I Tested Every Kids’ Wardrobe at IKEA — Here Are the Ones Actually Worth Buying

Whether you’re designing a new nursery or giving a teenager’s room a refresh, reliable clothing storage is a must. If your space lacks a built-in closet, a sturdy wardrobe is the perfect solution. For functional, wallet-friendly furniture that kids will love, you really can’t beat the IKEA kids’ wardrobe section. To see how they stack up, I spent a day at the IKEA showroom in Brooklyn’s Red Hook, putting their kids’ wardrobes to the test for this edition of Personal Shopper.

Finding safe, comfortable, and practical furniture for kids doesn’t have to break the bank (especially since children outgrow items quickly). IKEA wardrobes offer an ideal balance of cost and quality, with a diverse range of styles and colors. While the brand is celebrated for its signature Scandinavian aesthetic, it also provides traditional and DIY-friendly storage solutions.

IKEA keeps prices low by using a flat-pack shipping model, which requires self-assembly. This may not appeal to everyone, but it makes the furniture easily accessible for online ordering, whether you live close to a store or not. Plus, professional assembly services like TaskRabbit and Thumbtack are widely available for a reasonable fee.

Before the store opened, I had the opportunity to examine the wardrobes on the sales floor firsthand — opening drawers, testing stability, and consulting with store associates — to evaluate each piece based on the criteria below:

• Appearance: I evaluated each wardrobe’s aesthetic appeal, considering both child and adult preferences and how well it integrates with various decor styles. I also assessed the longevity of the design to ensure it could transition effectively from childhood through the teenage years.

• Size: I inspected the wardrobe’s height to ensure it is accessible for children and assessed its stability to help prevent it from tipping.

• Durability: I looked into the durability of each wardrobe by checking its structural stability and inspecting materials for any signs of wear. Since showroom displays endure more handling than a typical home setup, I carefully examined each unit and cross-referenced my findings with customer reviews to identify any reports of instability or damage.

• Assembly difficulty: To evaluate assembly ease, I consulted with store associates, reviewed the instruction manual for each wardrobe, and analyzed customer feedback to identify any potential complexities or challenges.

• Storage capacity: From drawers to hooks to bars, I took into account every way to maximum space in each wardrobe.

With over four years of experience testing, evaluating, and writing about products for children, I combine my professional expertise with my personal perspective as a parent. My insights are informed by current design trends and regular feedback from fellow families. 

My history with IKEA is extensive — I’ve owned countless pieces, from children’s furniture to my collection of BILLY bookcases. Having lived near the Elizabeth, New Jersey, store for years, I’ve spent countless hours navigating its showrooms. If I haven’t personally owned an item, I’ve almost certainly tested it IRL, providing me with a seasoned, hands-on perspective on the IKEA shopping experience.

What impressed us: The SUNDVIK wardrobe epitomizes the classic, traditional look. The interior is well-organized, featuring a hanging bar, a shelf, a spacious bottom drawer, and a convenient 7-inch clearance underneath. At 5’3”, I found the top of the wardrobe easily accessible for additional storage. The solid pine construction feels exceptionally sturdy and smooth, and for added peace of mind, it includes anti-tip hardware. Plus, the wardrobe is deep enough for adult-size hangers, making it a great option to grow with your child.

The bottom drawer operates smoothly on its metal tracks, and assembly typically takes just over an hour (according to reviews). While the piece is robust, I noticed the handles on the showroom model tended to loosen; I recommend ensuring they are securely tightened during setup.

• Materials: Solid pine, stain, clear acrylic lacquer, fiberboard, paper foil, particleboard, plastic foil, printed acrylic paint
• Dimensions: 31 1/2 x 19 5/8 x 67 3/8 “
• Storage: Bottom drawer, clothes rail (not adjustable), shelf (not adjustable)
• Anti-Tipping Hardware Included: Yes

What impressed us: The GODISHUS wardrobe maximizes vertical storage, featuring a versatile interior where the rail and shelf can be configured in two different ways — either with the rail above the shelf or both positioned at the top. Its slim profile is ideal for compact rooms, yet the interior remains deep enough to accommodate standard adult hangers, allowing the piece to transition as your child grows. The unit also includes fun, chalk-writable stickers for easy organization. 

Constructed from particleboard and fiberboard, it feels surprisingly stable in the store, and it comes equipped with anti-tip hardware for added safety.

• Materials: Particleboard, plastic edging, melamine foil, fiberboard, acrylic paint
• Dimensions: 23 5/8 x 21 1/4 x 70 1/8 “
• Storage: Two shelves, clothing rail
• Anti-Tipping Hardware Included: Yes

The SMÅSTAD collection offers endless possibilities for personalized storage. You can use the online planner to design a wardrobe tailored to your child’s age, selecting everything from the frame and colors to the handles, all while tracking prices and dimensions in real time.

While browsing the showroom, I evaluated several configurations, but the SMÅSTAD / UPPFÖRA wardrobe stood out. (To note: SMÅSTAD is the modular system, while UPPFÖRA comprises the frames, doors, and drawers). Its height is perfect for fostering independence, allowing children to reach their own items easily, and it includes a practical mix of a wire basket, drawer, shelf, and clothing rail. While the doors and wire basket operate smoothly, assembly can be challenging (according to reviewers) — I recommend following the instructions closely. Additionally, although the unit has a low profile, anti-tip hardware is included for safety.

• Materials: Particle- and fiberboard with honeycomb paper filling (100% recycled paper), paper foil, plastic edging, acrylic paint, steel, epoxy/polyester powder coating, acetal plastic, steel, copper-plated, acetal plastic, polypropylene, synthetic rubber
• Dimensions: 23 5/8 x 25 5/8 x 53 1/2 “
• Storage: Clothing rail, wire basket, drawer, shelf
• Anti-Tipping Hardware Included: Yes

What impressed us: While scouring the IKEA kids’ department for storage, this DIY setup combining the MULIG clothes bar and RASSLA organizer caught my eye. Though not a traditional wardrobe, this budget-friendly alternative offers a flexible way to manage clothing. The setup consists of an expandable rail paired with a five-compartment organizer that can be adjusted to three sections if needed. Its height is fully customizable to your child’s needs, and the open design provides easy access, making it excellent for daily outfit selection or prepping the week’s clothing. 

Keep in mind that the MULIG bar requires wall-mounting, so you’ll need to provide your own appropriate screws and fasteners. While this might be less ideal for renters, the combination’s affordability and versatility make it a standout choice for custom storage.

• Materials: 100% recycled and non-recycled polyester, polypropylene (RASSLA) and steel, polyester powder coating, polypropylene (MULIG)
• Dimensions: 9 3/4 x 15 3/4 x 38 1/2 ” (RASSLA) and 23 5/8 – 35 3/8 “ (MULIG)
• Storage: clothing rail, five compartments 
• Anti-Tipping Hardware Included: N/A