Why Fitted Furniture Costs More Than Flat-Pack Options

Most people ask this first: “Why is fitted furniture more expensive than something from IKEA or Sharps’ sale?” The short answer is simple: you’re not just paying for timber. You’re investing in furniture that is custom-built to fit your walls, ceilings, and the way you store things. Below, I’ll break down the factors that influence the cost of fitted furniture.

Understanding the Cost Factors

1. Room Shape and Scribing

Fitted furniture that spans wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling typically costs more than standalone units.

Why? London walls and ceilings are rarely straight. To achieve a perfect finish, the furniture must be constructed in-situ and scribed to the plaster, skirting, cornice, and sometimes even around window reveals and boxing. This process requires time and skill.

Cost increases when:

• The ceiling is wavy or uneven.

• There are numerous alcoves, nibs, or pipes to navigate.

• You desire a look that feels “built with the house.”

  
  

Cost decreases when:

• The design is a simple, straight run.

• The ceiling height is standard.

• There are no obstructions like boxing, pipes, or radiators.

  
  

▶️ This is one of the biggest differences between Swyft Services and flat-pack units: we build on site so your doors align perfectly and your shadow gaps remain tight.

2. Doors and Fronts (The Big Price Mover)

Your doors and drawer fronts account for a significant portion of the labour costs.

Shaker drawer fronts with brushed brass pulls and solid oak worktop - bespoke home office fitout in Surbiton

• Shaker doors (a popular choice): require more work, materials, and painting.

• Slab/plain doors: quicker to produce and slightly cheaper.

• Moulded/detailed doors: involve more time, paint, and sanding.

  
  

Painted MR MDF remains a favourite due to its high-end, smooth finish and ability to be colour-matched to brands like Farrow & Ball and Little Greene. However, this also means more finishing time and additional coats.

Cost increases when:

• You opt for numerous doors and small panels.

• You add beading, v-grooves, or face frames.

• You desire a factory-smooth paint finish.

  
  

Cost decreases when:

• You choose wider doors with simpler lines.

• You consider open shelving instead of doors.

• You limit the number of colour changes.

  
  

3. What’s Happening Inside the Unit

While the exterior is what catches the eye, the interior features significantly impact the price.

Cheaper interiors include:

• One hanging rail and one shelf.

• Open shelves.

• A simple shoe shelf.

  
  

More expensive interiors feature:

• Internal drawers (which require more materials and labour).

• Pull-outs or trays.

• Dividers and slanted shoe racks.

• Split hanging options (short and long).

• Integrated lighting.

  
  

Every additional internal feature adds steps: measuring, building, fitting, and adjusting. Clients appreciate these enhancements because they make the furniture work harder, but they do increase the overall quote.

4. Electrics, Lighting, and “Hidden” Work

Adding LED strips, puck lights, sockets in cupboards, and cable management for TVs, Sonos, Sky, and soundbars incurs extra joinery and electrical work.

Bespoke alcove units in Clapham, with hidden cables and integrated lighting

Cost increases when:

• You want cables hidden (which involves chasing, voids, and access hatches).

• You prefer recessed LED strips rather than simply “stuck on.”

• You want lighting controlled by a switch or dimmer.

• You desire integration with the rest of the room.

  
  

None of this is “just carpentry” anymore; it’s integrated furniture.

5. Materials and Finish Level

Most of our builds utilise MR MDF because it paints beautifully, remains stable, and is ideal for fitted furniture compared to standard MDF.

However:

• MR MDF, primed and painted → mid to premium.

• MDF with routed detail, sprayed to match F&B → premium.

• Hardwood/oak tops/veneered ply → premium-plus.

  
  

If you want oak worktops, oiled shelving, or a coloured interior, that will elevate the cost. Conversely, if everything is hidden and painted, it simplifies the process.

6. Access, Parking, and Site Conditions

This often-overlooked detail can significantly affect the cost of fitted furniture, especially in South West and central London.

If the job is in London, Wimbledon, Richmond, Surbiton, Kingston, Twickenham, or SW/KT postcodes, and parking is difficult, access is limited, or items must be carried up to a loft room, the labour time increases. Protecting floors, covering furniture, and working tidily in lived-in homes (which we always do) also adds time.

7. Who’s Doing the Work

There’s a notable difference between:

1. Buying a wardrobe.

2. Getting it installed.

3. Having it designed, built, and fitted on-site by the same person who quoted you.

   
   

When you choose a premium, in-situ service—not a volume, “stack ‘em high” service—you’re working with the same person from first visit to final finish. That’s what clients want, and that’s why it comes at a premium.

So… What Does Fitted Furniture Cost in South West London & Surrey?

• Alcove cabinets & shelves: from £1,200–£2,500 per side (design-dependent).

• Full-height fitted wardrobes: typically £2,500–£5,500+ per room, depending on doors, internals, and paint.

• Media walls/built-ins with lighting: usually £4,000+, often more due to electrics and plastering-level detailing.

  
  

When Not to Go Bespoke

Consider opting for off-the-shelf solutions if:

• The room is standard-sized.

• You simply need storage and don’t require perfection.

• Your budget is under £1,000.

• The property is a rental and you need something functional.

  
  

In these situations, buy something off the shelf, and we can help you enhance its appearance (with panels, scribing, and painting).

Why People Still Choose Bespoke

People choose bespoke solutions because:

• It fits the room perfectly.

• It matches the existing joinery in the house.

• Cables are hidden away.

• You can paint it to match the current woodwork.

• It adds value rather than clutter.

  
  

And, in our case, it’s backed by our Gold Standard Guarantee.

Thinking About Fitted Wardrobes or Alcove Cabinets?

Join hundreds of satisfied homeowners and download our free Design Guide for South West London & Surrey homes. This guide includes door styles, layouts, budgets, timelines, hardware tips, and more, such as:

• What really drives cost (with typical ranges).

• Layout ideas for alcoves, wardrobes, and home offices.

• Durable finishes and hardware — and how to choose wisely.

  
  

Get Your Free Design Guide (Instant PDF. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.)

Prefer to discuss your ideas? Book a Free Consultation.

Every Swyft Services installation is backed by our Gold Standard Guarantee: 10 years on craftsmanship, 12 months of free adjustments, and a flawless finish.