Wardrobes and almirahs — price, types and what to check
Sliding and hinged wardrobes, walk-ins, steel almirahs, lofts.
Storage is the first thing Indian families run out of. Built-in wardrobes use every inch up to the ceiling; steel almirahs remain the go-to for safes, documents and jewellery.
The basics
- Custom wardrobes are priced per sq ft of front (shutter) area; ready-made ones per piece.
- Standard depth is about 2 ft; sliding shutters need slightly more depth for tracks.
- Steel almirahs (Godrej-style) come with a locker and are fire- and pest-resistant.
Wardrobes and almirahs types and price ranges in India
| Type | Specification | Best used for | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinged wardrobe (custom, laminate) | BWR/BWP ply | Bedrooms | ₹1,200–2,500 |
| Sliding wardrobe (custom) | Aluminium track | Tight bedrooms | ₹1,600–3,500 |
| Acrylic / PU / glass shutter wardrobe | Premium finish | Luxury bedrooms | ₹2,500–5,000 |
| Ready-made 3-door wardrobe | Engineered wood | Rentals, quick setup | ₹15,000–60,000 |
| Steel almirah | With locker, 6.5 ft | Valuables and documents | ₹12,000–35,000 |
| Walk-in wardrobe | Open shelving system | Large master bedrooms | ₹2,000–4,500 |
| Loft unit | Above wardrobe | Seasonal storage | ₹800–1,800 |
| Kids' wardrobe | Lower height | Children's rooms | ₹10,000–30,000 |
Quality checks before you accept delivery
- Carcass should be BWR or BWP ply, 18 mm, with edge-banding on every exposed edge.
- Open and close each shutter 20 times — hinges should be soft-close and stay aligned.
- Sliding doors should glide without jumping the track, even when pushed fast.
- Steel almirahs: check sheet thickness, lock brand and a smooth locker.
- Look inside for back panels of at least 6 mm and no gaps at the joints.
- Ask about the warranty on hardware separately from the carcass.
Pro tips
- Plan hanging space by clothing: 3.5–4 ft for shirts, 5 ft for long kurtas and sarees.
- Keep one drawer with a lock for valuables if you don't have an almirah.
- Take wardrobes to the ceiling, with a loft for suitcases.
- Add sensor LED strips inside deep wardrobes.
- On walls facing outside or near bathrooms, check for dampness and use BWP ply.
Mistakes to avoid
- MR-grade ply on a damp wall — it swells and warps.
- Mirrors glued on shutters without support.
- No ventilation, leading to musty smells in monsoon.
- Sliding wardrobes with cheap tracks that jam within a year.
- Almirah placed where it blocks a window or switchboard.
Where you can save
- Laminate outside and pre-laminated boards inside give the best value.
- Use open shelves in part of the wardrobe instead of drawers — drawers cost much more.
How much you need
Front area = width × height of shutters; lofts are measured separately.
Brands to know
Godrej Interio, Hettich, Hafele, Spacewood, Durian, Urban Ladder, Nilkamal, Century (ply)
Related materials
Modular kitchenCabinets, sinks, chimneys, hobs and storage.Sofas and seatingSofas, sectionals, recliners, sofa-cum-beds, diwans and swings.ChairsDining, office, study, accent, plastic and bar chairs.Beds and mattressesSingle, double, queen and king beds, storage beds, bunks and mattresses.TablesDining, study, coffee, side, console and foldable tables.TV units and storageTV cases, shoe racks, bookshelves, crockery units, pooja mandirs, dressers.