Blog · 6 October 2026
PAX wardrobe with a low ceiling or sloping wall: will it fit?
A 236 cm PAX wardrobe does not simply fit in every room. Here is how to know in advance whether it will work, and what to do if space is tight.
An IKEA PAX frame is 201 or 236 cm high. If the frame is built lying down and then tilted upright, the tall version with a depth of 58 cm needs a ceiling height of about 244 cm. If your ceiling is lower, the wardrobe can be built standing up, or you can choose the 201 cm version. Under a sloping wall, a PAX wardrobe only fits if the whole frame stays under the sloping section. We do not shorten or saw to size.
How much ceiling height do you need?
When you tilt the frame upright, it rotates over its diagonal. This is longer than the height of the wardrobe. These are the sizes for the standard IKEA frames:
| PAX frame | Needed to tilt | Needed when building standing up |
|---|---|---|
| 236 cm high, 58 cm deep | about 244 cm | just over 236 cm |
| 236 cm high, 35 cm deep | about 239 cm | just over 236 cm |
| 201 cm high, 58 cm deep | about 210 cm | just over 201 cm |
| 201 cm high, 35 cm deep | about 204 cm | just over 201 cm |
Measure the height where the wardrobe will go, from the finished floor to the ceiling. Also watch out for lights, beams and a suspended ceiling.
Ceiling too low to tilt? Then build it standing up
Many homes have a ceiling of around 240 cm. That is just too low to build a 236 cm PAX lying down and then stand it upright. The solution is to build the wardrobe standing up: first the base and the side panels upright, then the top and the back panel.
This is more precise work and really only works with two people. The frame must stay perfectly square while the back panel goes in, otherwise the doors will not close properly later. For an assembler, this is everyday work. Do tell us the ceiling height in advance, as building standing up takes more time.
A sloping wall or sloping roof
In an attic or a bedroom under the roof, the question is different: does the frame fit where it needs to stand? These are the options:
- Choose the lower 201 cm version and place the wardrobe against the tallest wall of the room.
- Do not place the wardrobe under the sloping section, but against the straight end wall or an interior wall.
- Choose a narrower 50 cm frame, which often still fits where 100 cm no longer does.
- Take a look at PLATSA: this system has frames in different heights, so the wardrobe can follow the slope of the roof.
Measure this before you order
- The ceiling height where the wardrobe will go, at several points.
- The width of the wall, from skirting board to skirting board.
- For a sloping wall: the distance from the wall at which the ceiling is 201 cm and 236 cm high.
- Sockets, switches and radiators behind or next to the wardrobe.
- The space in front of the wardrobe: hinged doors need room to open.
Having it assembled
Not sure whether it will fit? Send your order list with the ceiling height. You will then know in advance how the wardrobe will be built and what it costs. You can read more about how we work on the page about PAX assembly, and the price breakdown is on our prices page.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about PAX and ceiling height
How high does my ceiling need to be for a 236 cm PAX wardrobe?
To tilt a 236 cm high, 58 cm deep frame upright after building it lying down, you need a ceiling height of about 244 cm. If your ceiling is lower, the wardrobe can be built standing up. This takes more time, but a ceiling just over 236 cm is then enough.
Can a PAX wardrobe go under a sloping roof?
Only if the whole wardrobe fits under the sloping section where it will stand. A PAX frame is 201 or 236 cm high. The lower 201 cm version often fits against the tall side of the room, or PLATSA with different heights may be a better choice.
Do you saw a PAX wardrobe to size for a sloping wall?
No. We do not saw wardrobes or shorten frames. We assemble the wardrobe as IKEA supplies it and help you think of a layout that does fit.
What if I am not sure it will fit?
Measure the ceiling height where the wardrobe will go and send it with your order list. We will then check in advance whether the wardrobe needs to be built lying down or standing up.
Want it assembled?
Fixed price upfront, pay after assembly
Upload your order list or a screenshot of your basket and you will receive a clear price by email. No call-out fees, no start-up fee.
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Upload your order list or describe what you need assembled. You will receive a clear price by email.
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- Send your order list or a screenshot
- You receive a fixed price by email
- We assemble, you pay afterwards