IKEA PAX vs Fitted Wardrobes — Complete Comparison

Cost Comparison

IKEA PAX wardrobe (single, fully fitted with interior): £200–£600 for materials, plus £65–£150 for professional assembly. Total: £265–£750. Fitted wardrobe (custom built-in): £800–£3,000+ per unit depending on finish and size. A full bedroom of fitted wardrobes typically costs £2,500–£8,000 fitted.

Quality and Durability

IKEA PAX is made from particleboard with a foil or wood veneer finish. It's durable for everyday use but not as robust as solid wood fitted wardrobes. PAX is designed to last 10–15 years with normal use. Quality fitted wardrobes in solid MDF or real wood can last 25+ years.

Flexibility and Customisation

PAX wins on flexibility — it's modular, can be reconfigured, and moves with you when you change property. Fitted wardrobes are fixed to the property and cannot easily be moved. PAX also has a huge range of interiors, doors, and finishes available.

Space Efficiency

Fitted wardrobes can be built to exact room dimensions, using every centimetre of available space including alcoves, sloped ceilings, and awkward corners. PAX comes in fixed widths (50cm, 75cm, 100cm) which may leave unused space.

Look and Feel

Fitted wardrobes, especially floor-to-ceiling models, give a more premium, built-in look that adds perceived value to a property. A well-installed PAX can look excellent but the furniture store aesthetic is harder to disguise.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose PAX if: you're renting, on a tight budget, want flexibility to reconfigure, or need the wardrobe quickly. Choose fitted wardrobes if: you own the property, want maximum space efficiency, prefer a premium look, and can invest for the long term.