Difference Between Interior Designer and Interior Decorator

Difference Between Interior Designer and Interior Decorator

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Nov 12, 2024 07:50 PM IST | #B.Des

With the economic boom in India, everybody dreams of a home that is functional and cosy at the same time. Given such demands are increasing day by day, designers who can give the home a refined touch are in high demand. Many people are of the notion that interior decorators and interior designers are the same. However, both are different professions, but they work along the same lines. This article discusses the difference between interior design and interior decoration, skills of an interior decorator and a designer, degrees required and career in both.

This Story also Contains
  1. Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator
  2. Difference Between Interior Designer and Decorator - Highlights
  3. Interior Decorator vs Interior Designer: Qualification
  4. Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator Salary and Career Scope
  5. What Is Interior Decoration?
  6. How are Interior Decorators and Designers Paid?
Difference Between Interior Designer and Interior Decorator
Difference Between Interior Designer and Interior Decorator

Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator

The difference between interior design and interior decoration can be best understood by understanding what kind of job they do.

What Is Interior Designer?

Interior designers are those people who bring ambience and functionality to the same space within our home or office. They help us to reflect our personalities on our walls, furniture, and decor. A skilled interior designer has an eye for detail, an understanding mind that can bring the clients desires into their lifestyles.

What Is Interior Decorator?

An interior decorator is a person who decorates an already existing place in terms of colour and design. They help one enhance the place by making it look more pleasing through changing the texture, furniture or colour of a house, office, or shop. They select the various decorative elements given under a client’s budget. They focus more on the visual aesthetic than the spatial aspect of a place.

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Difference Between Interior Designer and Decorator - Highlights

The table summarises the difference between interior designer and decorator.

Difference between interior design and interior decoration

Particulars

Interior Designers

Interior Decorators

Job

To make an indoor space functional and visually and pleasing

To enhance the looks of an already existing space

Education

Requires Formal Education like BID, BDes, MDes or diploma degrees

No requirement of formal education

Skillset

Spatial knowledge, 3D Modelling, knowledge of materials

Colour Theory and Texture knowledge

Salary

4-9 LPA

2-3 LPA

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Interior Decorator vs Interior Designer: Qualification

Education Required by an Interior Designer

To become an interior designer, one needs to have a degree in interior designing. One can acquire Interior Designing Degree in at different stages of life through various courses available. The courses can be opted based on one’s education level, age and financial aspect. But don’t worry Careers 360 has you covered up with a list of degrees one can opt for in order to start a career in designing.

Interior Designing Degree

Degree

Details

Bachelor of Interior Design (BID)

BID is an undergraduate degree for Interior designing aspirants. The duration of the course is four years. This course offers a basic knowledge of interior design, encompassing spatial design, aesthetics, functionality, and safety considerations. The program comprises eight semesters, combining practical and theoretical sessions to provide a comprehensive education in interior design.

Bachelor of Design (B.Des)

B.Des is a four year course that many colleges offer across various specializations. One can choose to specialize in B.Des in Interior Designing. The course teaches you basics in design and then trains students for specialization in interior designing.

Master of Design

Similar to B.Des students can opt for a degree specialised in interior designing after graduation.

Diploma in Interior Designing

There are several types of diploma courses in India that one can pursue in order to start a career in interior designing. The courses include Diploma courses and Advanced Diploma Courses. These courses can be helpful to those who want to change their career or want to pursue interior designing after 10th or have financial or time constraints.

Education Required by an Interior Decorator

Interior Decorators require no formal level of education to start their profession. They may or may not belong to the design field. However, experience counts a lot in becoming successful in interior decoration.

Difference Between Interior Designer and Decorator: Skills

Interior designers and Interior decorators require different skills as their works differ.

Skills Required by an Interior Designer

Difference between designer and decorator can be best understood when one understands the skills these professionals have. Interior designers need to have skills like 3D Modelling, knowledge of various materials and textures and be aware of the spatial aspect of design. They need to make a physical space appealing.

Skills Required by an Interior Decorator

The major difference between designer and decorator in terms of skillset is that instead of spatial knowledge that required by an interior designer, decorators need more of colour theory and knowledge of what will look good. They need to shop and curate pieces from shops and catalogues to fit the client’s taste and budget.

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Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator Salary and Career Scope

Interior Designing career have a lot of scope – one can become an Interior Designer, a consultant, a teacher, or a product designer. One can also choose to work freelance and get their own clients. Interior designer vs interior decorator salary can also vary significantly based on the scope of projects undertaken and client expectations. The salary of all these profiles vary according to experience and position. They can range from somewhere around Rs.4,00,000 per annum to 9,00,000 per annum. On the other hand, interior decorators can work for their clients and build a profile. The average salary in India for an interior decorator is Rs. 19,878 per month which may turn out to be 2-3 LPA. With experience and type of projects, the pay might significantly increase.

The interior designer vs interior decorator salary can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and specialization. Interior designers, who typically require formal education and often work on more complex projects involving structural changes and space planning, tend to earn higher salaries. On the other hand, interior decorators, who focus on aesthetic elements like furnishings, color schemes, and accessories, may earn comparatively lower salaries. Both professions offer opportunities for growth and higher earnings with experience and expertise in the field.

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What Is Interior Decoration?

Interior decoration refers to the art and science of enhancing the interior of a space to create a more aesthetically pleasing and functional environment. It involves the selection and arrangement of furniture, color schemes, lighting, textures, and decorative elements to transform an interior space into a cohesive and visually appealing setting. Interior decorators consider the client's preferences, functional needs, and the architectural features of the space to create harmonious and balanced interiors. They utilize their expertise in design principles, spatial planning, and creativity to achieve a desired ambiance that reflects the personality and lifestyle of the occupants. Interior decoration focuses on creating attractive and comfortable spaces that enhance the quality of life and well-being of the inhabitants.

How are Interior Decorators and Designers Paid?

Interior decorators and designers can be paid in various ways depending on the type of project and the agreement with the client. Here are some common methods of payment:

  • Many interior decorators and designers charge an hourly rate for their services. This rate can vary widely based on the designer's experience, location, and the complexity of the project.
  • Some decorators and designers may offer a flat fee or package fee for specific services or entire projects. This payment structure is agreed upon upfront and covers all aspects of the design process, from initial consultations to final installations.
  • In a cost-plus arrangement, the interior decorator or designer charges for their services based on the cost of materials, furnishings, and other goods purchased for the project, plus an additional percentage (often around 15-30%) as their fee. This method is transparent but requires trust between the designer and client regarding budget management.
  • For projects where furnishings, artwork, or other items are sourced through the designer, they may earn a commission from the vendors on the items purchased. The client pays for the goods at retail price, and the designer receives a commission, generally negotiated beforehand.
  • Some decorators and designers may charge a percentage of the total project cost as their fee. This percentage can vary but commonly falls between 10% to 30%, depending on the scope and complexity of the project. This method aligns the designer's payment with the project's scale and budget.
  • In some cases, interior decorators and designers may require a retainer fee upfront before starting work on a project. This fee ensures commitment from both parties and may be deducted from the final total fee or used to cover initial expenses.

The payment structure and terms are typically outlined in a contract or agreement between the decorator/designer and the client before the project begins. It's essential for both parties to communicate clearly about expectations, scope of work, budget, and payment schedule to ensure a successful collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is best interior designer or interior decorator?

Depends on personal choice. Interior designing is a more formal career with education and more scope. However, a person can become an interior designer and still earn decent money with experience.

2. What's the difference between interior designer and interior decorator?

Interior Design includes creating space that will suit to the client’s lifestyle and interior decorator makes the place aesthetically pleasing.

3. Can you be both between interior designer and interior decorator?

A interior designer can make a place visually aesthetic and take up the role of an interior decorator. But an interior decorator cannot work as an interior designer because the latter requires a formal degree.

4. What does an interior decorator do?

An interior decorator chooses colours, objects and furniture for a given space to enhance its looks.

5. What is the role of an interior designer and interior decorator?

An interior designer modifies the structure and works on the layout and interior decorator just adds or removes objects from the existing space. 

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Questions related to B.Des

Have a question related to B.Des ?

1. MIT Institute of Design, Pune

2. Pearl Academy (Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Bengaluru)

3. Unitedworld Institute of Design, Gandhinagar

4. Srishti Manipal Institute, Bengaluru

5. ISDI School of Design, Mumbai

6. Lovely Professional University, Punjab

7. Chandigarh University

8. Arch College of Design and Business, Jaipur

9. Amity School of Fashion Technology, Noida

10. RV University, Bengaluru

Currently, NSUT does not offer a B.Des. program. However, other institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIITDM Jabalpur offer B.Des. through UCEED.

Expected UCEED Cutoffs (General Category):

IIT Bombay: Around Rank 14

IIT Delhi: Around Rank 35

IIITDM Jabalpur: Around Rank 165

To pursue B.Tech or B.Des through JEECUP 2025, you need to prepare according to the specific group’s syllabus relevant to your chosen course.

Syllabus for B.Tech via JEECUP (Group A & K)

  • Group A (Diploma in Engineering & Technology)

    • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

    • Level: Based on Class 10 syllabus (UP Board or equivalent)

    • Key Topics:

      • Mathematics: Real numbers, polynomials, linear equations, quadratic equations, arithmetic progressions, triangles, circles, statistics, etc.

      • Physics: Motion, heat, electricity, magnetism, solar system, etc.

      • Chemistry: Classification of matter, fuels, chemical reactions, acids, bases, salts, etc. (https://www.pw.live/state-prep/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://www.careerpower.in/jeecup-syllabus.html) (https://www.collegebatch.com/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup) (https://www.pasteurinstituteindia.com/up-polytechnic-jeecup-syllabus/)

  • Group K (Lateral Entry to 2nd Year of Engineering Diploma)

    • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Engineering subjects

    • Level: Based on Class 10 & 12 syllabus. (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup)

Syllabus for B.Des via JEECUP (Likely Group C or Related Group)

  • Group C (Fashion Designing, Garment Technology, Home Science, Textile Design)

    • Subjects: English & Hindi Comprehension, Reasoning & Intelligence, General Awareness

    • Level: Based on Class 10 syllabus

    • Key Topics:

      • Comprehension (English and Hindi)

      • Logical reasoning and intelligence

      • General awareness (current events, basic knowledge) (https://www.collegebatch.com/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup) (https://www.pasteurinstituteindia.com/up-polytechnic-jeecup-syllabus/)

Note: If B.Des is offered, it will likely fall under Group C or a similar group. Always confirm the exact group and syllabus from the official JEECUP brochure for your target year and course.

General Preparation Tips

  • The JEECUP syllabus is based on UP Board Class 10 and 12 curricula for most engineering and design-related courses (https://www.pw.live/state-prep/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup) .

  • Download the official syllabus PDF from the JEECUP website for detailed topics.

  • Focus on the core subjects relevant to your chosen group.

  • Practice previous years’ question papers for better understanding of the pattern and difficulty level. (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup)

Summary Table

Course Group Subjects to Study Syllabus Level
B.Tech A/K Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (+Engineering for K) Class 10/12
B.Des C English & Hindi Comprehension, Reasoning, Awareness Class 10

Check the official JEECUP 2025 brochure for the most accurate and updated syllabus for your specific course and group before starting your preparation.

You can visit above links for further details.

(https://www.pw.live/state-prep/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://www.collegebatch.com/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup)

Hello Saumya,

As of now, Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) has not officially released the specific opening and closing UCEED ranks for B.Des admissions for candidates from outside the Delhi region. The available information primarily focuses on the selection process and seat allocation.

Selection Priorities for B.Des at NSUT:

  1. First Priority: Candidates who have cleared the UCEED exam conducted by IIT Bombay.

  2. Second Priority: Candidates with a rank in a national-level design entrance examination (or allied fields) for a four-year course at any centrally funded institute/university.

  3. Third Priority: Candidates with a rank in a state-level design entrance examination (or allied fields) for a four-year course at any state government-funded institute/university.

For Outside Delhi Region Candidates , 15% of the seats are allocated.

Given the limited availability of seats and the prioritization criteria, securing admission as an outside Delhi candidate is competitive. It's advisable to aim for a high UCEED rank to enhance your chances.

Recommendations:

  • Regularly Check Official Sources: Keep an eye on NSUT's official website and the UCEED portal for any updates on cutoff ranks and admission criteria.

  • Prepare Thoroughly for UCEED: Achieving a high score will significantly improve your prospects, especially given the competitive nature of the program.

  • Consider Backup Options: Explore other reputable design institutes that accept UCEED scores to broaden your opportunities.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to ask. We will be happy to assist you.

Thank You and wishing you a bright future ahead.


No, IPU (Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University) does not accept NID DAT Prelims score for admission to the B.Des (Bachelor of Design) program.

Instead, IPU conducts its own entrance test or may consider CUET (UG) scores for B.Des admissions, depending on the latest admission guidelines. Always refer to the university's official prospectus for the year you're applying to for the final admission criteria.

NIT DAT (https://www.shiksha.com/design/articles/nid-admissions-2025-colleges-accepting-nid-entrance-exam-scores-for-bdes-mdes-courses-blogId-13097)

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