Interior Design Cost in Bangladesh: The 2025 SFT Rate & Budget Guide

In 2025, the Dhaka interior design cost in market is facing a unique challenge. With Bangladesh’s inflation rate hovering around 9–10%, the cost of raw and imported interior materials has increased significantly—specifically imported timber, high-grade boards, and metal fittings—the “hidden cost” phenomenon has become the #1 complaint for homeowners in areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Bashundhara.

At Sunlit, we’ve realized that the most beautiful design is worthless if it breaks the bank halfway through execution. Here is a look at the current cost landscape in Dhaka and how our transparent model puts BDT 3,00,000 to BDT 5,00,000 back in your pocket on a standard 2,000 sqft project.

Table of Contents

The Current Cost Landscape in Dhaka (2025)

The average cost for professional interior design in Dhaka currently ranges from BDT 1,200 to BDT 4,500 per square foot. For a standard 1,600–2,200 sqft apartment, the total investment typically falls between BDT 18 Lakh and BDT 35 Lakh, depending on material density and customization.

Budget Tier Breakdown

 

Category

Cost Range (per SFT)

Ideal For…

Essential/Minimalist

BDT 1,200 – 1,600

Rental properties or functional family homes.

Contemporary Premium

BDT 1,800 – 2,800

High-end apartments in Uttara, Mirpur DOHS.

Ultra-Luxury / Luxe

BDT 3,500 – 4,500+

Luxury Villas in Gulshan & Baridhara.

Why "Low Quotes" are Dangerous in 2025

Many firms in Bangladesh offer an enticingly low initial quote to secure a contract. However, these often exclude:

  1. Hidden Supervision Fees: Often added as a 10-15% “service charge” later.

  2. Material Substitution: Quoting for Marine Plywood but using Commercial Grade to save on their margins.

  3. Inflation Volatility: Most firms do not “lock” prices, meaning your 20 Lakh budget can swell to 23 Lakh if board prices rise during execution.

How Sunlit Saves You 15%

Our “Transparent Pricing Architecture” is built on three pillars that directly counter the inefficiencies of the traditional Dhaka design-build model:

1. Eliminating the “Agent Commission” Culture

Many designers in Dhaka rely on commissions from hardware and furniture vendors. This incentivizes them to recommend more expensive materials. Sunlit operates on a Direct-to-Manufacturer model. We pass our corporate discounts for materials like Action Tesa boards or Hafele fittings directly to you.

2. Precision 3D Estimation

We use advanced BIM (Building Information Modeling) during the design phase. This allows us to calculate the exact number of boards, liters of paint, and meters of wiring needed. By reducing material wastage—which accounts for 8% of cost overruns in typical Dhaka projects—we keep your budget lean.

3. The “Inflation Lock” Guarantee

Material prices in Bangladesh fluctuate monthly. When you sign a contract with Sunlit, we “lock in” the material prices immediately through our inventory system. This protects you from the sudden price hikes in rod, cement, or imported finishes that often occur during the 3-4 month execution window.

Market Cost Breakdown vs. The Sunlit Advantage

 

Feature

Market Average (Hidden Markup)

Sunlit Transparent Pricing

Design Fee

10-15% of Total Project

Fixed Fee (No % based bias)

Material Sourcing

Retail Price + 10% Markup

Direct Factory Pricing

Hidden Contingency

15% “Safety Buffer”

0% (Precision Engineering)

Supervision

Daily/Weekly Charges

Integrated in Package

Essential Cost Components

Close-up of premium kitchen cabinet with marine plywood construction, Hafele hardware fittings and laminate finish in Bangladesh

When planning your 2025 budget, allocate your funds based on these three pillars:

  • Fixed Woodwork (50-60%): Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, and wall panelling.

  • Civil & Electrical (20%): False ceilings, lighting, tiling, and plumbing alterations.

  • Loose Furniture & Decor (20%): Sofas, curtains, and smart home IoT integration.

FAQ: Interior Design Cost in Dhaka (2025)

1. Why does my interior design budget in Dhaka increase halfway through the project?

In Dhaka, this usually happens due to hidden supervision fees, material substitutions, and inflation-related price changes. Many firms give a low initial quote but later add 10–15% service charges or change promised materials like marine plywood to cheaper commercial boards. Without a fixed price contract, rising import costs during 2025 can also push your budget beyond the original estimate.

2. What is a realistic per square foot (SFT) interior design cost in Dhaka in 2025?

In 2025, professional interior design in Dhaka typically costs between BDT 1,200 and BDT 4,500 per square foot. Minimalist homes usually stay within the lower range, while premium or luxury apartments in areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara fall into the higher brackets depending on materials and customization.

3. Are low interior design quotes in Dhaka a red flag?

Yes, extremely low quotes are often risky in 2025. They usually exclude key costs such as project supervision, quality hardware, or price protection against inflation. Homeowners often end up paying much more later when these “missing” costs are added during execution.

4. How can I protect my interior design budget from inflation in 2025?

The safest way is to work with a firm that offers an inflation lock guarantee. This means your project price stays fixed even if material prices or import duties rise during the execution period. Without this, a BDT 20 lakh project can easily increase to BDT 23 lakh or more within a few months.

5. How should I divide my interior design budget for a Dhaka apartment?

For a balanced and realistic 2025 budget in Dhaka, allocate 50–60% to fixed woodwork like kitchens and wardrobes, around 20% to civil and electrical work such as ceilings and lighting, and the remaining 20% to loose furniture and décor. This breakdown helps avoid overspending on one area while neglecting essentials.

Value Over Price

Price transparency isn’t just about being “cheap”—it’s about predictability. In a volatile economy, knowing exactly where every Taka is going allows you to invest more in the things that matter, like premium biophilic elements or smart home integrations. A well-designed apartment by an architect-led firm like Sunlit can increase the resale or rental value of a property by up to 25%.

 

Ready for a transparent breakdown of your space? Get a precision estimate using our visit our Dhaka studio for a consultation.

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