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As part of the One Room Challenge®, I recently enhanced my IKEA Pax wardrobes by adding wallpaper to their backs. This simple addition has significantly transformed their appearance, elevating them from basic to bespoke.
If you are considering how to make your Pax system feel more integrated and luxurious, the secret lies in the details. Covering the shiny, inexpensive-looking backs not only masks unsightly seams but also elevates the entire unit into something that feels custom and high-end.
Choosing the right wallpaper
In previous attempts to achieve a seamless look, I had attached select pine face frames to the wardrobes. However, the shiny back seam remained a noticeable issue. To create a cohesive design, I turned to wallpaper for a solution.
After some searching, I found a beautiful French linen stripe wallpaper that perfectly matched my vision. The unique striped pattern added depth, while the smooth texture made it easy to clean. It was the right fit to complement the blue and white color scheme of the room.
Finding the perfect color match
When the wallpaper arrived, I used it as inspiration to select a stunning shade of French blue paint. I documented the entire process of transforming my IKEA Pax wardrobes with Benjamin Moore’s Airway 828. Every step, from preparation and primer to application technique, aimed at achieving a polished look.
The wallpapering process
Applying wallpaper for the first time can feel daunting. However, my previous experience with a successful wallpaper installation during a past One Room Challenge gave me the confidence to tackle this project.
During that earlier endeavor, I used a delicate metallic chinoiserie wallpaper in my dining area. After struggling with the intricacies of the installation, I opted to hire a professional from Thumbtack. The cost was reasonable, and he completed the job efficiently, leaving me with a beautifully finished room.
Preparing for installation
Before diving into the wallpapering, I ensured that all painting tasks were completed and fully dried. Since my primer was white, I carefully avoided painting all the way to the edges to prevent unsightly white marks on my freshly painted cabinetry. This strategy paid off, allowing for a smooth application of the wallpaper.
For this project, I opted for pre-pasted wallpaper, which was a new experience for me. After preparing the area, I watched a few quick tutorials online. To my surprise, the process was much easier than expected! The pre-pasted wallpaper was sturdy and forgiving, allowing me to reposition it without the risk of tearing.
Finishing touches
To simplify the installation, I focused on covering the plastic components of the Pax system, such as the wall brackets and shelf pins. Initially, I attempted to wrap the large plastic covers with wallpaper, but the results were less than satisfactory. Instead, I painted the exposed brackets with a mini brush to blend them with the wallpaper, while leaving the brackets of the doored cabinets white for a cleaner look.
If you are considering how to make your Pax system feel more integrated and luxurious, the secret lies in the details. Covering the shiny, inexpensive-looking backs not only masks unsightly seams but also elevates the entire unit into something that feels custom and high-end.0
If you are considering how to make your Pax system feel more integrated and luxurious, the secret lies in the details. Covering the shiny, inexpensive-looking backs not only masks unsightly seams but also elevates the entire unit into something that feels custom and high-end.1
If you are considering how to make your Pax system feel more integrated and luxurious, the secret lies in the details. Covering the shiny, inexpensive-looking backs not only masks unsightly seams but also elevates the entire unit into something that feels custom and high-end.2
If you are considering how to make your Pax system feel more integrated and luxurious, the secret lies in the details. Covering the shiny, inexpensive-looking backs not only masks unsightly seams but also elevates the entire unit into something that feels custom and high-end.3