DIY Modernized handmedowns IKEA Pax Wardrobes

When we inherited these Ikea Pax wardrobes from our home's previous owners, I knew I wanted to do a little DIY to modernise them. To make the wardrobes chic, I added wainscoting style paneling and painted them a gorgeous beige.

Here's how it all went down:

Step 1 : Cut the MDF

First, I cut all the MDF mouldings to the exact lengths I needed. Luckily, since the moulding was symmetrical (no set top or bottom), I could cut all the mitred edges continuously without much waste.

Step 2: Prime

Then, I primed all the wardrobe units with Zinsser BIN primer. This primer’s been a lifesaver for me on laminated surfaces, so I knew it would work great here.

Step 3: Caulk

The MDF mouldings were pre-primed, so I used Hard as Nails adhesive to attach them to the wardrobes. Since they’re a bit heavy, there was some slipping, so I used Frog Tape to hold them in place while they dried - this won't peel off any primer when removed. Once they were secure and dry, I caulked around the moulding edges for a smooth, seamless finish, and to fill any gaps in my cuts.

Step 4: Paint

Now, onto the fun part - painting! I wanted to avoid brush marks, so I mixed in Owatrol Floetrol paint conditioner with my chosen paint for a smoother finish.

Between coats, I decided to reposition the handles a little lower. So I filled the original holes, sanded them down, and drilled new ones.

Step 5: Final Touch

After three coats of paint, I got the perfect coverage I was after. Handles back on, and voilà - a fresh, gorgeous set of wardrobes!

Once I decided how much space I wanted from the sides of the cabinet doors, I calculated the height by dividing the total length by three. I went with 2/3 at the top and 1/3 at the bottom, and as you can see in the picture, it worked perfectly!

If you're hesitant about paneling, don’t be, just give it a try!

Creator: Leah

Instagram: @thestanleydiary