Here’s a clear and data-backed breakdown of the labor cost involved in interior design in India, particularly in metro areas like Delhi:
Labor Cost Breakdown (Carpentry & Woodwork)
According to InteriorAtoZ (August 2025), the typical labor charges for custom carpentry elements in India are:
- Wardrobe: ₹250 – ₹450 per sq ft
- TV Unit: ₹300 per sq ft
(Gurgaon Interior Designers)
These rates are indicative of skilled labor—covering design, fabrication, and installation of modular or custom furniture.
Total Labor Cost (All Services Included)
For a more comprehensive view, consider estimates from FABDIZ for a 3 BHK project in Bangalore (which can be used as a reference in other metro markets):
- Painting: ₹10 – ₹20 per sq ft
- False Ceiling: ₹25 – ₹40 per sq ft
- Basic Carpentry: ₹150 – ₹250 per sq ft
- Custom Storage/Cabinetry: ₹350 – ₹500 per sq ft
This places the overall labor cost at ₹500 – ₹1,800 per sq ft depending on the level of customization and finish quality.
(FABDIZ)
Per Square Foot (Design Fees vs Labor)
Beyond labor, designers may also charge for their design services—planning, 3D renders, procurement, and project management:
- Design Fees (Delhi NCR): ₹250 – ₹1,000 per sq ft
(Gouri Ekmeet Designs)
Real-world Insight from Reddit (Delhi Context)
An interior design enthusiast on Reddit shared:
“50–300 ₹/sq ft. If turnkey then 1,800–2,500 ₹/sq ft.”
(Reddit)
This reflects:
- Design-only or labor-only packages: ₹50–300 per sq ft
- Full turnkey projects (design + labor + materials): ₹1,800–2,500 per sq ft
Labor Cost Summary Table
| Scope of Work | Estimated Labor Cost |
|---|---|
| Custom Wardrobe Carpentry | ₹250 – ₹450 per sq ft |
| TV Unit Carpentry | ₹300 per sq ft |
| Comprehensive Labor (3 BHK, all services) | ₹500 – ₹1,800 per sq ft |
| Design Fee (Delhi NCR) | ₹250 – ₹1,000 per sq ft |
| Turnkey Interior (Design + Labor + Execution) | ₹1,800 – ₹2,500 per sq ft |
Final Takeaway
- For just labor (e.g., carpentry): Expect around ₹250–500 per sq ft, depending on the complexity.
- For full-service turnkey execution: The total cost (including labor, materials, and design) typically ranges from ₹1,800 to ₹2,500 per sq ft in top metro areas like Delhi.
Would you like a sign-based visual breakdown distinguishing between labor-only, design fees, and full turnkey costs for a typical Delhi household?