for ideal hanging clothing, while wall cabinets are 15” deep, which is too shallow. Using the 24" deep pantry frames is a popular modification, but it requires more careful space planning. This can be an advantage for walk-in closets where deep storage is a plus, but less ideal for reach-in closets.
Materials & Durability
Both systems use particleboard as their core material, but Sektion is built to a higher standard of durability. Kitchen cabinets need to support heavy granite countertops, be slammed shut countless times, and resist moisture. For this reason, Sektion frames are often thicker, the hardware is more robust, and the overall feel is more substantial. Pax frames are plenty durable for their intended use as wardrobes but won't feel as solid or heavy-duty as a Sektion box.
If you're creating a floor-to-ceiling storage wall that will see heavy use or storing very heavy items, Sektion’s superior construction offers greater peace of mind and longevity.
Price & Value
There is no question: Pax is the more budget-friendly option. For a standard 8-foot closet, a complete Pax setup with interiors might cost $600-$900. A similar-sized closet built with Sektion cabinets and custom interiors could easily cost $1,500-$2,500. The cost difference comes from Sektion's heavier materials, more complex cabinet construction (which requires separate doors, hinges, and dampers), and drawer systems designed for kitchens.
Pax offers tremendous value by providing a comprehensive, specialized closet system at a low price point. Sektion offers value through its brute strength and permanent, built-in feel, which can add to your home's resale value.
Style & Customization
Both systems are highly customizable, but in different ways. Pax's strength lies in its catalog of Komplement interior organizers. You can add pull-out pant racks, jewelry trays, wire baskets, glass shelves, and integrated lighting with plug-and-play ease. The styling is focused on function within a sleek, minimalist frame.
Sektion’s customization comes from its kitchen door and drawer front options. You can match your closet to your kitchen for a whole-house design flow. While IKEA provides some interior organizers (Utrusta series), it lacks the comprehensive closet-focused solutions of Pax's Komplement series. A Sektion closet often requires more DIY creativity for interior organization.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between these two excellent IKEA systems comes down to your primary goals, budget, and how permanent you want the solution to be.
Choose the PAX if:
- You are on a tight budget and want the most bang for your buck.
- You want a simple, straightforward design process with a dedicated closet planner tool.
- You need a vast selection of purpose-built interior organizers for everything from trousers to ties.
- Your space requires standard closet depths that are optimized for hanging clothes.
Choose the SEKTION if:
- Durability and a sturdy, permanent built-in feel are your absolute top priorities.
- You are building a large walk-in closet or a full storage wall and want a high-end look.
- The closet is in a high-traffic area (like a mudroom) and needs to withstand more wear and tear.
- You want your closet's door style to match your IKEA Sektion kitchen for a cohesive aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between IKEA Pax and Sektion?
The main difference is their intended use. Pax is a dedicated wardrobe system with dimensions and accessories specifically for storing clothing. Sektion is a kitchen cabinet system built for heavy-duty use, which can be creatively adapted into a closet with a more durable, integrated construction.
Can you use IKEA Sektion for a closet?
Yes, absolutely. Using Sektion for a closet is a popular "IKEA hack." It results in an extremely durable, high-end built-in look, though it costs more and may require more creative planning for interior organization and correct depth selection.
Which system is more sturdy and durable?
Sektion is unequivocally more sturdy. It’s designed to support heavy countertops and withstand the demands of a kitchen environment. Pax is strong enough for any typical wardrobe use, but Sektion's construction is on another level.
What are the depth differences between the two?
The standard deep Pax frame is about 23 inches deep, which is industry standard for hanging clothes. Sektion pantry cabinets and base cabinets are about 24 inches deep, which can feel a bit too cavernous unless it's a walk-in. The shallower Pax is under 14 inches, while Sektion wall cabinets are 15 inches deep.
Which one is easier to assemble?
Both require significant DIY assembly. Pax can be simpler because the frames and interiors are part of one system. Sektion requires assembling boxes, then separately purchasing and attaching doors, hinges, drawers, and fronts, which adds steps to the process.
Can you use Pax accessories in Sektion cabinets?
No. Pax uses the dedicated "Komplement" line of accessories, which are sized specifically for Pax frames. Sektion uses "Utrusta" and other kitchen-line accessories, which do not fit in Pax wardrobes, and vice-versa.
Which system is cheaper for a closet?
IKEA Pax is significantly cheaper. On average, a closet built with Sektion will cost 50-100% more than a comparably sized closet built with the Pax system.
Do you have to secure them to the wall?
Yes. For safety reasons, IKEA requires that you secure both Pax and Sektion units to the wall to prevent tipping. This is extremely important, especially with the tall units.
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