This post covers a lot: before-and-after photos, a video tour of our organization, the total cost, closet planning tips so you can tackle your own update, and how we made Ikea Pax units look built-in with only about $65 of wood. First, the visuals. Also, please note Burger’s enthusiasm for photobombing—he insisted on being in nearly every shot.
This small room has come a long way. We even upgraded the closet entrance. The original doorway was only 22″ wide and off-center—meaning John had barely an inch of clearance on each side when walking through. We removed the original door years ago because it was practically unusable. Reframing and widening the opening to 34″ made the space feel so much larger and allowed us to add symmetrical built-ins on each side.
Widening and centering the doorway created a balanced entry and allowed the cabinetry to tuck neatly behind the trim. We kept the original closet footprint—8′ wide by 6′ deep—and focused on maximizing function inside that box. Moving walls would have added expense and complexity, and we wanted to preserve space for a full bathroom layout that includes both a shower and a tub.
We packed the same footprint with dramatically more organization. Our goals were ambitious: clothing and shoe storage, a linen closet, a built-in hamper, and a donations drop zone. The old layout was mostly hanging bars and floor shoe racks. Now everything has a place, and daily routines are much smoother—no more trekking back and forth between bedroom drawers and hanging space.
Below are a few flashbacks to the old setup. We lived with a temporary solution for years, including a stenciled subfloor after ripping out the original carpet. It took patience, but the result is worth it.
Now for a cheesy photo moment—John tried to recreate an old pose and it went hilariously wrong—but look past that to see the impact of built-in storage. The closet still measures 8′ by 6′, but feels far more purposeful.
We used Ikea Pax because it’s versatile, affordable, and can look custom when installed thoughtfully. The system allows drawers, doors, pull-outs, shelves, clear-front drawers, felt-lined trays—so you can tailor everything to your needs. We planned most of it with Ikea’s closet planner, then adjusted details in-store with an expert before finalizing the order.
We were already fans of Pax from past installs, so it felt familiar and reliable. The layouts we designed balanced drawers, shelves, and hanging bars to house everything we own while leaving room for extras like linens and a step stool.
Organization Video Tour
We filmed a video tour that opens every door and drawer so you can see exactly what goes where, why we chose certain features, and how we made things work—from a hidden hamper to an entire linen section. If you can’t watch right now, skim the photos below, but the video shows pull-outs and accessibility in action.
You can also watch the video on YouTube
In the video I demonstrate reachability, how I use three hanging bars (jackets on one, tops on another, dresses on a lower bar), and a few planning tricks like 3M command strips for small items. The Pax flexibility means if you ever need a longer hanging section, you can remove a lower bar to accommodate it.
I keep a relatively small wardrobe, so spacing between hangers feels roomy—almost boutique-like. A simplified wardrobe makes finding outfits faster and reduces clutter and spending.
One favorite compartment stores purses, clutches, scarves, and a handy pull-out hook rail. Below that is a glass shelf that showcases a felt-lined jewelry pullout—an elegant, functional upgrade that feels very luxe for a modest cost.
The jewelry tray and pullout were about $40, and the glass shelf was $25—small investments that add visible polish and practical function. Underneath, three shoe pullouts keep things accessible without kneeling: pullouts bring shoes to you instead of forcing you to reach to the back of a fixed shelf.
Burger found the bedazzled shoes irresistible—he approves. Most everyday shoes live in our downstairs mudroom; these closet shoe pullouts hold special-occasion pairs. That’s an important planning note: store what you use daily in the most accessible spots and house less-used items behind doors or in drawers.
John’s side demonstrates neat, planned storage for a wide range of items: a tall section for a hamper and a small step ladder, drawers for shirts and smalls, and shelves for hats and other gear. We literally planned drawers and shelves to match our inventory.
Before designing, take inventory at home: count shoes, note how many sweaters or sheet sets you have, and think about how you access items. This helps avoid returning home and realizing you needed an extra shelf or pullout.
We turned one right-side wardrobe into a full linen closet with towels, sheets, and extra blankets stored in pullout drawers and shelves. This freed up the bathroom layout and allowed for a freestanding tub—worth moving linen storage into the closet for us.
One small but crucial tip for a built-in hamper: make the compartment taller than the hamper so you have room to reach in comfortably. We tested that height while installing to ensure it works in daily life.
We added two large baskets for donations and hand-me-downs so items don’t pile up on the dining table. A designated drop zone in a closet solves storage problems that spill into other rooms.
Small finish details matter: Ikea sells inexpensive hole plug covers that tidy up the visible perforations in the wardrobes. We filled most of the holes for a more polished look. The Pax system also includes soft-close drawers and doors as a standard feature, which we appreciate.
Key tips for building a functional closet:
- Take a detailed inventory of what you own so your design fits reality—count shoes, note linens, and list accessories.
- Place everyday items in the most accessible spots. Less-used items can live behind doors or in higher shelves.
- Consider add-ons that elevate function and appearance: glass shelves, felt jewelry trays, and hole plugs.
- Anticipate sticking points—build a niche for a step stool if you’ll need one, and allow room above hamper openings for comfortable access.
- Create solutions that solve problems in other rooms, like a basket system for donations to keep them from accumulating elsewhere.
How We Made It Look Built in
To make Pax wardrobes look custom, plan to finish them flush with the doors. We used a two-board method: attach a first board flush to the wardrobe box (nailed through the inside edge), then attach a precisely cut second board to that first board so the face is flush with the door plane. Ikea sells filler pieces, but primed 3/4″ boards painted to match the wardrobes work just as well.
We filled gaps at the top and sides with these trim boards and later filled nail holes and caulked seams before painting to match the cabinet finish. When properly finished, the units read as built-in cabinetry rather than standalone furniture.
After filling nail holes and caulking seams, paint the added trim to match the Pax finish (we used a white that closely matched the Ikea cabinets). The final result looks polished and cohesive—$65 of trim can make a huge difference.
The Budget Breakdown
Here’s what we spent to transform an 8′ x 6′ closet into a highly functional space:
- Pax wardrobes (boxes): $440 (bought during a 20% sale)
- Grimo doors: $120 (for all four)
- Interior fittings and dividers: $885
- Ikea delivery fee: $129
- Brass arched floor mirror: $385 (on sale)
- Capiz chandelier: $199 (on sale)
- Vintage Turkish rug: $187 (on sale)
- Primed wood to build in wardrobes: $65
- Paint and caulk: $26
- Total: $2,436
This total excludes shared bathroom costs like tile, electrical, and drywall repair. If you need to trim costs, choose more shelves instead of pullouts/drawers, skip doors, and select a less expensive mirror.
We compared Pax to other systems such as Elfa and custom closets. For our needs and budget, Pax delivered the most built-in look, flexibility, and value. True custom closets often run several thousand dollars, so Ikea’s option can be a cost-effective middle ground.
That’s the overview—before and after photos, organization strategies, built-in detailing, and a clear budget. We’ll share the bathroom wrap-up soon. In the meantime, enjoy the closet tour and good luck planning yours.
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