Question 1

Can IKEA PAX wardrobes really look built-in?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Precision scribing, custom ceiling infills and tailored finishing panels close every gap between the unit and your walls,  including the uneven ones. The result looks like it was built with the house, not added afterwards.

Question 2

Is this just an IKEA PAX hack?

Accepted Answer

Not in the way that phrase is usually meant. An "IKEA PAX hack" online normally means a DIY shortcut, sticking trim around a standard unit to fake a built-in look. What I do is different in kind, not degree: every panel is scribed to your actual walls and ceiling, custom infills close every gap, and the whole run is finished by hand. The PAX system is the structural foundation; the built-in result comes from the fitting and finishing work, which is skilled joinery, not a weekend hack.

Question 3

Is this bespoke?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you mean by the word. If "bespoke" means built entirely from scratch:  raw timber cut and joined by hand into a one-off carcass then no, and I won't claim otherwise. I use the IKEA PAX system as the structural foundation, then scribe, infill, and hand-finish it to your exact space. What you get is the fitted result of bespoke joinery, floor-to-ceiling, scribed to your walls, finished to match your room, at a fraction of the cost, because the budget goes into the finish and the details rather than into a custom carcass you'll never see once the doors are closed. If you want genuine from-scratch joinery, a traditional cabinetmaker is the right call, and I'll tell you so. If you want the built-in look and the flexibility of PAX internals done properly, that's exactly what I do.

Question 4

How much does a built-in PAX wardrobe cost in Brighton?

Accepted Answer

A standard 2-door built-in PAX wardrobe, including IKEA units, full built-in finish and painting typically costs between £1,500 and £1,750. Most twin alcove wardrobe installations in the same room fall between £2,500 and £3,000 depending on the level of customisation. You'll receive a fixed-price quote within 48 hours of getting in touch.See the full pricing guide

Question 5

Do you supply IKEA units for the wardrobe?

Accepted Answer

You’ll purchase the IKEA units directly, but I’ll guide you through the process. Before you buy, I’ll advise on the exact PAX configuration, sizes, and components your space requires. This ensures you get it right the first time, saving money and avoiding unnecessary returns.

Question 6

How long does the installation take?

Accepted Answer

Typically the final fitting and installation takes 1–3 days. 
However, total time from planning → design → build → installation depends on the complexity (number of units, custom panels, internal layout, extras like lighting).
When we first talk, I’ll give you an estimate based on your space and requirements — I aim to be transparent so you know roughly when it’ll be done.

Question 7

Do you work in older properties ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, older Brighton and Sussex properties are my specialism. Uneven walls, sloped ceilings, out-of-square alcoves, these are exactly the conditions where scribing makes the difference between a wardrobe that looks built-in and one that clearly isn't. The more awkward the space, the more this approach is worth it.I've written in detail about what makes period home installations different if you'd like to understand the full process before getting in touch.

Question 8

What areas do you cover ?

Accepted Answer

Most of my projects are in Brighton, Hove and the surrounding Sussex area, particularly in period properties where alcoves and uneven walls are common. I cover East and West Sussex including Lewes, Worthing, Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, Hastings and Crawley. If you're unsure whether I cover your area, get in touch. I'm happy to confirm.

Built-In IKEA PAX Wardrobes

Fitted Wardrobes Designed for Brighton Homes

Recent IKEA PAX Built-In Wardrobes Projects

Why Most IKEA PAX
Wardrobes Don’t Look
Built-In

The Finition Difference

A Smarter Alternative to
Traditional Joinery

Built for People Who Want Their Home to Look Considered

How The Built-In Process Works

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