Fitted Wardrobes in Dublin: Options, Costs and What to Expect

Irish homes are full of awkward spaces. Alcoves beside a chimney breast, sloped ceilings in attic rooms, box rooms where a freestanding wardrobe swallows half the floor. A fitted wardrobe makes the most of every one of them, and it's one of the most popular jobs we do.

If you're thinking about one, here's what to know before you start.

Why go fitted instead of freestanding?

1. You use every inch. A fitted wardrobe goes floor to ceiling and wall to wall, so there's no wasted space on top for dust to gather.
2. It fits awkward rooms. Alcoves, slopes, bulkheads and uneven walls are exactly where off the shelf furniture fails.
3. The inside works the way you do. Hanging space, shelves, drawers and shoe racks are laid out for what you actually own.
4. It looks like part of the house. A well built fitted wardrobe looks like it was always there.

Popular styles

1. Alcove wardrobes. Built into the spaces either side of a chimney breast. Very common in older Dublin homes and a great way to use space that's otherwise wasted.
2. Full wall wardrobes. One run of doors along a whole wall, often with hinged doors in a shaker style.
3. Sliding door wardrobes. A good choice where there isn't room for doors to swing open, such as in smaller bedrooms.
4. Under eaves and attic storage. Built to follow a sloped ceiling, so the low space at the edges of an attic room becomes useful storage.
5. Walk in wardrobes. Open shelving and hanging rails in a box room or dressing area.

Materials and finishes

Most bespoke wardrobes are built from MDF and then painted, which gives a smooth, solid finish in any colour you like. A painted finish suits most homes and is easy to touch up years later.

If you prefer the look of timber, real wood or wood veneer doors work well, especially in more traditional rooms. Inside, you can choose painted finishes or a hard wearing interior board that's easy to wipe clean.

The details make a big difference too: the style of the doors, the handles, whether you want a cornice at the top, and whether the skirting runs along the bottom to match the room.

Planning the inside

Before we build, it's worth thinking about what's going in:

1. How much long hanging space do you need for coats and dresses, and how much short hanging for shirts?
2. Do you want drawers inside, or will you keep a separate chest of drawers?
3. Where will shoes, bags and bulky items like suitcases go?
4. Would lighting inside the wardrobe help, especially in a dark alcove?

We'll talk through this at the site visit so the layout suits you, not just the space.

What affects the cost

Every fitted wardrobe is built to measure, so there's no fixed price list. The things that make the biggest difference are:

1. Size. How wide and how tall the wardrobe is, and how many doors it has.
2. Door style. Plain doors are simpler than shaker or panelled doors, and sliding doors need different hardware.
3. Finish. Painted MDF, veneer and solid timber all cost differently.
4. The inside. Drawers, shoe racks, pull out rails and lighting all add time and materials.
5. The room. Sloped ceilings, uneven walls and tight access take more work to get right.

The best way to get a real figure is a free site visit. We measure up, talk through what you want and give you a clear written quote.

Bespoke or flat pack?

Flat pack wardrobes are cheaper up front, and they're fine in a straightforward room. But they come in set sizes, so you usually end up with gaps at the top and sides, and they rarely suit alcoves or slopes. A bespoke wardrobe costs more, but it's built for your room and should last for decades.

How the job works

1. Free site visit. We look at the space, take measurements and talk through styles and layout.
2. Written quote. You get a clear quote so you know exactly what's included.
3. Build. Your wardrobe is made to measure for your room.
4. Fit. We install it, scribe it neatly to your walls and ceiling, and leave the room clean.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to fit a wardrobe? It depends on the size and design, but once everything is built, fitting a typical wardrobe usually takes a day or two. We'll give you a clear timeline with your quote.

Can you build a wardrobe in an alcove with uneven walls? Yes. Very few walls in Irish homes are perfectly straight, so every wardrobe is scribed to fit the room exactly.

Can I paint the wardrobe to match the room later? Yes. A painted finish can be repainted in future if you change your colour scheme.

Do you cover my area? We work across Dublin City, North Dublin, South Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare and Meath.

Get a free quote

If you're thinking about fitted wardrobes, ring us on 085 279 9413 or email info@smurrayscarpentry.ie to book your free site visit and written quote.