How much does it cost to decorate a house in Dubai?

Decorating a house in Dubai is an exciting yet challenging endeavor, particularly when it comes to budgeting. The vibrant, multicultural city is known for its luxurious lifestyle, modern architecture, and eclectic interiors. However, whether you're looking to create a budget-friendly space or a high-end designer home, understanding the costs involved in decorating a house in Dubai is essential.

In this article, we will explore the key factors that affect the cost of home decoration in Dubai, provide cost estimates for different property types, and offer tips for both budget-friendly and luxury decorating. Whether you're furnishing an apartment, a villa, or a townhouse, this guide will help you navigate the financial aspects of decorating your dream home.

Factors affecting the cost of home decoration

Before diving into the actual costs, it’s important to understand the various factors that influence how much you’ll spend on decorating a home in Dubai. Here are the primary aspects that can significantly impact your budget:

Size and type of property

The size and type of your property are major determinants of how much you’ll need to spend on decoration. A studio apartment will naturally cost less to decorate than a sprawling villa. The larger the space, the more furniture, lighting, accessories, and labor you will need. Villas, townhouses, and larger homes typically require more elaborate designs and materials, which further drive up costs.

For instance, the cost of decorating a one-bedroom apartment in Dubai could range from AED 20,000 to AED 50,000, while a luxury villa may cost upwards of AED 500,000 depending on the complexity and style.

Style and complexity of design

The style you choose—be it minimalist, contemporary, or classic—plays a huge role in the overall cost. Simple, modern designs tend to be less expensive than ornate, classical interiors that require custom-made furniture, intricate detailing, and high-end materials. If you're aiming for a more elaborate theme, such as a traditional Arabic or European-style decor, expect the price to be higher due to the additional craftsmanship involved.

For example, a simple contemporary design for a three-bedroom villa may cost around AED 100,000, while a lavish, opulent design could push the price to AED 1 million or more.

Choice of materials and furnishings

Materials make a significant difference in home decoration costs. The choice between luxury and budget materials can influence the final price dramatically. Imported materials, high-end designer furniture, and bespoke pieces will increase your budget, while locally sourced materials and furniture from popular retail stores can help you save.

Flooring options, paint finishes, wall treatments, and the type of furniture you select are critical components that determine the final expenditure. High-quality marble floors, for example, can be much more expensive than ceramic tiles or laminate, and custom-made furniture will add thousands to the bill compared to mass-produced alternatives.

Average costs for decorating different types of homes

Depending on your property type, the costs of decorating can vary significantly. Below, we break down the typical price ranges for decorating different homes in Dubai:

Cost to decorate an apartment

Decorating an apartment in Dubai, whether it's a studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom, tends to be more affordable compared to larger properties like villas. The average cost for a full decoration of a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from AED 20,000 to AED 70,000. This estimate includes furniture, wall treatments, flooring, lighting, and accessories.

For a two-bedroom apartment, the costs range between AED 50,000 and AED 120,000, depending on the level of luxury you're aiming for.

Villa decoration costs

Villas are larger, more complex properties that often require a more extensive and detailed decoration approach. For a three-bedroom villa, you can expect to spend anywhere between AED 100,000 and AED 300,000 for a mid-range design. If you prefer a more luxurious and custom approach, this figure can easily surpass AED 500,000 or even reach AED 1 million, depending on the materials and design complexity.

The costs for a five-bedroom luxury villa can start at AED 200,000 and go up to AED 1.5 million for top-tier finishes, high-end furniture, and bespoke decor.

Budget-friendly decoration tips

Not everyone is looking to splurge on high-end decor, and luckily, there are plenty of ways to achieve a stylish and functional home on a budget. Here are some practical tips for decorating your home in Dubai without breaking the bank:

Affordable furniture and decor options

Dubai offers a variety of furniture stores that cater to different budgets. From affordable brands like IKEA and Home Centre to mid-range options like The One and Pan Emirates, you can find furniture that suits your style without stretching your wallet. Additionally, Dubai is home to several local markets where you can purchase unique decor pieces at reasonable prices.

For budget-conscious buyers, consider looking for second-hand or pre-loved furniture from online platforms like Dubizzle or Facebook Marketplace. These platforms often offer high-quality furniture at a fraction of the cost.

DIY decoration vs hiring professionals

If you're creatively inclined and have the time, DIY decoration can save you significant money. Simple projects such as painting walls, assembling furniture, or creating your own artwork can help personalize your space without the need to hire professionals.

However, for more complex tasks such as electrical work, custom carpentry, or major renovations, it’s recommended to hire professionals. In these cases, cutting costs by attempting a DIY approach could lead to costly mistakes in the long run.

Luxury home decoration costs in Dubai

For those looking to indulge in high-end, luxury decor, Dubai is the perfect city to explore opulent options. With some of the best interior designers and luxury furniture brands available, the possibilities for creating a lavish home are endless.

High-end furniture and designer brands

Luxury decor often involves sourcing premium furniture from top global designers. In Dubai, brands like Roche Bobois, Armani Casa, and Fendi Casa are popular among homeowners who seek exquisite, high-quality furniture. These brands come with premium price tags, with sofas alone costing anywhere from AED 30,000 to AED 200,000.

In addition to international brands, Dubai is home to several bespoke furniture designers who can create custom pieces tailored to your home. Customization adds uniqueness but can significantly increase costs compared to mass-produced items.

Customized and bespoke interior design

Bespoke interior design allows homeowners to create personalized spaces with custom furnishings, lighting, and artwork. Many luxury interior design firms in Dubai specialize in this service, working closely with clients to understand their vision and bring it to life. The cost of such services can range from AED 200,000 to AED 2 million, depending on the scale of the project and the designers involved.

Customized interiors also involve the use of premium materials such as Italian marble, silk drapery, and solid wood furniture, which add to the overall expense.

Top home decoration services 

Dubai is home to many reputable interior design companies that cater to different tastes and budgets. When choosing a decorator, it's essential to consider their experience, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients.

How to choose the right interior designer

When selecting an interior designer, look for someone who understands your vision and can work within your budget. Review portfolios and ask for references from past projects. Some designers specialize in certain styles, so it's crucial to ensure their aesthetic matches what you're looking for.

Most interior design companies in Dubai offer consultation services, where they provide initial sketches or 3D renderings of the project. This can help you visualize the final look and avoid costly changes later on.

What to expect from Dubai-based decorators

Interior designers in Dubai typically offer full-service packages that include design consultation, sourcing of materials, furniture selection, and project management. Depending on the size of the project, the design process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Top-tier design firms may also collaborate with architects, lighting specialists, and landscape designers to create a cohesive and harmonious home design. Their fees can range from a percentage of the total project cost (typically 10-20%) to a flat design fee.

Cost comparison of home decoration in Dubai vs other regions

Decorating a home in Dubai can be more expensive compared to other regions, particularly due to the city’s luxury lifestyle and the high demand for premium materials and services. Here's how Dubai compares to other cities:

How Dubai pricing compares to other cities

Compared to cities like London, New York, and Singapore, Dubai’s home decoration costs are relatively on par, especially for luxury designs. However, in some cases, the availability of certain materials and the cost of importing furniture may make Dubai slightly more expensive than cities with a larger local furniture manufacturing base.

In contrast, decorating a home in cities like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur may be significantly cheaper due to lower labor costs and more affordable materials.

Factors that influence regional price differences

Several factors contribute to regional price differences in home decoration, including labor costs, material availability, and market demand. In Dubai, the cost of importing high-end materials and the expertise required for luxury projects can drive prices up.

Additionally, Dubai’s status as a global hub for design means that local designers often cater to international clients with larger budgets, contributing to higher overall costs.

FAQs about home decoration costs

Can I decorate a home in Dubai on a small budget?
Yes, it is possible to decorate a home in Dubai on a budget. By opting for affordable furniture and DIY projects, you can create a stylish space without overspending.

How much do luxury interior designers charge in Dubai?
Luxury interior designers in Dubai typically charge between 10-20% of the total project cost, with fees starting at AED 50,000 and going upwards depending on the project scale.

Do interior designers in Dubai provide free consultations?
Transform your home with the expertise of our interior design team. Whether you're looking for inspiration, guidance, or practical advice on any home furnishing project, our experts are here to help. Schedule easy meetings to rethink and rejuvenate your home’s interior.

What is the typical cost of furnishing a villa in Dubai?
Furnishing a villa in Dubai can cost anywhere between AED 100,000 for a modest setup to AED 1 million for a luxury design, depending on the materials and furniture chosen.