Blog · 6 October 2026
Shortening or narrowing a PAX wardrobe: can you, and what are the alternatives?
A ceiling that is just too low or an alcove that is just too narrow: many people think of sawing. Read first what that involves.
Shortening a PAX wardrobe is technically possible, but it is sawing work with drawbacks: the cut edge has to be refinished, the hole patterns for shelves and hinges no longer line up, doors often do not fit, and modifications generally fall outside the IKEA warranty. PaxMonteur does not shorten wardrobes and does not offer custom work. There is usually a solution with standard sizes: the lower 201 cm frame, a narrower 50 cm frame, a shallow 35 cm frame or PLATSA in different heights.
Why people want to shorten a PAX wardrobe
- A ceiling that is just too low for a 236 cm frame.
- A sloping wall or a roof beam.
- An alcove that is a few centimetres too narrow.
- A pipe, skirting board or windowsill in the way.
What shortening involves
Shortening the height means sawing off the side panels and the back panel. The cut edge no longer has a finish, and the holes for the top panel have to be drilled again. With a wardrobe with doors, the doors would also need to be shorter, and for most doors that cannot be done neatly.
Shortening the width or depth is even more drastic: the base, top panel, shelves, drawers and rails are all made to the standard size. That is why we do not do this. We assemble the wardrobe as IKEA supplies it.
Solutions with standard sizes
- Ceiling too low: choose the 201 cm frame, or have the tall frame built standing up if the ceiling is just above 236 cm.
- Alcove too narrow: combine frames of 50, 75 and 100 cm to get as close as possible to the width.
- Not enough depth: choose the 35 cm deep frame.
- Sloping wall: PLATSA has modules in different heights that follow the slope of the roof.
Measure first, then order
You can avoid most problems by measuring properly beforehand. Our article on PAX with a low ceiling or sloping wall explains which ceiling height you need and what to measure.
Unsure about your design? We can help remotely in the IKEA planner and assemble the wardrobe afterwards. Read more about PAX assembly.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do you shorten PAX wardrobes?
No. We do not shorten wardrobes or offer custom work. We assemble the wardrobe as IKEA supplies it and can help you plan a layout with standard sizes that fits.
Does the warranty become void if I have a PAX wardrobe sawn down?
IKEA gives a warranty on the product as delivered. Modifications such as sawing generally fall outside it. See the IKEA website for the exact terms.
What sizes does a PAX frame come in?
A PAX frame is 201 or 236 cm high, 50, 75 or 100 cm wide and 35 or 58 cm deep.
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