The Sassy Mama Guide To Where To Get Things Made in Dubai

From Curtains To Cabinets & Everything In Between, Here’s Where To Get Things Made

One of the things we love about Dubai? The fact that you can get almost anything made – whatever it is you want we can bet your bottom dirham that there’s a skilled craftsman/woman who can do it. We’ve done a little research and put together our Sassy Mama list of best places to get things made mamas!

Soft Furnishings & Upholstery
Picture Frames
Playhouses, treehouses and play structures
Carpets & Rugs
Table/linenware
Carpentry/Furniture
Mattresses
Home Accessories

Soft Furnishings & Upholstery

Al Raisi Furniture
The Sassy Mama team are big fans of this lovely chap Sathik whose company, Al Raisi Furniture, is our go-to for getting the windows blacked out and beautiful. Give Sathik and his team your budget and he’ll arrive promptly at your door with fabric samples to match – we love the natural linens and linen/cotton mix. He’s equally happy to work with whatever fabric you have purchased yourself and will give you measurements.

Curtains, roman blinds, venetian blinds – they can do it all. And the best part? You won’t be waiting for weeks, these guys are seriously snappy!

Telephone: +971 (0) 50 524 8502

Ikea
Good old Ikea – if you’re not looking for anything too complicated and need a guarantee that prices won’t spiral, this is the place to go! With fabrics ranging from plain to patterned, there’s something for every area – plus they can black-out and alter their pre-made curtains. Too easy.

Azores Furniture
Good quality, decently priced and nice to deal with – ticks all the boxes mamas! These guys are also quite quick if time is a factor and can also get any of your old furniture re-upholstered and looking fab again and have got a good reputation for making made-to-fit covers to stop your outdoor furniture getting sun damaged.
Telephone: (+971) (0) 4 349 3323

Sense Furnishings
Don’t be fooled by the basic interior, this store might look less than flash but stocks almost all of the good fabric books plus some gorgeous wallpapers – ooh and they make fabulous loose sofa covers if you’re looking to revamp a tired old couch. Ask for Asif or Faisal, both are brilliant at sorting your curtains, carpets, blinds and upholstery needs.
Telephone: (+971) (0) 4 394 877

Al Sharafi Upholstery
Stocking high-end soft furnishings and fabrics for curtains, blinds, cushions plus a super upholstery service – ask Mohamed to  breathe new life into your sofa or chair – he will diagnose and make-over based on your budget and taste. These pros have a giant stock of globally sourced fabrics and can also order in anything you want. The fabrics and the service can come to your home – and they’ll take away any furniture that needs a facelift and deliver again within a really reasonable timeframe. Not mega cheap but you get what you pay for here.
Telephone: (+971) (0) 4 349 6220

Picture Frames

Desert Frames
Have a family photo or piece of art by your budding little Picasso that needs framing? Head here and speak to Rachel who’ll guide you through a huge range of frames and mounts – and for a super quick turnaround (only 3 days for most framing – up to 6 days for big orders). Prices are really reasonable (start at approximately AED 40 for A4 size).

Hammad Co, Karama
Family owned and operated, the crew at Hammad Co can frame just about anything (their box frames are beautiful if you have an object to display), combining old techniques with modern technology and coming up with unique ideas if you’re looking to create an artsy abode. Our items were ready quickly and the prices were reasonable too – win/win!

Art House Dubai
If you’re looking for very high quality framing for all your special pics, Art House Dubai are pretty darn amazing at creating bespoke borders for everything from sports memorabilia to maps and anything in between. Get your piccies looking professional on canvas and then surrounded by a floating frame (yup, they do all that too).

Playhouses, treehouses and play structures

Cherwell
Cherwell is owned and run by gorgeous British mama Hannah and her husband Tom whose bespoke carpentry business specialises in custom made playhouses for children that look so gorgeous we could seriously consider living in one (check out ‘the cottage’ design on their website – a mini sized version of mamas dream home!). They also make custom made bunk beds, children’s furniture and storage solutions for your child’s playroom and bedroom as well as garden structures including pergolas, gazebos and storage chests to make the most of your outside space. All built to the very highest standards by a British master carpenter of course.

Moon Kids
From timber playhouses in a huge array of different sizes, designs, styles and colours, Moonkids can design and create anything from an individual play space to an entire village for your precious little peeps. They also do teepees, cushions, beanbags, furniture and much more. If you’re ever lucky enough to stay at the Zaya Nurai Island in Abu Dhabi – these guys are responsible for their dreamy kids play area. Oh why can’t we be little again?!

Carpets & Rugs

Mostafawi Stores
Sometimes tiles just won’t do (for any European mamas out there, having carpet underfoot is what makes a home). Mostafawi Furniture, Carpets & Curtains is the place to go if carpet is your thing – they can also create rugs of any size by binding carpet edges – ideal for making your space a little cosier.

From Jaipur With Love
Founded and run by stylish Dubai mama Elizabeth Morrison, From Jaipur With Love is a small company dedicated to sourcing the most beautifully hand crafted Dhurries from Rajasthan (just check out that amazing image above). Hand loomed by skilled artisans and made from 100% Indian cotton, any colour and size is available – give Elizabeth a colour swatch, picture of your room or fabric sample and she’ll be able to suggest and commission your ideal piece. From elegant greys to vibrant pinks – we’re more than a little obsessed by her latest offerings including carefully woven in gold and silver thread. There are also hemp versions that are as beautiful on your front porch as they are at the foot of the bed. We only wish we had more floor space! Available in Sauce Gifts or contact Elizabeth direct via the link above.

Table/linenware

The Linen Souk
One of our very favourite mama-run businesses in Dubai, The Linen Souk makes ridiculously gorgeous customised linenware, specialising in bespoke orders (weddings, baby showers, christenings, parties or just some pretty accessories for your home – founder Caroline has you covered).  Items range from embroidered linen invitation bags to jasmine cushions, personalised napkins and branded embroidered tableware for hotels and restaurants. We love the linen tea towels (ours are embroidered with camels), beautiful hand towels and personalised place-mats (and that’s just for starters).

Carpentry/Furniture

Safita, Al Quoz
A great place for wooden furniture and unusual pieces, Safita (opp the workshop side of the Toyota showroom) will also help you to revamp, paint or varnish an existing piece of furniture, making it look exactly as you wanted (great for transforming those dubizzle bargains).
Telephone: Venu, (+971) 50 679 7709

Al Jumeirah Carpentry
Got an awkward staircase or space that needs a baby (or dog) gate? Well these are the people to turn to. Feeling creative?  Design you own furniture and have them whip it up! The team can bring wood samples and stain colours to your home – all you need to do is choose (that’s the hard bit).
Telephone: Mr Aslam (+971 )4 338 3231, (+971) 50 652 7994

Pier Import, The Mazaya Center
A real treasure trove, this store is a fantastic mix of old and new with a similar feel to Marina or The One, tucked away in The Mazaya Center (read our guide here). Items range from custom made pieces (cupboards made to look like English telephone box anyone?), investment pieces including beautiful wall clocks, shabby chic style chairs and tables and everyday essentials with a difference. If you see something you like but need it amended, they can do that – and if you have a piece of furniture you’re seriously coveting but just can’t find anywhere, these guys can make it for you. Sofas, chairs, bed frames – you name it, they can do it.

Psst… Pier Import also offer an interior design service if you want help with redoing your pad!

Mattresses

We know how personal choosing a mattress is – you like it firm, hubby likes it soft – and as for the kids, they need something to support their growing bods. While we’re huge fans of the Ikea versions there’s nothing like getting a customised version to get a really good nights sleep (music to a mamas ears). Serta, Silent Night and even Carrefour will help you do just that.

Home Accessories

Just head to Ripe Market or browse one of Dubai’s many online community forums and you’ll find a whole heap of mega talented mamas with amazing creative skills. From personalised bunting to cushions, quilts to toys and loads more, we’ve chosen a few of our recent finds to share with you below.

Titania Tents
Once you see these enchanting bespoke garden tents, shades, umbrellas and even teeny tents for the tots you’ll want one – or two – we guarantee it (see image above). Made using stunning Indian textiles, the mama behind this amazing company (Anouk) can get orders customised according to your every wish.

Crocheted Home Items by Sharky Knows
A self-proclaimed crochet addict, this mama is super nifty with a needle, making unique baby blankets and other crochet items in stunning patterns and colours.

The Corner Shop
Handmade rugs, accessories and roundies (that’s a round beach towel by the way) – the perfect place to pick up something beautiful for you and your home – not necessarily bespoke but so unique that we just had to include.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April, 2015, and has been updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.