If you’re like me, your closet is a black hole where clothes, shoes, and accessories mysteriously disappear, never to be seen again. I’m constantly digging through piles of garments trying to find that one perfect top or pair of jeans.
Does this sound familiar?
If so, it may be time to get organized with a closet system.
Two of the most popular closet organizer brands are Boaxel and Elfa. As a chronic over-shopper with a packed closet, I decided to do a head-to-head comparison of these two systems.
Read on for the pros, cons, and key differences between Boaxel and Elfa.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Boaxel | Elfa |
| Price | $20 – $249 per component | $1,200 – $5,000+ installed |
| Materials | Wire shelving | Wood, metal, wire |
| Style | Industrial, modular | Built-in, custom |
| Customization | Fully adjustable | Some fixed cabinets |
| Add-Ons | Shoe storage, laundry bags | Jewelry drawers, specialty rods |
| Installation | DIY with included tools | Professional installation available |
| Warranty | None | 10-year limited |
Boaxel Closet System Overview
Boaxel is the closet organizer brand from Swedish furniture giant IKEA. Boaxel offers a modular system of wire shelving, drawers, hanging rods, and accessories like shoe organizers, laundry bags, and valet rods. The components come in two neutral colors: white and black.
Boaxel features:
- Modular system with shelving, drawers, rods, and accessories
- Wire shelving is adjustable and easy to customize
- Available in black and white color options
- Affordable pricing starting at $20 for accessories up to $249 for large shelving units
- Items sold individually so you can fully customize
- Easy DIY assembly with included tools
Pros of Boaxel:
- Very affordable, especially compared to other brands
- Tons of customization options since pieces are sold separately
- Simple DIY assembly with included tools
- Shelving is adjustable to fit your space and needs
- Wide range of helpful accessories like shoe storage
Cons of Boaxel:
- Wire shelving looks less high-end than wood or metal
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as other closet systems
- Pieces prone to scratches and chips over time
- Limited color options (only black and white)
The Boaxel system is best for people who want an affordable, customizable closet system they can install themselves. The modular Boaxel components make it easy to design your perfect closet layout.
The wire shelves also provide breathability and make it easy to adjust shelf heights as needed.
However, the wire shelves don’t provide the premium, built-in look that some luxury closet systems have. And you’ll need to assemble all the pieces yourself, which may be daunting or time-consuming.
But for the price, Boaxel delivers great value and storage options.
Elfa Closet System Overview
On the other end of the spectrum, Elfa is a high-end modular closet system owned by The Container Store. Elfa emphasizes sleek, customizable closets with attractive finishes and accessories. Components are mix-and-match to design your ideal closet or pantry.
Elfa features:
- Modular system with shelves, drawers, rods in wood, wire, or metal
- Options for custom built-in or freestanding closets
- Drawer pulls and hardware available in soft-close & other finishes
- Hanging rods adjustable for double hang or suit jacket space
- Variety of specialty accessories like jewelry drawers
- Professional installation available
- 10-year warranty included
Pros of Elfa:
- Very sleek and modern aesthetics
- Premium materials like wood and metal for built-in look
- Custom freestanding or installed closets
- Tons of specialty accessories like jewelry drawers
- Soft-close drawers and doors for luxury feel
- Professional installation available
- Great warranty and customer service
Cons of Elfa:
- Very expensive, especially with professional installation
- Limited color/finish options for a built-in look
- Not as customizable as modular systems
- Difficult for DIY assembly with some components
- Add-on accessories also pricey
The Elfa system is the ideal choice for anyone who wants a high-end, bespoke closet design. The sleek wood components and premium finishes give Elfa closets a true built-in, custom look.
Elfa also offers unique add-ons like jewelry drawers, specialized wood hanger rods, and recycled leather drawer pulls.
However, the luxury aesthetics come at a price – Elfa is significantly more expensive than budget options like Boaxel. And some of the installed components like cabinets are not as customizable after initial installation.
But if you want a customized closet with high-end finishes, Elfa is worth the splurge.
Boaxel And Elfa Closets: Key Feature Comparison
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each system, let’s compare some of the most important factors for choosing a closet organizer:
Pricing
- Boaxel ranges from $20 – $249 for individual components
- Elfa installed systems range from $1,200 – $5,000+
Boaxel is the clear budget winner here.
Elfa costs significantly more, especially if you’re hiring professional installers.
Materials
- Boaxel uses adjustable wire shelving
- Elfa has wood, metal, and wire options
Elfa offers more premium materials for built-in look while Boaxel relies on wire.
Style & Aesthetics
- Boaxel has an industrial, wire shelf look
- Elfa has a bespoke, high-end built-in aesthetic
Elfa has more refined, elegant closet styles while Boaxel is more utilitarian.
Customization
- Boaxel is fully modular and adjustable
- Elfa has some fixed cabinets/drawers
Boaxel allows more flexibility to rearrange components. Some Elfa elements are fixed.
Add-Ons & Accessories
- Boaxel has shoe storage, laundry bags, etc.
- Elfa has jewelry drawers, specialty rods, baskets
Both offer handy specialized accessories. Elfa’s are more luxe and expensive.
Installation
- Boaxel is DIY with included tools
- Elfa offers professional installation
Elfa takes the hassle out of installation but adds to cost.
Warranty
- Boaxel has no stated warranty
- Elfa has 10-year limited warranty
Elfa provides more consumer protection.
As you can see, Elfa generally provides a more high-end experience, while Boaxel focuses on flexible, affordable storage.
Which is best depends on your budget, style, and needs.
Boaxel And Elfa: Visual Comparison
To make the differences even more clear, let’s compare images of real Boaxel and Elfa closets:
Boaxel Closets
The Boaxel style showcases the clean, neutral wire shelves and industrial vibe. The components are mix-and-match to suit needs.
Elfa Closets
Elfa closets have a more polished, integrated appearance owing to the wood components and luxe hardware. There are more built-in cabinets and drawers.
Visually, Elfa creates a more high-end, bespoke closet design compared to the modular wire shelves of Boaxel.
Which Is Better – Boaxel Or Elfa?
So when it comes down to Boaxel vs Elfa, which closet system reigns supreme?
Here are a few key points to consider:
- Budget: Boaxel is far more affordable and great bang for your buck. Elfa is pricier but looks luxe.
- Style: Elfa has an elegant, integrated aesthetic. Boaxel is more industrial and modular.
- Customization: Boaxel is more adjustable with mix-and-match components. Elfa is sleek but some fixed cabinets.
- Installation: Boaxel is DIY while Elfa offers professional installation for a fee.
- Accessories: Both offer handy specialized add-ons. Elfa’s accessories are more high-end.
While Elfa is the clear winner in terms of aesthetics and luxury features, the more budget-friendly Boaxel delivers customizable storage at a fraction of the price.
For walk-in or reach-in closets, I recommend splurging on Elfa if you can afford it – the quality shows and a pro installation guarantees closet bliss.
But for more basic closets, Boaxel is tough to beat for the value.
Those wire shelves may not be glamorous but they’ll get the job done!
The right choice ultimately depends on your budget, style, and particular storage needs.
And of course, you can always mix-and-match – splurge on Elfa cabinets with some affordable Boaxel components. Shop around and purchase only what you really need from either closet system.
Shopping Tips for Boaxel and Elfa Closets
Here are my top tips for shopping Boaxel and Elfa closet systems:
Boaxel Tips:
- Measure carefully and account for sloped ceilings/walls
- Mix wire shelves with woven baskets for a nicer look
- Utilize vertical space with hanging rods & wall shelves
- Add lighting for better visibility
- Use drawer dividers and inserts to organize accessories
Elfa Tips:
- Set a closet layout budget and get quotes
- Hire professional installers – it’s worth the investment
- Choose cabinet depths, heights, and widths carefully
- Use Elfa design tools to visualize your dream closet
- Opt for soft-close doors and drawers for a luxe feel
- Add specialty items like jewelry drawers later if needed
Planning your ideal layout and measuring precisely are key to both systems. And don’t forget lighting – it makes all the difference in a closet!
FAQ about Boaxel and Elfa Closets
Elfa’s main competitors in the closet & storage market include California Closets, EasyClosets, and Closet Factory. Like Elfa, these brands offer customized closet systems with professional installation.
According to many reviews, California Closets, Elfa, and EasyClosets are generally rated the top 3 closet systems for quality and customer satisfaction. But you can achieve great closet organization with IKEA systems like Boaxel on a budget.
For walk-in or large closets, Elfa systems are worth the investment if you can afford them. You’ll enjoy features like soft-close doors/drawers, specialty accessories and professional installation. But for smaller closets, less expensive systems can also do the job.
Boaxel is IKEA’s version of Elfa – an affordable, modular closet system you can install yourself. While not as luxe as Elfa, Boaxel provides great customization at reasonable prices.
Closing Remarks
No matter which system you choose, investing in closet organization is worthwhile for keeping spaces neat and clutter-free. With some planning and these tips, you’ll be on your way to closet nirvana in no time.
Happy organizing!