At Casa y Deco, we love discussing solutions that truly transform spaces, and custom built-in wardrobes are one of those investments that divide your home into before and after. But we know the question everyone is asking is the same: how much money am I really going to spend? Because it’s easy to find random numbers online, but what you need are honest figures that help you budget without unpleasant surprises.
I confess that for years I believed built-in wardrobes were a luxury reserved for large houses and even larger wallets. The reality is more nuanced: the final price depends on so many variables that there is no single figure. A basic two-door built-in wardrobe in a small room ranges from €1,200 to €1,800, but if we’re talking about more complex systems with multiple doors, premium finishes, or installation in irregular spaces, we could be looking at €4,000, €5,000, or even more.
The first thing you need to understand is that the price is divided into several layers: design and measurement, materials for the body of the wardrobe, interior finishes, installation, and, in some cases, prior wall renovations. Each element adds up and can represent between 15 and 30 percent of the total budget. If you skip any, you’ll regret it later.
The size is obvious but decisive. A wardrobe that is 1.20 meters wide is not the same as one that occupies an entire 3-meter wall. The price difference between the two can be a thousand euros or more. Height also matters: a ceiling-high wardrobe makes better use of space but requires more structural reinforcement and material. Floor-to-ceiling wardrobes are about 20 to 25 percent more expensive than those that stop at 2.20 meters high.
The materials of the body determine a good part of what you will pay. Medium-density particle board is the most economical option, starting at around €900 for a small wardrobe, but it is vulnerable to moisture and doesn’t age well. Solid wood boards significantly increase the price, ranging from €1,500 to €2,500 depending on the type of wood. If you want quality plywood or imported woods, be prepared to spend over €3,000 just on materials.
The doors deserve special attention because they are what you see every day. Melamine hinged doors are the cheapest, ranging from €200 to €400 per door. Sliding doors run on tracks and are elegant but add €300 to €600 per unit. If you choose mirror doors, add another €150 to €300 per door, but your small room will thank you because they amplify light and space. Tempered glass doors are more sophisticated and range from €400 to €800 each.
The interior of the wardrobe is where many are surprised by additional costs. A basic interior with fixed shelves adds €400 to €600, but if you want more versatile systems with adjustable shelves, double hanging rods, pull-out baskets, and clothing dividers, you can add between €800 and €1,500 more. These systems make the wardrobe truly functional, not just pretty.
Installation is a separate chapter. If the space is regular and the wall is in good condition, installation can cost between €400 and €800. But if you need structural reinforcements, wall repairs, special anchors, or prior carpentry work, be prepared for an additional €1,000 to €2,000. Some companies include installation in the total budget; others charge it separately. This is a question you should ask explicitly when requesting the quote.
There are hidden factors that many clients do not anticipate. If your room has a column, a chimney, or any irregularity, the price goes up. Wardrobes in corners or in spaces under sloped ceilings require more expensive custom solutions. Prior renovations, such as repairing moisture, changing sockets, or moving ducts, can double the budget. This is especially important in bathrooms and kitchens.
The finish of the sides also influences the price. If the wardrobe reaches the wall and needs integrated side finishes, it adds €300 to €600. If you paint it the same colour as the wall, it visually disappears but costs money. Handles and hardware, which may seem like minor details, represent between €150 and €400 depending on the quality you choose.
A realistic budget for a medium-sized bedroom includes: structure and doors (€2,000 to €3,500), functional interior (€800 to €1,500), installation (€400 to €1,000). This gives you a range between €3,200 and €6,000, which is where most people end up investing. If you work with specialized companies of recognized brands, add 30 to 50 percent more.
There are ways to save without losing quality. Choose simple but durable materials: good brand medium-density particle board is perfectly valid. Simplify the interior: you don’t need complex systems if you are honest about how you organize your clothes. Hinged doors are cheaper than sliding ones and work just as well in normal spaces. Avoid unnecessary special finishes: a good paint colour on white melamine or oak doors will surprise you.
The budget also depends on where you live. In large cities, labour costs increase by 20 to 40 percent. Local companies or small carpentry workshops are usually 15 to 25 percent cheaper than large companies, although they require more personal oversight in the process.
My advice: always ask for at least three detailed quotes that break down each element. Don’t just compare the final price, but what each offer includes. There are quotes that seem cheaper because they do not include installation, professional measurement, or hardware. Also ask about warranty: good built-in wardrobes come with a warranty of between 2 and 5 years, depending on the manufacturer.
Custom built-in wardrobes are an investment that lasts decades if done right. They are not an unnecessary expense: it is investing in daily quality of life, in having your clothes organized, in having your room breathe order. If the budget scares you, negotiate: there is often room for adjustments without compromising the final quality. But don’t fall into the temptation of the cheapest: low-quality wardrobes will show their flaws within five years.
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