Realize this discussion is a bit old but we are in the process of putting together an Ikea Pax wardrobe. We selected this mainly because we really liked the cool sliding doors with aluminum frames and pale green frosted glass. Fortunately our GC's crew assembled that for us--I would NOT have wanted to attempt it. Unfortunately we chose the white laminate cabinets which have the basic cheapo look of much of Ikea's lower end furniture. The "birch" (although also laminate) would have looked much nicer, especially when used with the birch innards but our architect talked us out of that as the "birch" I originally wanted would clash with the other wood details in the bedroom (!!!). The painful part is that the price would have been exactly the same. One other note: it's a bit of a pain putting together and installing the interior fittings (which we're doing ourselves) but I think it will be worth it once finished, and for the most part the cabinet is hidden when the doors are closed.

Another idea...You could paint the white sections between and around the doors a charcoal colour or black which would lift the timber and change the knobs to same colour (either charcoal or black) . Then paint the rest of the room white or a very very light grey. Definately change the carpet and bedcovers etc. Otherwise try painting the whole room white and change knobs to more modern vibe.....and see how the timber looks then

As for the "blame game" comment, I'll be happy to address it. IKEA has failed miserably during covid-19 and I say that due to customer service, not simply due to low stock. Try calling them. Just try. There management during this time can't even be classified as sub-par. Place an order, be given a delivery time. Call just to check on it or verify it the date. Let me know if you ever reach an actual person. It is absolutely ridiculous. I get low stock. Although, it really should be improving at this point (every store around here such as Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Tuesday Mornings, etc that had low stock issues before are near fully stocked). During all the closures, I shopped near exclusively online for awhile. Customer service has been top notch *Every* time with the exception of IKEA. They are a nightmare to deal with. In person, they are fine. But not for anything beyond that. Most companies are so thankful for your continued business during this time. IKEA doesn't seem to really care and that's a shame. I will still shop in their store in the future but never online again unless they can improve their customer service front and pick up the phone line, return emails, etc.

I love Pax and IMO there is not really any other system that is comaprable . Does Ikea have at least the boxes / Then you can design and do the install of those and wait for all the rest . I use Pax a lot and have always loved the whole system. You could try to go with tall pantry caibinets from Ikea for what you are planning but again the boxes maybe but doors and inserts could be a wait. This is going to be an issue with any type of cabinets during Covid.I am not sure about where you are in FLa but Jackson ville seems to have the Pax boxes in stock.