This Genius Hidden Closet Hack Transforms Top Floor Landing

When it comes to maximizing space and adding a touch of bespoke elegance to a home, Lee Middleton’s recent hidden closet hack ticks all the boxes.

The design blends in so seamlessly that you might miss it unless the homeowner reveals its secret storage.

Lee was quick to point out that they didn’t DIY it themselves. “We had the idea, and local tradesmen pulled it off.”

Unfortunately, a detailed tutorial isn’t available, but Lee’s pictures offer valuable insights into building your own hidden PAX closet. Studying these visuals lets you gather key tips and techniques to get you started.

PAX Hidden Closet Hack

Lee and his family were fortunate to inherit three PAX wardrobes from the previous homeowners when they moved into their new house, which required some renovation. These wardrobes became the foundation of a clever storage solution on their top-floor landing, adjacent to three bedrooms.

Clever Design for Sloped Ceilings

PAX closet before — Photo Credit: Lee Middleton

Due to their location in the eaves, the bedrooms have sloped ceilings, so traditional storage solutions weren’t ideal. The PAX wardrobes offered a perfect way to utilize the space efficiently without intruding on the bedrooms. Yet visually, they needed to blend — better yet — disappear into the surroundings. The solution was to transform the PAX units into concealed wardrobes hidden in plain sight.

Built-in and concealed

PAX closet with custom MDF doors — Photo Credit: Lee Middleton

The salvaged PAX frames were without doors. The contractors cut MDF boards to fit the size of the frames and routed door hinges. (You can use IKEA doors for this step. Using IKEA all the way will be easier and save you a step, but IKEA doors may not be as cheap as MDF boards.)

They closed off the space above the PAX wardrobes with boards for a clean finish. Chair rails and trim were added to the doors, mimicking the trim along the landing space. The contractors chamfered the trim and chair rail to allow the doors to open fully.

To continue the illusion, they omitted door handles and installed push openers. Then, to complete the visual trickery, painted the doors in the same two colors as the walls.

Cost-Effective IKEA Storage Solution

hidden closet pax hack — Photo Credit: Lee Middleton

Due to the upcycled PAX wardrobes, the project was extremely cost-effective. Lee spent around £650 ($820) for new doors, materials, and labor costs for the two contractors. Even with three new wardrobe frames, the cost of the project would have increased by a mere £240 ($510). The entire transformation, including painting, was completed within a three-day period.

Lots of Practical Storage

Lee finds the transformed space incredibly functional, especially considering it was previously unused. He loves seeing the expressions on the faces of his guests who discover the hidden storage in what appears to be a hallway.

“When people come in, they are amazed to see the doors pop open with a slight push, and they notice all of the clothes inside,” Lee says.

Local Craftsmanship

He shares that Sunderland Joinery was the contractor behind this project, bringing their expertise in joinery and custom furniture to this bespoke IKEA project.

“Michael was amazing and really let my ideas come to light,” Lee adds.

We love how Lee upcycled the old PAX closets into this beautiful built-in storage. It always pays to pause and ponder before throwing away old furniture. If you’ve done a similar hidden closet hack, let us know in the comments and share it with us.