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Cheap DIY Built-In Wardrobes in the UK: Best Budget Options for 2025
Built-in wardrobes are one of the smartest ways to maximise bedroom storage. They can transform an empty wall or awkward alcove into a stylish and practical space. But fitted wardrobes often come with a hefty price tag. Bespoke installations can easily cost several thousand pounds. Luckily, if you’re willing to go the DIY route, there are plenty of affordable options available across the UK. With flat-pack kits, modular systems, and a little creativity, you can achieve a seamless built-in look for a fraction of the price.
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Homebody Hacks
10/1/20253 min read
Why DIY Built-In Wardrobes Are the Best Budget Choice
DIY fitted wardrobes are popular because they let you control the budget while still achieving a tailored look. By starting with flat-pack kits or modular systems, you can adapt standard pieces to fit your space. Adding finishing touches like MDF panels, skirting boards, or coving, gives that bespoke, floor-to-ceiling effect without the premium cost.
When shopping for budget wardrobes, keep these factors in mind:
Size: Larger wardrobes with multiple sections will cost more.
Finish: Simple slab or shaker doors are usually cheaper than mirrored or sliding options.
Extras: Internal drawers, lighting, and fittings all push the price up.
Cheapest Wardrobe Kits Available in the UK
If you’re looking for an entry-level fitted wardrobe, flat-pack kits are the best place to start. Retailers such as Trading Depot offer single-door wardrobe kits with shelves or rails for around £270 to £340. Double wardrobes, which provide more storage space, sit closer to around £400 to £500, but they’re still a bargain compared to custom-fitted furniture.
These kits arrive flat-packed and can be built into alcoves or boxed in with panels to create that fitted look. They’re ideal if you want something functional and simple without breaking the bank.
Best Modular Wardrobes for a DIY Fitted Look
For a more flexible solution, modular wardrobes are the way to go. IKEA’s PAX system is by far the most popular option in the UK. A typical PAX combination with BERGSBO doors costs around £120 to £300, depending on how many doors you have. With some clever trimming and painting, you can turn it into a made-to-measure feature. Many DIY enthusiasts share their IKEA hacks online, showing how they’ve built PAX wardrobes into alcoves or across entire walls for under £1,000.
Affordable Sliding Wardrobes in the UK
Sliding-door wardrobes are a great choice for smaller bedrooms because they save space. The most affordable option right now is the Argos Home Nova two-door sliding wardrobe, priced at around £160. Spaceslide also offers sliding wardrobe kits from £497, with wider three-door systems starting at £572.
With a bit of DIY boxing-in, these sliding wardrobes can look like custom-fitted furniture at a fraction of the cost.
Budget-Friendly Open Wardrobe Systems
If you like the idea of an open wardrobe, there are several budget-friendly systems on the market. The Sweeek open rail and drawer unit, available from around £169, is a flexible option that can be boxed in or left exposed for a contemporary look. Storagemaker also sells open wardrobe systems from between £100 to £200, which work well as a starting point for DIY projects.
How Much Do DIY Built-In Wardrobes Really Cost?
The cost of a DIY wardrobe depends on how much work you’re willing to do yourself. As a rough guide:
Small alcove wardrobes with simple doors can cost as little as £200–£500.
Mid-sized wardrobes (two to three metres wide) typically fall in the £800–£1,500 range.
Bespoke fitted wardrobes installed by professionals usually cost £2,000 to £5,000+, making DIY a far more affordable option.
Final Tips for Creating Affordable Built-In Wardrobes
If you want a fitted look without overspending, keep it simple. Start with affordable kits or modular wardrobes from IKEA, Argos, or Spaceslide. Then add your own DIY touches like filler panels, skirting, or crown moulding to give them a bespoke finish.
By mixing budget-friendly products with a bit of DIY effort, you can achieve beautiful built-in wardrobes that cost hundreds, not thousands.
FAQs About Affordable DIY Built-In Wardrobes in the UK
If you’re just starting your search for affordable built-in wardrobes, you probably still have a few questions about costs, options, and the best places to buy. To make things easier, we’ve pulled together some of the most common questions people ask about DIY fitted wardrobes in the UK, along with clear, budget-friendly answers.
What is the cheapest DIY built-in wardrobe in the UK?
The cheapest DIY wardrobes are flat-pack kits from retailers like Argos and Trading Depot. Prices start from around £160 for a sliding-door wardrobe or £270 for a simple single-door kit.
Are IKEA PAX wardrobes good for DIY built-ins?
Yes. IKEA’s PAX system is one of the most popular DIY solutions. With prices from about £120 to £300, plus some MDF panels and trims, you can easily create a fitted look for under £1,000.
How much do DIY built-in wardrobes cost compared to bespoke ones?
DIY wardrobes can cost as little as £200–£500 for a small alcove, or £800–£1,500 for a larger fitted wall. In comparison, bespoke fitted wardrobes from professionals usually cost £2,000–£5,000+.
Where can I buy affordable DIY wardrobes in the UK?
Popular budget-friendly retailers include IKEA, Argos, B&Q, Spaceslide, and Trading Depot. Each offers kits, sliding wardrobes, or modular systems that can be adapted for a built-in look.
How do I make a freestanding wardrobe look built-in?
You can box in a freestanding wardrobe with MDF panels, skirting boards, and coving, then paint to match your walls. This creates a seamless, built-in finish at low cost.