How Much Does it Cost to Become an Interior Designer?

The cost of becoming an interior decorator can vary.

Multiple programs and certificates are offered for this type of career depending on your goals and academic budget.

Less intense and less costly than pursuing a degree in interior design, you can learn the critical phases of decorating and working with customers.

Find your level of desired career growth and match it to the programs below.

Decorating Event Interior Decorator Classes

Most areas offer interior decorator courses through technical institutions.

Here you can find more extensive teachings that can lead to interior design.

The basics include:

Color and fabric selection for furniture
Window treatments
Type of flooring
Appropriate lighting
Blended accessories

Other courses can then be added depending on your expertise desired in space design, floor plans, and more.

Online Interior Decorator Courses

Online classes have made it possible for students to work at their own pace from the comfort of their homes.

This is a great way to hold down a full-time job while pursuing your career passions.

Online decorator courses can range from $380 for a 6-week program to $1200 for a 9-month career diploma.

The amount of knowledge extended is frequently the price difference.

For example, while most courses teach the fundamentals in

Home Staging Classes

A home staging education takes the best of interior decorating and critiques into a workshop that can be 3 or 4 days long.

Here, points are taught about smart decorating and the perfect presentation for staging a home.

This information can be very useful to professional decorators or real estate agents hoping to expand their knowledge of making a home more desirable for show.

If you have a good sense of color and style, taking your skills to the next level of beautifying a home can be very lucrative.

Both online and classroom learning can be found.

This type of home decorating training can cost $1500 to $2000.00.

Certifications in Interior Decorating

If you are starting independently as an interior decorator, collecting various certifications can be worthwhile in achieving the right working tools.

According to the NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), over 75% of all customers choose professionals with some certification or licensing in their area of expertise.

While this type of recognition may not be mandatory in your state, this step can set you apart from competitors.

These are some of the specialty categories available to interior decorators to further expertise in particular areas:

American Lighting Specialist
Certified Remodeler Associate
LEED Green Associate

The additional knowledge given by specific organizations, like the American Lighting Association, can also place you above the curve in maintaining your know-how in new and improved products and safety features introduced.

American Lighting Specialist

Earning an LS (Lighting Specialist) certificate will show your clients the lengths that you are willing to take to understand their needs.

The cost of this program can begin with training manuals and end with a completion exam of around $600.

Certified Remodeler Associate

A Remodeler Associate certificate is earned by taking an exam that is offered by the NARI.

They offer 60 different webinars where you can learn the development and regulations of the remodeling industry.

From kitchen and bath decorator to design plan management, you will learn skills to advance your career.

LEED Green Associate

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a growing organization that keeps decorators, remodelers, and home builders in the know for making indoor space greener and more sustainable.

Handbooks and exams are available for a total cost of $499.