Let’s talk about closet systems and organization, shall we?! We went to IKEA for the first time a couple of weekends ago. It was awesome and overwhelming all at the same time (you can read about it here)! The main reason we went was to get closet systems for our closets. We ended up getting the BOAXEL system for our son’s closet.
With a very rare kid-free and husband-free weekend, I worked up the gumption to get Myles’ closet revamped and in its final state by myself. I was determined to get it done, especially since I had the time and attention to dedicate to it in an empty house!
Before the BOAXEL CLOSET SYSTEM Install
We’re in the midst of a house renovation. In order to get the kids back in a livable situation, we had just shoved their things into Myles’ closet to make due until we could make more headway.
After getting the space cleared out, I ended up repainting the closet to SW Alabaster (white). This is what we’re using for a lot of the other areas of our home post-renovation. I really like it! It’s a warm/creamy white, not stark.
When I first started envisioning the space, I had grand plans of adding an accent/sponge wall to the back wall of the closet. I’m not sure what it is, but I always seem to want to do an accent wall in our closets… that are going to be covered by clothes and other objects. Haha!
I decided against it at the last minute, and I’m glad I stuck with the clean, white walls. It also allows the rails of the closet system to blend in more, which is nice.
I started this process at about 2pm. I got it all cleared out, painted, and ready for closet system installation by about 5pm. As I got to reading the literature (which is not great, btw), I realized I needed some specific screws (that weren’t included). Of course! There’s always something missing, right?
So, I let the paint dry and headed to town to get what I needed. I ended up finding what I needed at Home Depot. It wasn’t very easy, but I managed to find exactly what the instructions recommended and they all worked really well.
For my specific design, I needed 12 #7 screws and 32 #8 screws. These combo packs of screws and drywall anchors worked very well, and I’d highly recommend them!
Installing the IKEA BOAXEL SYSTEM
Once I got back home, it was finally time to install the BOAXEL Closet System! It took a lot of maneuvering and effort with just two hands, but I was determined to get it done. I would recommend having a partner help you install the suspension rails as it’ll cut your time down drastically!
Getting the horizontal suspension rail centered, level, and hung was the trickiest part with only two hands. After that, I was able to get everything else hung with a little elbow grease! It’s a fairly tedious process (especially the first time), but once you’re in the groove, it’s much like putting a puzzle together.
tools I used to install the BOAXEL System:
- Level (this one from IKEA is magnetic which was very helpful!)
- Pencil
- Tape Measurer
- Fanny Pack (haha!) – to hold the screws and anchors… a tool belt would be greeaaattt!)
- Screwdriver
- #7 Screws and Drywall Anchors
- #8 Screws and Drywall Anchors
- BOAXEL Pieces
I drew out my measurements on a piece of paper to figure out how much space I needed on each side. It wasn’t a perfect fit, so there are about 2 1/2 inches on each side of the system. I also had to figure out how high to hang the suspension rail. I ended up coming about eight inches down from the ceiling for this.
Things to consider when you’re designing your space:
- How will it look most aesthetically pleasing? Centered? To one side completely?
- What’s the purpose of the space? Kids closet? Pantry? Master closet? Laundry?
- What will be the most functional design for your space? Clothing Rods? Shelves? Baskets? Drawers?
- Think about what size storage boxes you’d like to use for your shelves, make sure there’s enough clearance for them.
Here are my two goals for our rooms and closet spaces moving forward (post-renovation):
- No Dressers. I’d rather have more floor space in the bedroom, and use every inch of closet space.
- Nothing on the floor. I already have a hard time keeping things clean, so the less I have to clean around is much better for me. It’ll also feel less cluttered and crowded.
I consider what we could/would spend on a dresser (and other storage units) and divert that money into very intentional and functional organization systems that use vertical square footage well. The closet systems available at IKEA definitely allow me to achieve these goals.
Cost of the Boaxel System
This specific BOAXEL design was $213. Plus about $20 for the screws and drywall anchors. So we’ll round that up to an even $235 for a very intentional and organized space. I haven’t been in the market for dressers recently, but I’m guessing for a good-sized and decent quality dresser (or bedroom set), you’d been spending at least that much.
Final Thoughts About the Boaxel Closet System
I am obsessed with this thing, you guys! I love how it all turned out. It’s remarkably versatile. That’s one of the best things about this system, you can move all pieces very easily. If you want your drawers all on one side, you just switch the brackets. If you want two rows of hanging clothes, you just move the brackets. It’s actually really fun to play around with it all.
We’ll be using the same design plan for our daughter’s closet once her room is completed. I cannot believe how much space there is. We have plenty of room to grow with this closet system. As the kids grow, we’ll have the ability to get other pieces from the closet system that better suit our needs.
I’ll be doing a portion of our master closet with the BOAXEL system, so you’ll be able to see another variation when I do that! I’m also pleasantly surprised by the quality of the materials. I was a bit skeptical because of the price point, but we are not disappointed so far.
The other great thing about this system is that you have options in shelving colors. You also have other cool organization options like pant hangers, drying racks, shoe racks, etc. You can use this type of system in nearly every room of your home – just think outside the box!
If you want to play around, the IKEA website has a great planner specifically for the BOAXEL System (along with many others).
I was putting all the plastic packaging materials in garbage sacks around 1am. So, without my trip to the store, this whole project (including painting) took me about eight hours! Not too shabby, I’d say. I am woman, hear me roar!
All in all, I’m proud of myself for tackling this project. It was tedious at times and did take some thought and effort, but if I can do it, so can you!
Here are a few photos showing the full process:
Before 
After Install 
Final
Have you installed an IKEA closet system before? What are your thoughts? Let me know below!
To the Chaos!
-MG
Pin for later…
Hey Mackenzy !
Let’s see if y0u get this….What is the height of your first shelf? I’m trying to measure my son’s wall and gaming center (next to it) and I want it to me about 29/30″ High, with 3 baskets for his toys. I know, it’s what ever height I want it to be, but just getting an idea with the setup you have and the baskets. THANKS !!!!!
stephen
Hi Stephen, thanks for reading! The top of the first shelf sits at 11ā. Hope this helps!
Hello, this looks great! It’s there just one bracket between two shelves? Or does each shelf need to have its own brackets on both sides?
Hi AJ, there is just one bracket that holds both shelves up. This gets tricky when you want your shelves at different levels instead of straight across. An easy fix is just to make sure you buy extra brackets so that you have that flexibility. Thanks for reading!
Hi AJ, there is just one bracket on either side of every shelf. There are shelf pockets on each side of every bracket that allows shelves to slide in on each side of one bracket. I hope that makes sense!
Thanks for posting this. We’re tackling this project tomorrow. Maybe a silly question but for what did you use the #7 screws and for what the #8 screws?
Hello, thanks for reading! Honestly, I canāt remember now, but I think a key difference was that one was a flat top screw and one wasnāt? I think the point being the flat top screws wouldnāt interfere with hanging things on top of or in front of another screw. I hope that makes sense. We didnāt have any issues using either anywhere. Best of luck!
Thanks for the quick reply. I appreciate it. When you drilled in the wall, did you align the drilling with any of the studs or did you just focus on getting it so that it fits right? My concern is even with anchor screws, the weight of whatever we put on the shelves will pull down the shelves lol
We attempted to use studs when it worked out, but didnāt hit many. Definitely use anchors on each screw and you wonāt have any problems! Ours are still going strong and thereās plenty of weight on them.
Thank you!
Did you use #8 or #7 for the horizontal vs the vertical bars? I have heard the vertical bars may need a different size screw than the horizontal bars.
I believe the difference is in the head, and you want to use a flat head screw on the vertical bars so that you can place your shelf braces anywhere along the vertical bars. Does that makes sense? Iād also note that I donāt recall having any trouble with this, and did not have flat head screws every time. Hope this helps!
Yes, thank you!
Youāre welcome!
Both of your recommended screws are round-headed. I searched the brand with anchors and could not find a flat head. Maybe that is why you are confused. On anchor splits for extra support, the other one doesn’t. The instructions do recommend a flat-head screw for the top bar.
Just the post I needed to see whilst trying to visualise what I want to do in my sons wardrobe.
Can you tell me what size baskets you used? Iām tossing up between the 600w and 800w.
Hello! Thanks for reading this post! We used the smaller of the two basket options for the kids closets. Thanks!
I am in the process of trying to plan out our closet now. I have the setup of the Boaxel that I like, but everywhere is out of the drawers. Do you know if you any other systems (i.e. Closetmaid or Rubbermaid) are compatible with it? Thank you!!
Hi Holen, Thanks for reading! I don’t believe any other closet systems are compatible. That really stinks! Best of luck.
Thank you so much for posting. I am in the beginning of installing my Boaxel system and your photos helped me avoid installation errors. You did a great job btw.
Buffy, thank you! And good luck with your project!
I love Boaxel especially when you compare it to pricey alternatives! I just wish ikea had some sort of drawer divider for organization.
Yes! It works so well for so many different spaces! They do have the skubb boxes, have you seen those?! Or do you mean something more permanent?
Great job mama!! Thatās very much my situation too, I can only really get any diy home things done without the husband and kids. Sometimes Iām too tired to start or too overwhelmed by all the steps but my dreams are still big haha. Thanks for posting this. I would have tore my hair out if I had the perfect scenario of assembling it- and didnāt have the right screws.
Very helpful details! Thank you so much. IKEA is out of the suspension rails and Iām hoping to install without it. Iāve put together quite a few ikea pieces but these instructions are terrible.
Ugh. I canāt believe they are still out of the suspension rods. So frustrating. Yes, the instructions are terrible. Good luck!
Yes! Mine has been out of the suspension rail also. Let me know if you’re able to install without it! The description says it’s mainly to make sure the vertical rails are straight but wonder how much it has to do w/ stability.
Hi Mackenzie ! I just bought the Boaxel closet for my daughter’s room. They are out of stock of the wall upright white 78″. Im wondering if i can buy another upright same size to substitute the boaxel? Thanks for the bLog
Hi Mariana! Ugh, that really stinks about the 78ā white wall upright. We had a heck of a time last year trying to get all of the pieces for our master closet. I am not sure about substitutionā¦you really have to look at the productās specs to ensure it is exactly like the Boaxel. You might see if Amazon carries it? Iāve gotten some replacement screws for IKEA furniture through there. Best of luck!
Is it challenging to access everything in the baskets since they only extend out about 7 inches when pulled forward?
Not really. Since they arenāt really deep drawers to begin with itās not as noticeable. if they were any deeper, it would be a problem. Thanks for reading!
Hi Mackenzy,
This looks great and is just like we want to achieve, great job!
Can I ask what suspension rail sizes you used? We are looking to install three 31 1/2 side by side like you. The planner says we should use a 71 3/4″ and a 24 5/8″ suspension rail however the 71 3/4″ is out of stock. We’re trying to understand if we can simply use 3 x 32 1/2″ rails. I’m assuming the planner has selected the combination it did because this makes a slightly shorter overall length but, like yourself, we’ll have about 3 inches spare at each end and are not bothered about the rail being “a bit long”.
Thanks
Tim
Hi Tim, thanks for reading!
So, I actually used three 23 3/4ā shelves on my closet, and I did use a 71 3/4 suspension rail for it. I did notice that was out of stock this past summer when we did my daughters room. I believe we ended up ordering it online and got it okay. Then, I used the 78 3/4ā wall uprights (the vertical bars, 4 total, to hold three shelves across.
But, to answer your question, and Iām not exactly sure on this so it might be better to consult someone at IKEA, I would think if you use each suspension next to each other it should create the same effect. Just make sure you get your measurements right both in your space and for the actual materials. Sorry Iām not off more help! Good luck!
I know this was posted a while back, but for others who may be reading – yes you can definitely use the three 31 1/2 suspension rails instead of the 71 3/4 and 24 5/8. This was the exact same situation for our closet and it worked just fine.
Shay, thanks so much for responding with this answer. I greatly appreciate it! Itās so hard when stuff is out of stock.
Love this. Finally ready to install these in our closets however there are no oak shelves available anywhere. Dont like the other ones. Will the hangers work without a shelf installed. Thinking about getting all the parts but the shelves, installing it and getting the shelves when they are available. Will the hangers work with no shelf in place????
Hi Shaun, thanks for reading! That is not good to hear about the oak shelves…we’ll need those for our daughter’s closet here soon! ugh. To answer your question, yes, you can still install the hanger rod onto the brackets, but without the shelves in place I don’t think it will be very stable. The shelves serve as a good support and bracing between brackets. But, it may be worth a shot until you can get the shelves. I think you’ll know rather quickly whether you can hang clothes or not. ha! Good luck!
Hi! I’m considering installing this system in a bifold door closet. I’m wondering how far the mesh baskets pull out?
Hey Clarissa! Thanks for reaching out. Okay, so I went and measured this quick and when pulled out all the way, the drawer front is 22ā from the wall. The drawers slide about 7ā out from where they start when closed. Itās not a full extension, but should work in your typical bifold door closet! Let me know if you have further questions. Good luck if you decide to move forward!
Hi! Love the final product! Where did you end up using each size screw? We just bought everything and my husband found your blog when he was trying to find out the screw information. Thanks!
Hi Jessica, thanks for reading! As far as the screws, I just used them where the instructions told me to. I know they are not great instructions, but there are little notes next to the photos that indicate which screw to use where. Hope this helps! Good luck with your install!
Mackenzy,
Thank you for publishing this. Very helpful! However, I have the same question as the person above and you didn’t really answer it. I see that you mentioned #7 AND #8 screws. Why did you get two types? Do you NEED two types? Which type works best?
Thank you!
Hi Josh, thanks for reading. Sorry I didnāt answer the question wellā¦Iāll have to go edit that! I got two different types because thatās what the (not great) IKEA instructions suggested. I think they suggested one kind for the horizontal top bar, and the. Other kind for the vertical bars. We just used one kind (either should work) when we did our master closet and daughterās closet. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much for the quick response!
I looked at the instructions more carefully and see what you mean, however I have another question: It seems like you used the “Pan” #7 type screws for the horizontal bars, but the instructions say to use “Flat” type for that. Did you have any issues because of this?
Thanks again, this is very helpful!
Ahhh, yes! That is the difference, I remember. The only reason youāll have issues is if the vertical rod needs to sit on top of that screw at the top. If you donāt use a āflatā too screen you may run into troubleā¦just depends on how yours lays out. To be safe, use flat on your top horizontal bar!
This was very helpful, thanks for sharing. Are you still using the Boaxel for your master closet? Would love to see that. I have an oddly shaped master closet and all the quotes were over $2000 and all it is is shelves so i think if i can do this for under $500 it will be great.
Hi Vanessa! Thanks for reading and your kind words. Yes, we are still using this system in our Master, just a bit different layout. We need to make a trip back to IKEA to finish it all out and then I plan to do a blog for it. We are using a combination of the PAX and BOAXEL systems in the Master, and I believe we were right around the $500 for all of it. So, I’d say it’d be a great option for you. Especially is you do all BOAXEL. Good Luck!
Everything under $500 would have been awesome for me lol. Mine is a walk in and pretty big, its a hexagon shape so i am doing a combination of PAX & Boaxel and i’ll end up around $1100 which is still great cos even Elfa was $800 just for the shelves. Picked up Boaxel from ikea last week but they were out if the 31 inch shelves ughhhh. So i have to make another trip and i hate it because going to Ikea is such a chore and a headache. I actually took the morning off to make that trip. Cant wait to see your master closet.
Yes, ours is a nice size, but not huge. That still seems like a great value for you! I know what you mean, we live a few hours away from the closest IKEA, so it’s a pain when things are out of stock! Good luck to you! We’re getting a bit closer to finishing the closet/bath, so I’ll be sharing soon! Thanks!
Hey! I’m considering doing this in my closet but I’m working with the existing height of the hanging bracket that’s in my closet so I’m debating going with the half-height boaxel so I can just put 3 drawers and a shelf under my hanging space. But I’m trying to figure out how much hanging height that will leave me with and so I was wondering if you could tell me how tall the three drawers with the shelf on top work out to be?? Thank youuuuu!
Hi There Rachel! OKay, so I just went and measureed… the top of that shelf sits right at 31″. That’s about as low as the drawers could go on the rail. I hope this helps. Let me know if I can answer any other questions!
Thank you for sharing! Looks great!
My only question is in regards to structural integrity:
Do you feel it is Sturdy enough for a good amount of clothing? Especially if Iām only using drywall anchors and not drilling into the studs. Thanks
Hi Frank! Thanks for the feedback. We actually just finished using the BOAXEL in our Master Closet (blog post coming soon!), which obviously has heavier/bulkier clothing. Both closets are holding up very well, and I know on the one rod in the master I have approximately 50 clothing items hanging (it’s the longer rod) with absolutely no problems. I’d say the structural integrity is great! We use drywall anchors on everything in the master closet, too, except for in a couple of places that a stud matched up. Hope this helps!
This looks great! Thank you for sharing your experience. I finally started my project yesterday, I agree with you that with 2 people would be easier but I was able to get it done, and then of-course something had to give me issues. I wonder if you had this problem, drawers come off on one side? I installed everything and on one end it comes off, I can not figure out if I am doing something wrong because their directions are terrible. Thank you for this great page š
Hi Mia! Thanks for your feedback! Hmmm, I donāt recall any issues with the drawer, just make sure both sides and going down into the track correctly? Maybe one side is missing a piece or something? Do you have the mesh drawers like I have, or something different?
Very impressed! I have all my pieces, have everything drawn out, and nearly ready to start! Thank you for showing the packages of screws needed. I typically shop at Lowes, but am heading to Home Depot to pick those up soon.
I am redoing a pantry with the typical sagging wire shelves. It is only 37.5inches wide, so I am having to be very creative. Putting up 6 uprights so that I can have various lengths of baskets (that have to fit in the 30inch opening I have) and shelves.
I am hoping to get it clearer out, patched and painted by mid day tomorrow, then getting the Boaxel install finished by tomorrow night.
There will be 2 of us, so that should help greatly.
Thank you for posting this! As this is a new system, there isn’t much out there. I so appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!
Oh I am so happy to hear this Jennifer! Iām glad my blog post has been helpful! I bet this system will be awesome for your pantry. Having two people will be super handy. Good luck!šš¼