Short answer: to buy furniture and home décor in the UAE, measure your space and check the delivery route first, compare ready-made and custom options, ask about materials and warranty, confirm the total price with 5% VAT, delivery and assembly, and get the delivery date and return terms in writing.
Key takeaways
- Measure the room, doors, lifts and stairs before you order, so the piece can be delivered.
- Compare ready-made, made-to-order and custom furniture on price, lead time and quality.
- Check the materials, finish and warranty, and see samples where possible.
- Get the delivery date, assembly, returns and total price including VAT in writing.
Ready-made, made-to-order or custom?
| Option | Typical lead time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-made | Days | Quick setup and fixed budgets |
| Made-to-order | Several weeks | Choice of size, fabric or finish |
| Custom carpentry | Several weeks or more | Unusual spaces and built-in pieces |
What should you check before you order?
- Measurements of the space and of doors, lifts and corridors.
- The material: solid wood, veneer, engineered wood, metal or fabric, and the finish.
- Care instructions, especially for the heat and humidity of the UAE.
- Samples of fabrics, colours and finishes in daylight.
- Whether it is in stock or must be made, and the confirmed delivery date.
What should the quote and order confirm?
| Item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Price | Total including 5% VAT, delivery and assembly |
| Payment | Deposit, balance and when each is due |
| Delivery | Date, time window, floor and lift access |
| Returns | Policy for faulty, damaged or wrong items |
| Warranty | Length and what is covered |
What should you do on delivery?
Inspect the items before the delivery team leaves, note any damage or missing parts on the delivery note and take photos. Report problems to the shop in writing straight away and keep your invoice and order confirmation.
What are the red flags?
- A large upfront payment with no written order and delivery date.
- Samples that are very different from the finished item.
- No warranty or no clear returns policy.
- Unclear who pays for delivery, assembly and removal of packaging.
How do you find a furniture store in the directory?
Browse furniture and home décor businesses in the UAE and ask two or three for the same written quote.
Related guides: Hiring a Home Maintenance Company in the UAE · Renting and Managing Property in the UAE: What to Check · How to Choose a Building Materials Supplier in the UAE
Frequently asked questions
How long does custom furniture take?
Often several weeks, depending on the design and workshop schedule. Ask for the date in writing.
Is VAT included in furniture prices?
Check the quote. The standard 5% VAT should be shown clearly.
Can I return furniture?
Only if the shop’s returns policy allows it. Custom pieces are often non-returnable, so check before you order.
Who assembles the furniture?
Ask whether assembly is included in the price or charged separately.
Sources
This guide is general information. Consumer rights and shop policies vary, so confirm the terms in writing before you pay.
Related businesses: Furniture & Home Décor in the UAE
Winner Furniture
Al Nakhal Road, Ayesha Ahmad Majid Al Ghurair Building, Naif, Deira, Dubai, UAE
Al Safi Furniture Manufacturing
6B Street, Al Quoz Industrial 3, Dubai, UAE
Highmoon Office Furniture
Showroom No. 2-213, Umm Suqeim Street, Dubai, UAE
Hands Carpets – Dubai Design District
Building 9, D3 Street, Dubai Design District, Dubai, UAE
Majaless Curtains & Furniture
Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz Industrial 1, Dubai, UAE
The Red Carpet – Al Barsha
Umm Suqeim Street, Al Barsha 2, Dubai, UAE
Jaipur Rugs – Alserkal Avenue
17th Street, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, UAE
Future Stars Furniture
Naif Road, Khaled Abdul Raheem Building, Al Murar, Deira, Dubai, UAE