IKEA’s latest PAX mid-unit and the endlessly adaptable EKET cubes push the brand’s modular story forward: small, well‑measured pieces that let you tailor storage without committing to bespoke carpentry. Think of the mid‑unit as a slim vertical insert that adds usable shelving and display space between existing wardrobe frames. Treat EKET as the little studio for creativity — stack, mount, paint, and outfit these cubes to become anything from bedside tables to mini bars. Both systems lean on predictable dimensions and standardized fixings, which makes them easy to plan around, modify, and combine.
How the pieces fit together
– PAX mid-unit: This isn’t a standalone wardrobe. It slips between two PAX frames, aligning with predrilled attachment points so doors and planes sit flush. The design favors vertical segmentation over widening the wardrobe: narrow columns for ties, shoes, folded layers, or a display niche. Two height options and two finishes (white and oak‑effect) help match ceiling clearances and existing runs. Shelving is mixed: glass and wooden adjustable shelves plus one fixed shelf; a bridging top panel hides depth differences when paired with deeper frames. Leveling feet and supplied fasteners complete the kit.
– EKET modules: These are standardized cubes built to stack, mount, or sit alone. Reversible mounting points and uniform depths let you combine them horizontally, vertically, or recessed into a niche. Concealed connector points distribute loads across multiple fasteners, and simple reinforcements — back panels, metal brackets, or adhesive channeling — turn lightweight cubes into surprisingly sturdy elements.
Installation and safety basics
Measure carefully. The mid‑unit requires adjacent PAX frames of equal height for safe load transfer; use the PAX planner to confirm clearances and hinge paths. Anchor the assembly into studs or use appropriate wall plugs; incorrect fastening is the most common cause of wobble or misaligned doors. For EKET stacks, start from a level base, check vertical alignment as you add modules, and prefer rated anchors for wall‑mounted arrays. If you’re electrifying shelves, route low‑voltage cable through concealed channels and keep LED drivers tucked away in upper cabinets or behind EKET modules.
Performance notes and practical tweaks
– Load capacity: Slim profiles mean shallower depth and lower loads than full‑depth cabinetry. Wooden shelves carry more than glass; glass shelves need cautious placement and obey manufacturer weight limits. Distribute heavier items low and spread weight across multiple supports to reduce deflection.
– Rigidity: Adding a continuous back panel increases lateral stiffness by a noticeable margin. Metal brackets or interlocking plates make EKET stacks suitable for seating tops or heavier storage.
– Lighting: Low‑voltage LED strips work well under glass or behind shelves, producing good light with little heat. Prefer cabinet‑rated kits with plug‑and‑play connectors for quicker installs. Plan cable runs before fixing the top panel.
– Finishing: Edge banding, rubber feet, magnetic catches, and painted or textured fronts elevate the look from flat-pack to custom cabinet. These small cosmetic upgrades rarely change dimensions but boost perceived value.
Pros and cons — a reality check
Pros:
– Flexibility: Rapid reconfiguration lets you tweak layouts seasonally or as needs evolve.
– Cost and waste: Adding a mid‑unit or reusing EKET cubes uses less material than building new cupboards, cutting cost and footprint.
– Interoperability: Standardized fixings reduce measurement errors and simplify accessory choices.
Cons:
– Structural limits: Neither solution replaces a full frame for heavy, high‑use storage without reinforcement.
– Finish work: To reach a polished look you may need extra hardware, trim, or paint — a little time investment.
– Installation pitfalls: Novice installers sometimes misalign modules, which harms hinge operation or shelf tracking.
Where these modules shine
– Slim mid‑unit: Narrow hallways, small bedrooms, or built‑in wardrobe infills. Great for accessories, vertically arranged shoes, or a display niche for decor. Use wooden shelves for heavy items, glass shelves to let light pass, and add pull‑out trays or mesh bins for visibility.
– EKET hacks: Bedside tables with hidden charging channels; wall‑mounted mini‑libraries; bathroom storage (with moisture‑resistant back panels); media consoles and room dividers made by stitching cubes together. Reinforce the top panel for seating conversions and add felt or rails for vinyl or delicate collections.
Lighting and electrics
Integrated illumination turns a shallow niche into a focal point. Under‑shelf LEDs or backlit glass highlight small objects and improve usability. Keep lighting low‑voltage and isolated from mains where practical; place drivers in concealed compartments and use plug‑compatible modules to simplify future upgrades. Beware glare, uneven color temperature, and reduced shelf clearance when choosing strip or puck lights.
Market context and accessory ecosystem
IKEA’s modular approach has created a thriving aftermarket: third‑party brackets, reinforcement plates, prewired lighting kits, textured fronts, and tutorial creators. That ecosystem reduces friction for DIYers: you can buy reinforcement plates for heavy loads, pre‑cut trims to hide gaps, or plug‑and‑play LED kits that avoid hardwiring. Competing makers focus on standalone, load‑bearing units; IKEA’s advantage is price, availability, and a widely adopted standard that accessory makers can design around.
Practical planning checklist
– Measure twice: ceiling heights, frame depths, hinge clearances, and stud locations.
– Match heights: select the mid‑unit height to match neighboring PAX frames.
– Plan the load: heavier items go low; glass shelves get lighter loads.
– Reinforce where needed: add back panels, brackets, or interlocking plates for taller stacks or seating surfaces.
– Conceal power: plan cable channels early and choose low‑heat LEDs.
What’s next
Watch for more standardized concealed channels, plug‑compatible driver modules, and rated anchoring kits. Expect accessories that address the most common limitations: reinforced shelves, prewired lighting, and textured third‑party fronts. Those additions will make switching between a quick hack and a long‑term installation feel less like a compromise and more like deliberate design. They’re not a cure‑all for every heavy‑use cabinet need, but with sensible anchoring, a few reinforcements, and a dash of finishing detail, they unlock a surprising range of tailored solutions.