What Does a Custom Wardrobe Cost in Dubai?
If you are searching for the custom wardrobe cost in Dubai, you have probably already discovered that getting a straight answer is not easy. Prices range from AED 3,500 for a compact reach-in unit to well over AED 45,000 for a full walk-in closet with premium German hardware, LED lighting, and lacquered finishes.
The reason for this wide range is simple: every wardrobe is different. A studio apartment in Dubai Marina has vastly different storage requirements than a four-bedroom villa in Arabian Ranches. The materials you choose, the internal fittings you need, and the complexity of the design all shape the final price.
This guide breaks down every factor that influences the fitted wardrobe price in UAE so you can budget accurately before committing to a project. Whether you are furnishing a new apartment in Business Bay or renovating a family home in Al Nahda, the numbers here reflect real 2026 market pricing from manufacturers operating across Dubai and Sharjah.
Price Breakdown by Wardrobe Type
The most reliable way to estimate your built-in wardrobe cost is to start with the type of wardrobe you need. Below is a pricing table based on standard configurations using quality materials and German hardware.
| Wardrobe Type | Typical Size | Price Range (AED) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-door reach-in | 60-80 cm wide | 3,500 - 6,000 | Studios, guest rooms |
| Double-door hinged | 120-160 cm wide | 6,000 - 12,000 | Standard bedrooms |
| Triple-door sliding wardrobe | 180-240 cm wide | 10,000 - 18,000 | Master bedrooms |
| Floor-to-ceiling fitted unit | 200-300 cm wide | 14,000 - 25,000 | Maximizing vertical space |
| L-shaped walk-in closet | 6-10 sqm room | 25,000 - 45,000 | Villas, luxury apartments |
| Full walk-in with island | 10-15 sqm room | 40,000 - 70,000+ | Premium villas |
These prices include design consultation, manufacturing, delivery, and professional installation. VAT at 5% is typically added on top. Keep in mind that a sliding wardrobe in Dubai Marina with mirror-finish doors will cost differently than a classic hinged wardrobe in a Jumeirah villa, even at the same dimensions, because of material and hardware choices.
Factors That Affect Your Wardrobe Price
Understanding the cost drivers helps you make smarter decisions about where to invest and where to save.
### Size and Linear Meter Pricing
Most custom wardrobe manufacturers in Dubai price by the linear meter or square meter of front-facing surface. A standard 2.4-meter-high wardrobe typically costs between AED 1,800 and AED 4,500 per linear meter, depending on the specification level. Taller units that reach the full ceiling height in newer apartments (often 2.7 to 3.0 meters) cost more because they require additional structural support and more material.
### Door Style and Mechanism
Hinged doors are the most affordable option, starting around AED 800 per door panel. Sliding doors cost more because of the track mechanism, typically adding AED 1,500 to AED 4,000 to the total depending on whether you choose a basic aluminum track or a soft-close system from brands like Hettich. Bi-fold doors and pocket doors sit at the premium end of the range.
### Finish and Color
A melamine-faced chipboard finish is the most budget-friendly option, while lacquered MDF, veneer, or high-gloss acrylic panels move the price upward significantly. Mirror-finish sliding doors, which are popular in apartments across JBR and Downtown Dubai because they create an illusion of space, typically add AED 1,200 to AED 2,500 per panel.
### Complexity of Internal Layout
A wardrobe with a simple shelf-and-rail configuration costs far less than one with pull-out trouser racks, jewelry drawers, shoe carousels, and integrated LED wardrobe lighting. Internal accessories can easily add AED 3,000 to AED 8,000 to a mid-size wardrobe.
Material Options and Their Cost Impact
The material you choose for your custom wardrobe affects not just the price but also how well it holds up in the UAE climate. Humidity is a real concern, especially in coastal areas like Dubai Marina and JBR where indoor humidity can spike when the AC cycles off.
| Material | Cost Level | Humidity Resistance | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melamine-faced chipboard (MFC) | AED 800-1,200/sqm | Moderate | 8-12 years | Budget-friendly projects |
| Moisture-resistant MDF (MR-MDF) | AED 1,200-1,800/sqm | High | 12-18 years | Bathrooms, coastal apartments |
| High-gloss acrylic on MDF | AED 1,800-2,500/sqm | High | 15-20 years | Modern luxury finishes |
| Natural wood veneer on MDF | AED 2,000-3,200/sqm | Moderate-High | 15-20 years | Classic and premium interiors |
| Solid wood (walnut, oak) | AED 3,500-6,000/sqm | Requires treatment | 20-30+ years | High-end villas |
| Lacquered MDF | AED 2,200-3,000/sqm | High | 15-20 years | Contemporary, seamless look |
For most Dubai apartments, moisture-resistant MDF with a quality melamine or lacquer finish offers the best balance of cost, durability, and humidity resistance. If your apartment is in an older building where DEWA AC units may not maintain consistent temperatures, investing in moisture-resistant materials pays for itself by preventing warping and swelling.
Hardware and Internal Fittings: Where the Value Is
This is where experienced buyers separate themselves from first-timers. The hardware inside your wardrobe determines how it feels to use every single day and how long it lasts.
### Hinges and Drawer Runners
Blum hinges from Austria and Hettich systems from Germany are the two most trusted brands in the UAE market. Blum's CLIP top hinges with BLUMOTION soft-close cost around AED 35-50 per hinge, while budget alternatives start at AED 8-12. The difference in daily use is dramatic: soft-close drawers and hinges eliminate slamming, reduce wear on the cabinet box, and simply feel more refined.
A full set of Blum or Hettich hardware for a standard three-door wardrobe typically adds AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 over budget alternatives. Over a 10-year lifespan, that works out to less than AED 1 per day for hardware that will not fail.
### Pull-Out Accessories
Trouser pull-outs, tie racks, belt hooks, laundry hampers, and shoe pull-outs can be sourced from brands like Hafele, Vauth-Sagel, or Kesseböhmer. A well-equipped wardrobe interior with six to eight pull-out accessories typically costs AED 2,500 to AED 5,000 for the fittings alone.
### LED Lighting
Integrated LED wardrobe lighting has become standard in higher-end custom wardrobes. Sensor-activated strip lights that turn on when you open the door cost AED 400 to AED 1,200 depending on the length and color temperature. They are not just aesthetic; they make finding items easier and reduce the need for overhead bedroom lighting when you are getting dressed.
Custom vs Ready-Made: Cost Comparison Over 10 Years
Many residents initially consider ready-made wardrobes from large retailers because of the lower upfront cost. However, the long-term economics tell a different story.
| Factor | Ready-Made Wardrobe | Custom Fitted Wardrobe |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost (standard bedroom) | AED 2,000 - 5,000 | AED 8,000 - 18,000 |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years (typical in UAE) | 12-20 years |
| Replacement over 10 years | 2-3 replacements needed | 0 replacements |
| Total 10-year cost | AED 6,000 - 15,000 | AED 8,000 - 18,000 |
| Space utilization | 60-70% of available space | 95-100% of available space |
| Humidity resistance | Low (standard chipboard) | High (moisture-resistant options) |
| Hardware quality | Basic, often fails in 2-3 years | Premium soft-close, 10+ year warranty |
| Property value impact | None or negative | Increases rental and resale value |
| Customization | Fixed sizes only | Any size, any layout |
The numbers are clear: a custom closet in Dubai costs more upfront but becomes the more affordable option over time. Ready-made wardrobes in the UAE tend to deteriorate faster than in temperate climates because of the humidity and temperature fluctuations, especially in apartments where the AC is off during working hours.
Read our guide on custom vs ready-made furniture in the UAE for a deeper comparison across all furniture categories.
How to Get the Best Value for Your Budget
Here are practical strategies to optimize your wardrobe price in Dubai without compromising on quality.
### Prioritize the Interior Over the Exterior
Spending more on internal organization systems and quality hardware delivers better daily value than upgrading to a more expensive door finish. A wardrobe with melamine doors but Blum soft-close drawers and smart internal dividers will outperform a lacquered wardrobe with basic hardware.
### Bundle Multiple Rooms
If you are furnishing an entire apartment, bundling all wardrobes into a single order typically saves 10-20% compared to ordering one at a time. Most manufacturers in Dubai and Sharjah offer bulk pricing for multi-room projects.
### Choose Sliding Doors for Tight Spaces
In smaller bedrooms common in Dubai Marina and JBR apartments, sliding doors eliminate the need for clearance space in front of the wardrobe. While the mechanism costs more than hinges, you often recover the cost by being able to fit a larger wardrobe into the available wall space.
### Plan for AC and Humidity
If your apartment has the AC unit near the wardrobe wall, or if the bedroom faces direct sunlight, invest in moisture-resistant MDF panels and ensure the wardrobe back panel is properly sealed. This prevents the warping issues that plague many ready-made wardrobes within their first year in the UAE climate.
### Consider Sharjah-Based Manufacturers
Many high-quality furniture workshops operate from industrial areas in Sharjah, where overhead costs are lower than in Dubai. The savings are passed to customers, often resulting in 15-25% lower pricing for identical quality. Read our guide on custom sofa pricing in Sharjah to understand how this pricing advantage works across different furniture categories.
Free Quote: How the Process Works at Arcan Furniture
Getting an accurate custom wardrobe cost in Dubai starts with understanding your specific space, needs, and style preferences. At Arcan Furniture, the process is straightforward and designed to give you clarity before you commit to anything.
**Step 1: Free Home Visit and Measurement.** A designer visits your apartment or villa anywhere in Dubai or Sharjah to take precise measurements and discuss your storage needs. There is no charge and no obligation.
**Step 2: 3D Design and Quotation.** Within 3-5 working days, you receive a detailed 3D rendering of your wardrobe along with an itemized quote showing exact costs for materials, hardware, and installation.
**Step 3: Material Selection.** Visit our workshop to see and feel material samples, test hardware, and review color options. This step ensures there are no surprises when the wardrobe arrives.
**Step 4: Manufacturing and Installation.** Production takes 15-25 working days depending on complexity. Installation is handled by our in-house team, not subcontractors, and typically completed in a single day for standard wardrobes.
Every project includes a warranty on materials and hardware, and we use only German-engineered fittings from Blum and Hettich because they perform reliably in the UAE climate.
**Ready to find out exactly what your custom wardrobe will cost?** Book your free home visit today and get a detailed, no-obligation quote within days. Visit [arcanfurniture.com/get-quote](https://arcanfurniture.com/get-quote) or call us directly to schedule your consultation. Whether you are in Dubai Marina, Downtown, Arabian Ranches, or anywhere across Dubai and Sharjah, Arcan Furniture brings the showroom to your doorstep.