IKEA introduces new PAX wardrobe with innovative frame that makes assembly easier, faster and more accessible than ever

The PAX wardrobe is IKEA’s flagship storage solution and has been a beloved IKEA product for several decades. After learning from customers that PAX assembly could be challenging for those with limited space, IKEA embarked on a journey to improve customer experience with the wardrobe. The result is the new PAX foldable frame, IKEA’s latest innovation that delivers on the vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people. With the new foldable frame and other improvements, which greatly simplify and speed up assembly, IKEA seeks to make PAX accessible to more customers.  

The new foldable frame is the result of several years of combined effort among IKEA product developers, engineers and suppliers.  

“At IKEA, we always strive to do better, and one of our biggest motivators is our customers’ feedback. We knew customers loved PAX as an affordable and versatile wardrobe solution. We also understood that product assembly could be challenging, so we wanted to bring our customers an innovative solution while maintaining the quality that PAX has been known and loved for,” says Mathias Persson, Engineering Manager at IKEA of Sweden AB. “We are very happy with the result and hope our customers will be as well.” 

Vertical assembly in half the time 

The innovative frame includes a pre-glued, one-piece back and side panel that folds like a book and allows PAX to be assembled vertically, directly against the wall where it will live. This feature removes the need for large floor space, ceiling height, or heavy lifting, and hence makes PAX accessible to a larger customer base.  

The foldable frame has also reduced assembly time in half, based on IKEA’s in-house testing. The assembly now requires fewer steps due to fewer fittings that connect via wedge dowel, a type of joint invented by IKEA engineers that snap pieces together. Once assembled, PAX must be attached to the wall, and detailed instructions are included with the product.  

“Easy assembly is a part of IKEA’s ongoing innovation work for our storage systems. Our ambition is to make all our storage systems easy to assemble. The new PAX frame is just the beginning,” says Mathias Persson. 

Designed for longevity

IKEA is committed to designing and developing products considering their entire lifecycle with the goal of minimising waste and environmental impact. As such, PAX was designed and developed to be durable and used for a long time, even when living situations change. The new PAX can be disassembled and reassembled¹  so that customers can take it with them when they move, or pass it on when they no longer need it. The foldable frame is designed to enable customers to move PAX from one place to another in pieces, reducing the risk of damage or breakage. Additionally, fewer fittings and separate pieces make it easy to keep track of all the parts. PAX can also be refurbished, repaired and, when it can no longer be used or passed on, recycled. It comes with a 10-year guarantee. 

PAX is one of the many storage solutions IKEA has developed to help customers keep their sleeping spaces decluttered. Research has shown that clutter can impact sleep quality, therefore it’s important to have a versatile and customisable storage solution that helps tidy up and organise sleeping spaces. With its modular system and variety of interior organisers PAX will continue to enable customers to tailor their storage to specific requirements, including those related to their needs such as sleeping.   

IKEA believes quality sleep is essential for a better everyday life. Despite everything we know about the importance of good quality sleep today, poor sleep continues to be a massive societal issue. This year, IKEA is putting extra focus on the topic of sleeping. By offering solutions for qualitative sleep, IKEA contributes to creating a better everyday life for the many people. 

The new PAX is now available in several markets and will become available worldwide over the coming months. Please contact your local IKEA market to check availability. 

^{1. in North America, PAX comes with different features.}