How much do fitted wardrobes cost to install? Get the lowdown
Budgeting for an ultra-practical bedroom storage solution? This is how much fitted wardrobes cost to install
Ruth Doherty
Asking the question how much do fitted wardrobes cost to install? Fitted wardrobe costs can eat up a large proportion of a bedroom remodel budget – but the spend will be more than worth it because of the gains you can make in terms of space.
Fitted wardrobes maximize storage whether they’re featured in walk-in closet ideas, or part of a bedroom floorplan, and the range of styles and materials makes getting the perfect look easy.
How much do fitted wardrobes cost to install?
A way to realize dressing room ideas or as part of the bedroom, fitted wardrobes can solve a whole host of bedroom storage issues.
‘There are many solutions to choose from yet, despite appearances, not all the offers are equal and different designs will utilize your space with varying degrees of efficiency,’ advises Rachal Hutcheson. ‘It is important to understand how each design makes use of the area and the types of construction used before committing.
'Choosing a reputable company that employs expert designers and consultants will make all the difference in the planning and purchasing process. Their experience in working in houses that present similar challenges can help you to arrive at a design that meets your preference in terms of style, as well as making the layout work for your unique needs.'
The cost of fitted wardrobes will be influenced by a variety of factors, including whether the design is a walk-in version, the materials from which it is made, and the choices made for the interior. The type of doors you choose will also determine the cost: sliding doors tend to cost less than hinged doors.
Also crucial is whether the wardrobe is made from prefabricated parts or it’s a completely bespoke fitted wardrobe.
What is the basic cost of fitted wardrobe installation?
As a starting point, how much fitted wardrobes cost to install depends on what type they are.
The average cost of fitted wardrobes ranges from $1,600 (£1,200) for a two-door wardrobe up to $20,000 (£15,0000 or more) if you are turning a room into a walk-in closet. Budget flat-pack fitted wardrobes can cost as little as $700 (£500), while a bespoke design may cost upwards of $8,000 (£6,000).
‘Fitted wardrobes usually cost between $1,000 and $3,000,’ agrees Volodymyr Barabakh, co-founder and project director of Fortress Home.
‘This assumes that the wardrobe is a reach-in rather than a walk-in,’ he continues. ‘For walk-in wardrobes we can double this price.’
A completely bespoke fitted wardrobe will cost more. ‘You can expect to pay from around $3,500 (£2,500) for bespoke fitted wardrobe installation,’ says global editor in chief of Homes & Gardens Lucy Searle.
‘But bear in mind that would be for a small design with a very simple interior. Prices can be much higher for larger designs, and more than basic shelving and a hanging rail inside.’
You will also need to factor in the cost of labor if you are hiring a professional to install fitted wardrobes. The average labor cost for wardrobe installation is normally around $270 to $415 (£200 to £300) per day, although rates can vary in different areas.
'When designing your wardrobes be sure to factor the size and requirements of your wardrobe into your budget; larger designs and awkward crevices need extra care and attention to design and create a quality product,' says Rachal Hutcheson.
'Similarly, prices can vary depending on the range and accessories you decide to opt for. Bespoke solutions, unique to your specifications, are a great way to make the most out of your space, but are more expensive than freestanding wardrobes.'
How does size impact on how much fitted wardrobes cost to install?
How much do fitted wardrobes cost to install according to their size? As you might expect, a smaller wardrobe will generally cost less to install than a larger version. With the materials and parts plus the labor, a small wardrobe might cost from around $1,000 or $1,500 (in the UK, from around £2,000) but a large version could be $5,000 or more (from £4,500 in the UK).
How do the materials chosen affect how much fitted wardrobes cost to install?
The materials from which a fitted wardrobe is made have a large influence on how much fitted wardrobes cost to install.
‘The most commonly used material for fitted wardrobes is wood, and of these the most affordable material is MDF with a laminate wooden finish,’ says Volodymyr Barabakh.
‘Plywood and cherrywood make for a sturdier wardrobe with a more luxurious finish but can increase the overall cost of materials used by 30 to 50 per cent.’
General contractor in NYC and Westchester Dylan Murray of Murray Craft Builders frequently works both with designers and directly with clients on custom fitted wardrobes. ‘For the exterior, it can be shop-sprayed lacquer or hand-painted plywood,’ he says. ‘Finished solid wood like curly maple is the priciest option.’
The materials used inside the wardrobe can result in a larger cost as well. ‘An interior trend we’ve been seeing is a painted interior with wallpaper on the back wall. This gets pricier especially depending on the kind of wallpaper the client requests,’ explains Dylan Murray.
How does internal configuration affect the cost of installation of fitted wardrobes?
While size does have an impact on the cost of a wardrobe, its internal configuration is also a hugely important factor, and one that can often be overlooked. Features such as shelves, drawers and other types of dividers contribute to the overall cost, explains Volodymyr Barabakh.
‘For every additional shelf or drawer you can expect to add $60 to $120 to the overall cost of the wardrobe,’ he says. In the UK, a drawer might cost from around £150 in a custom wardrobe interior.
‘Interior options can get pricey with more customization – the more drawers and custom pullouts (for jewelry or shoe storage, for example),’ says Dylan Murray. ‘Standard shelves and rods are the base. If customers want closet lighting ideas, electricity or even a safe for jewelry, of course that gets expensive.’
Are there any other factors that influence how much fitted wardrobes cost to install?
Be aware that the answer to the question how much do fitted wardrobes cost to install can also be subject to other considerations.
‘Sloped ceilings and alcoves mean more customization so that is more expensive,’ says Dylan Murray. ‘But built-in storage is a good way to maximize space for alcoves and nooks.’
Rachal Hutcheson agrees. 'Small or awkward spaces often need intelligent solutions to make the most of them, so consider curved corner rails, pull-out trouser rails, and pull-down hanging rails to ensure your wardrobe is as efficient as it can be,' she says, while acknowledging that these, of course, will add to the cost.
‘Another big factor that influences the cost of a fitted wardrobe is whether its installation affects the electrical wiring within your walls,’ says Volodymyr Barabakh. ‘The cost of adjusting this wiring is around $10 per square foot, so if there is a lot of rewiring needed then this can significantly push up the cost of the project.’ In the UK, for moving a socket or switch, expect to pay from around £150.
What are the benefits of fitted wardrobes?
Fitted wardrobes offer numerous benefits, particularly when it comes to making the most of your space. Because they are typically installed against a wall, they take up less floor space while providing tailored storage that can suit both small and large rooms. They are ideal for bedrooms and walk-in closets, helping to store clothing, shoes, and personal items while keeping clutter at bay. The result is a neater, more organized space that can also feel larger.
When it comes to maximizing storage efficiency, bespoke fitted wardrobes are especially effective. Designed to fit the exact contours of a room, they make use of every inch from wall to wall and floor to ceiling – including awkward corners, alcoves, or sloping ceilings. On average, a bespoke design can offer around 40% more storage space than standard fitted wardrobes, making them a thoughtful and intelligent investment in both practicality and style.
Do fitted wardrobes add value to a house?
Well-designed fitted wardrobes can add significant value to a home, particularly in smaller properties where extra storage is a real asset. They provide an attractive, functional solution while maximizing space, as they are typically installed flush against a wall.
Fitted wardrobes can also make bedrooms feel more spacious. By replacing freestanding wardrobes and incorporating drawers and internal storage, there’s less need for additional furniture such as chests of drawers, freeing up valuable floor space. With the right choice of materials and finishes, fitted wardrobes can enhance the overall style of a bedroom, adding both practicality and visual appeal – qualities that are sure to resonate with potential buyers.
How long do fitted wardrobes take to install?
Installing fitted wardrobes can be a relatively quick process for a professional. While planning and preparing shop drawings may take several weeks, the actual installation often only requires a few days, depending on the size of the wardrobe and the complexity of the internal layout. Projects may take slightly longer if adjustments to electrical wiring are needed.
