Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator: What's the Difference?

What is an Interior Designer?

An interior designer is a professional who plans and creates spaces that are both functional and beautiful. They think about how the space will work and how it will look. They can even make changes to the structure of a room (like moving walls or adding windows).

What Interior Designers Do:

• Space planning: They help arrange furniture, work out sizing and design the flow of the room.

• Choose materials: They select everything from flooring to wall colors and finishes.

• Work on safety: They ensure the space is safe and follows building codes.

• Work with contractors: Designers often collaborate with architects or builders if you’re doing a renovation or building something new.

Interior designers usually have a degree in design and may be licensed or certified.

What is an Interior Decorator?

An interior decorator focuses mostly on the look of a space. They don’t make major structural changes like designers do but instead work with what’s already there. They choose colors, furniture, and accessories to make the space stylish and comfortable.

What Interior Decorators Do:

• Pick furniture and decor: They choose furniture, rugs, artwork, and other decorative items.

• Choose colors and fabrics: They select colors for the walls, furniture fabrics, and materials.

• Style the space: They make the room look good by arranging everything and adding finishing touches.

Interior decorators have a good eye for design.