IKEA Pax Faux Built-In Gets Cool Upgrade with Paint and Mirrors

If you've spent more than five minutes in an IKEA showroom, you know how their furniture can feel both essential and, let's be honest, a bit uninspired. We've all seen those basic, cookie-cutter pieces that seem to scream "assembly required." Yet, these seemingly mundane items are actually the unsung heroes, perfect for transformation into something spectacular.

Enter Tanya Wells , a TikTok creator who has set the internet abuzz with her ingenious faux built-in closet project. With a bit of creativity, some paint, and a few mirrors, she turned a simple IKEA Pax wardrobe system into a stunning, custom-looking built-in closet that oozes sophistication. Want to know how she did it? Let's break down the steps so you can bring this stylish upgrade into your own home.

The first step in Tanya's makeover was to construct a sturdy frame to raise the IKEA Pax wardrobes . This isn't just a minor tweak; it provides the necessary elevation to create a true built-in look. She started by assembling four Pax units side by side on the newly constructed frame. Then, to hide seams and ensure everything looked like one cohesive unit, she added trimmed MDF boards to the top, bottom, and the side facing the door. This foundational work is crucial for achieving that polished, built-in appearance.

Related: Bland IKEA Built-In Gets Bougiest, Moodiest Upgrade Ever

Once the structure was solid, it was time to make everything look seamless. Sanding the surfaces made sure that the primer and paint would adhere well, giving the built-ins a long-lasting finish. Tanya chose an eggshell off-white color to paint the entire setup. This shade not only brings a touch of elegance without taking it TOO far from the original look but also helps blend the various parts into a unified whole. The result? A built-in closet that looks like it was always part of the room’s architecture rather than a last-minute addition.

What Are The Benefits of Adding Mirrors?

For the pièce de résistance, Tanya added mirrors to the doors of the Pax wardrobes. This not only elevated the aesthetic appeal but also created the illusion of more space throughout the entire room. The mirrored surfaces bounced light around the room, making her bedroom appear larger and more airy. To complete the look, she installed custom brass pull handles, adding a touch of luxury to the now-transformed wardrobes.

Love the look? Let us know what you think in the comments below, or what you might have tried yourself!

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