Interior Decorating vs. Interior Design
Are you passionate about transforming spaces and expressing creativity through color, furniture, and style? If so, a career in interior decorating or interior design could be the perfect fit for you!
While many people use these terms interchangeably, interior decorating and interior design are two distinct career paths—each offering exciting opportunities, unique training requirements, and fulfilling day-to-day work. Interior designers are trained to work on the structural and functional aspects of a space, in addition to visual elements. They may be involved in renovations, blueprint drafting, and space planning. Interior decorators focus on the visual and stylistic elements of a space, such as color palettes, furniture, textiles, and overall ambiance. Both professions require creativity and an eye for design, but the scope, training, and job responsibilities may differ.
Education and Training Requirements
There are no specific educational requirements to become an interior decorator or an interior designer. Online certification courses can prepare you for either profession and offer comprehensive training at a fraction of the cost of university or college programs. QC Design School's design certification courses can be completed in less than a year and provide you with career-ready training so you can either start your own business or begin working for an existing company.
Why Choose Interior Design?
Interior design allows you to work on large-scale projects—from full renovations to commercial spaces—where form meets function. You'll gain the technical and creative skills to:
- Redesign layouts
- Plan lighting and materials
- Ensure safety and accessibility
- Create mood boards and present cohesive design plans
- Collaborate with architects and engineers
- Transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones
If you're driven to create spaces that are not only beautiful but purposeful and impactful, interior design offers long-term career growth and versatility.
How Does Interior Decorating Compare?
Interior decorating is a great option for those who want to focus on styling without structural changes. However, it doesn't allow for modifying layouts, structural elements, or working on larger construction-based projects.
Interior Design Salary
Average Interior Designer's Salary
The average interior designer's salary in the United States is around $68,530 per year*, with experienced professionals earning even more. If you choose to start your own business, you have the freedom to create service packages, set your own rates and take on higher-paying clients. This flexibility opens the door to greater earning potential, long-term contracts, and the ability to scale your income as your skills and reputation grow.
*Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. April 2025. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/interior-designers.htm
Education Costs
The education costs to become an interior designer vary greatly depending on the path you choose. Taking an online certification course is a fast and affordable option, with most programs costing between $1,500 and $3,000 and taking under a year to complete. In contrast, the tuition for a 2- to 4-year college degree will range from $30,000 to $80,000 or more, depending on the school and location. While both paths can lead to rewarding careers, online courses offer a budget-friendly, flexible route for those eager to start working sooner.
Career Outlook
Regardless of which path you choose, it's important to know how much the industry is expected to grow over the next few years. The interior design industry is steadily growing, driven by urban development, changing lifestyles, and more investment in both homes and businesses.
In terms of employment, creative design professionals in the United States are projected to see a 4% growth in employment by 2028. This is the expected growth across all occupations, and is great news if you're looking to get started in the industry!
Enroll Online Today
Take the first step towards a rewarding career as an interior designer! Enroll with QC Design School today and earn your certification in three to six months.
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