IKEA CLOSETS - Which One is Better? PAX vs. AURDAL

When it comes to IKEA closets, there are two different systems that are commonly discussed: PAX and AURDAL. So, which one is better? Well, that really depends on your needs and preferences. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at each option and help you decide which one is the best for you. Let’s get started!

Before and after of a small walk-in closet transformed with DIY IKEA Pax units — We used the PAX system in our primary bedroom walk-in closet

IKEA PAX Wardrobes

The IKEA Pax system has been around for years, and it’s one of IKEA’s most popular closet systems. The PAX wardrobe system can be configured to look like built-in wardrobes, or you can use it without doors inside a closet. You decide it all – the size, style, doors and interior organizers to sort your things. You can start with IKEA’s suggested combinations or design your own unique wardrobe.

See how a boring, dated living room was transformed into a coastal modern farmhouse space with a DIY shiplap fireplace and adorable office nook with storage. — To create a desk area in our lake house rental, we used two PAX wardrobes with doors in the living room

Pros of the PAX System

the frames come in three different widths and two different depths which can let you use your closet space more effectively
the frames have a backing, so they look more finished when installed
it’s easy to assemble with simple tools
at a max of 22 7/8″ deep, it offers more storage depth than AURDAL
there’s a large selection of interior organizers to make good use of the space
you can add doors to the PAX system to create a stand-alone wardrobe where you don’t have a closet
you can make PAX look more custom by adding trim, hardware, or even painting the units

We used one PAX unit flanked with clothing rods and shelves to customize my daughter’s small closet

Cons of the PAX System

it can become expensive when you add lots of interior organizers
it doesn’t come with a mounting rod – you have to mount it safely yourself
since you have to butt two frames together, it takes up more space
it’s been hard to source all of the parts lately

I installed an AURDAL closet system in Our Little Lake House’s primary bedroom closet

IKEA AURDAL System

The AURDAL closet organizer system is a more compact system specifically designed for closet interiors. Developed to utilize those tricky little nooks in your home, this system can be assembled and installed in smaller spaces. The Aurdal system is newer than Pax, and it’s less expensive.

Pros of the AURDAL System

you can buy a mounting rod that’s easy to install and hang the system from
it’s less expensive than the PAX wardrobe system
at 15 3/4″ deep, it’s a good choice for a smaller space
because you only need one vertical frame piece between sections, there’s less waste of space
it’s easy to assemble with simple tools

The AURDAL system was a great addition to my friend’s basement bedroom closet

Cons of the AURDAL System

at 15 3/4″ deep, it offers less storage depth than PAX
it doesn’t look as finished as PAX as it doesn’t have a backing and you can see the mounting rod
there’s only one width & depth of interior organizers, so it’s not as customizable in size
there are no doors, so you can’t create a closed wardrobe unit
it’s been hard to source all of the parts lately

The Cost of an IKEA PAX Closet vs. an IKEA AURDAL Closet

To do a cost comparison of the two closet systems, I used IKEA’s online planners to design both a PAX and an AURDAL closet in a 5 foot wide space. I made the closet designs similar in function with two vertical units, a shelf on top of each, then a clothing rod, then 4 drawers on the bottom.

How much does a PAX IKEA closet cost?

The closet designed with the PAX wardrobe system in a 5 foot wide space would cost me $850.00 CAD. (This price may differ dependent on where you live and when you purchase the system!) This price includes the frames and the interior organizers. You can see that I can fill the width of the 5′ space quite well with the PAX system when I used two 75cm wide frames.

How much does an AURDAL IKEA closet cost?

The closet designed with the AURDAL closet system in a 5 foot wide space would cost me $580.00 CAD. (This price may differ dependent on where you live and when you purchase the system!) This price includes the vertical frame pieces and the interior organizers. You can see there’s quite a bit of wasted space in this design because there is only one width of AURDAL interior organizers (56cm). This space could be filled with narrow clothing rods or custom shelving, but that would of course add to the cost of the closet installation.

Is the PAX easy to assemble and install? The AURDAL?

I’ve assembled and installed a few PAX closets and AURDAL closets myself, and I found them both easy to work with. Both require only a few simple tools (a drill, a hammer, a level, and some screws), and the directions are easy to follow. Both the PAX and AURDAL systems come with an instruction booklet that walks you through the installation, and you can find a lot of installation videos online.

How to make the most out of an IKEA closet, regardless of which system you choose

Whether you go with PAX or AURDAL, it’s important to think of the following when planning your DIY closet:

Measure your closet’s width and depth and use IKEA’s online planning tools to design a closet that makes the most of your space
Don’t place a rod higher than 84″ from the ground as that’s hard for most people to reach
Make sure you include a combination of shelves, rods and drawers for a variety of storage options
Ensure there’s enough space to open any drawers completely
Consider a spot for seasonal storage whether it’s a high shelf for boxes, or an empty floor area for baskets

The AURDAL in our Little Lake House main bedroom closet

So, which closet system is better – PAX or AURDAL?

Both the PAX and AURDAL closet systems are great choices for people looking to get organized, but it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. Comparing price, features, and design should help you make a more informed decision about which IKEA closet system will work best for your needs. Personally, I think the AURDAL is a great choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that takes up less space. However, if you need a bit more storage space and prefer a more finished look, then the PAX might be a better option. Regardless of which IKEA closet system you choose, following these tips will help you make the most out of your new storage solution!

Kids Closet Organization Ideas with free Cricut file for dresser labels

Want more closet ideas?

Check out this roundup post where I’ve collected ideas for radical closet reconstruction, some simple organization tips and hacks, and even some ideas for how to create closet space out of nothing.

Watch my video to see which IKEA closet system is best for you:

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IKEA CLOSETS – Which One is Better? PAX vs. AURDAL