NOVARS Journal · Custom closet planning
By NOVARS ·
Custom Closet Cost: Why Same-Size Wardrobes Have Different Prices
Two wardrobes can fit the same space and cost different amounts. The door finish, drawers, accessories and installation all affect the price. Comparing those choices is more useful than comparing dimensions alone.
Here is one NOVARS design with several door options, followed by a short checklist you can use when comparing quotes for your own home.
One wardrobe, five door options
The wardrobe is planned for a space 58 inches wide, 112 inches high and 22 inches deep. Each option keeps the same starting layout: hanging space, shelves, two drawers and upper storage.
| Door option | What it looks like | Preliminary whole-wardrobe price* |
|---|---|---|
| EGGER woodgrain TFL | A wood-look finish with a textured surface. | $3,790 |
| Natural oak veneer | Flat doors with a real oak surface. | $5,132 |
| Solid-wood frame | Framed doors with a solid-wood border. | About $6,900 |
| Textile-look insert | A slim frame with a woven-look decorative panel. | $4,661 before any unconfirmed insert surcharge |
| Glass doors | Glass-front storage with a choice of frame and glass. | Quoted after selection |
*Prices are for this complete wardrobe example, updated November 2, 2026. Installation is excluded. Final selections, delivery and applicable taxes can change the total. These figures are examples, not a general price list.
The textile-look option still needs a confirmed price for its decorative insert. The $4,661 estimate uses a standard-glass base price, so it is not a final quote for the finish shown.
Design illustrations, not installed furniture. TFL and veneer share a model view to show the door shape; compare actual samples for color and texture.
How the door finish changes the price
Woodgrain TFL gives this design a wood look at the lowest price among the priced options shown. It is a decorative surface on a furniture board. Natural veneer uses a thin layer of real wood. A solid-wood frame adds a shaped border around the door; the center in this example is oak veneer.
Choose the look you want to see every day, then compare physical samples. Pay attention to the color, texture and edges. A screen cannot show exactly how a finish will look in your room. Even matching board and edging can vary slightly, as EGGER explains in its product guidance.
Drawers and accessories also affect closet cost
The wardrobe shown already includes two drawers. Adding more drawers, pull-out baskets, a pants rack or jewelry organizers changes the price, even if the doors stay the same.
Start with a list of what you need to store. Long coats need hanging space; folded sweaters may work well on shelves; smaller items may be easier to organize in drawers. Choose accessories for a specific use. There is little reason to pay for a pull-out you will rarely open.
When comparing drawer options, ask how many are included and whether they have the opening and soft-close features you want. You do not need to choose every hardware part yourself, but the quote should make clear what you are getting.
What to consider with glass doors
Glass doors make the contents part of the room's appearance. Decide whether you want clear or tinted glass, which items will be visible and whether you want lighting.
The price depends on those selections. Ask for glass doors and optional lighting to be priced separately so you can decide whether each addition is worth it. The glass option for this wardrobe has not yet been priced.
Where you can simplify the budget
In this example, choosing TFL keeps the starting storage layout while reducing the cost compared with the veneer and solid-wood frame options. If the framed doors are the part you love, keep them and review how many accessories you actually need.
Ask for two versions of the same design: one with your preferred choices and one with a simpler finish or fewer accessories. Keep the dimensions and included services the same so the comparison is useful.
A checklist for comparing custom closet quotes
- Size and layout: are both quotes for the same wardrobe, with the same doors, shelves and hanging space?
- Finish: which door and interior finishes are included? Have you seen samples?
- Drawers and accessories: how many, and with which features?
- Glass and lighting: are they included or priced as extras?
- Services: does the price include measurements, design, delivery and installation?
- Total: are taxes and any items still awaiting a price clearly listed?
An open closet organizer and a wardrobe with full doors include different work. Compare the same type of furniture before deciding which quote offers better value.
Common questions about custom closet pricing
Can I use these prices to estimate my own wardrobe?
They show how choices affect one design. Your dimensions, storage needs, finish and installation requirements will determine your own estimate.
Why can a simple-looking wardrobe still cost more?
Much of the work is behind the doors. Extra drawers, interior finishes, hardware and installation can raise the total without making the outside look more elaborate.
Does a more expensive material always make a better wardrobe?
The right choice depends on the look you want, how you use the storage and your budget. Compare samples and the complete proposal before choosing.
Plan a wardrobe for your home
Send NOVARS photos of the space, approximate dimensions and a list of what you need to store. We can discuss the door options and interior layout together.
NOVARS offers custom cabinetry fabrication and installation in New York and New Jersey. Remote cabinetry design is also available across the U.S. if you plan to work with your own cabinetmaker.
Discuss your wardrobe project · Explore closets and built-ins
Planning around a sloped ceiling or a narrow opening? Read Custom Closets for Awkward Spaces.