The best IKEA wardrobes for affordable, clever clothes storage
For those of us without the budget or space for built-in storage or bespoke joinery, IKEA wardrobes are an absolute lifesaver. Their simple, clean-lined endlessly customisable PAX range, with its variety of sizes and storage options, has been the go-to for many a bedroom over the years since its launch, and there are plenty of other options for different styles of houses. Scroll through for our favourite options for wardrobes (and other space-saving clothes storage wardrobe ideas) from the big blue Swedish retailer.
1/8There are few wardrobe systems that beat the 'Pax' Ikea wardrobe range in terms of options for interior organisation and price. However if you are looking for something more decorative, the Swedish company Superfront offers a range of replacement surfaces, doors and handles are added during assembly, and can transform the look of the cupboard, with a huge range of colours and patterns on offer. The wardrobe doors shown here, in 'Marais', each measure 236 x 50cm and cost £230; the 'Holy Wafer' brass handles cost £14 each.
Simon Brown2/8Use mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of space in your small bedroom. In her small London flat, interior designer Beata Heuman used the trusty 'Pax' Ikea wardrobe with mirrored doors. It makes the room's dimensions seem bigger and emphasises the view onto leafy Brompton Cemetery.
The problem of a low bedroom ceiling has been tackled with Farrow & Ball's 'Lulworth Blue' paint, which offers a gentle contrast to white walls. The colour is picked up in the art on the walls. A leopard print carpet from Starck was an inexpensive off-cut and blends with the wooden floorboards. The blinds are in 'Serafina' (white) by Marvic.
3/8The 'Pax' Ikea wardrobe range has a pretty impressive array of interior organisers, from drawers to storage boxes, hanging storage for shoes, hanging racks, shelves and so on. It's as close as you can get to bespoke joinery without the staggering cost.
5/8No space for drawers? Storage boxes like these work just as well for smaller or folded items of clothing. Ikea have a pretty comprehensive selection.
Secondary storage boxes from Ikea currently include 'Dröna', £2.50; 'Pallra', £10, for jewellery and trinkets; and 'Pingla', £6 for two, which is best for books. There are also baskets such as 'Knipsa', £16.
Fantastically simple storage features in this bedroom designed by Jonathan Tuckey. We're also big fans of the curtained clothes rail - pretty, cheap and easy to update should you fancy a change.
Lucas Allen6/8This red-and-white child's bedroom is a small space. Every inch is used effectively, with storage built into the bed and a chest of drawers fitted into an alcove.
Find a similar bed from Ikea. Day-bed with 3 drawers and 2 mattresses, 'Hemnes', £349, or day-bed frame with 2 drawers, 'Brimnes', £159, would work.
In a cosy London mews house owned by designer Caroline Riddell, open-plan living is made cosy with warm touches to this family home and office.
