What is the Difference Between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator?
Many people get confused between interior designers and interior decorators—and honestly, I understand why! At first glance, they both seem to do similar things: making homes look stylish and beautiful.
But there’s more to it than that.
As a professional interior designer in Bangladesh, I can tell you: the work I do goes far beyond just picking colors or cushions. This article will explain the real difference—in responsibilities, skills, education, and when to hire each one—so you can make the right choice for your home or project.
Tip from Archiconnect: If you're planning structural changes, need technical designs, or want better space functionality, you're looking for an interior designer like me.
Interior Designer: Who They Are and What They Do
An interior designer works on both how a space looks and how it functions. I focus on not just the beauty of a room but also its layout, structure, and purpose—making sure everything flows together perfectly.
We handle:
- Room layout and sizes
- Wall and window placement
- Lighting plans
- Electrical and plumbing if needed
- And much more!
Education & Training
To become an interior designer, we usually need a college degree in interior design. We study:
- Space planning
- Safety codes
- Technical drawing (like 3D models and CAD)
In many countries, designers must also pass exams like the NCIDQ to practice professionally. Even in Bangladesh, more clients now ask for trained and certified professionals to ensure quality and safety.
Key Responsibilities
Here’s what I do on most projects:
- Plan room layouts so your home works better for daily life
- Help with renovations, like moving walls or improving ventilation
- Create 3D designs so you can see everything before construction starts
- Work with contractors, architects, and engineers as one team
- Make sure your home follows local building codes and safety laws
Interior Decorator: Who They Are and What They Do
An interior decorator focuses only on appearance—how a space looks, feels, and reflects your personal style. Think of them as stylists for your home.
They don’t make any structural or technical changes. Their job begins after a space is already built.
Education & Training
Most decorators don’t need a formal degree, but many take short courses or certification programs. The main skills needed are:
- A great eye for color and style
- Creativity and vision
- The ability to bring a theme or mood into a room
Success often comes from experience and personal taste, not formal education.
Key Responsibilities
An interior decorator will help you:
- Pick furniture, paint colors, and fabrics
- Design a color palette that feels “just right”
- Choose accessories like lamps, rugs, art, and plants
- Arrange furniture to create the perfect vibe
- Source items locally or online that match your budget
Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator: Quick Comparison Table
Project Scope
- Interior Designer: Structure + aesthetics
- Interior Decorator: Aesthetics only
Education
- Interior Designer: Degree + certifications
- Interior Decorator: No formal degree needed
Key Skills
- Interior Designer: Space planning, CAD, safety codes
- Interior Decorator: Creativity, color theory, styling
When Involved
- Interior Designer: New builds, renovations
- Interior Decorator: After space is built
Example Task
- Interior Designer: Create kitchen layout, move walls
- Interior Decorator: Select cushions, arrange decor
When to Hire an Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator
Choose an Interior Designer When:
- You’re building a new home or office
- You’re renovating a bathroom, kitchen, or major space
- You want to open up space or fix how people move through it
- You need help with lighting, electrical, or plumbing plans
- You care about long-term function and safety
Archiconnect Tip: If you have architects or engineers involved, you need an interior designer on your team.
Choose an Interior Decorator When:
- You're happy with your layout but want a new look
- You just moved in and want furniture & styling advice
- You’re doing a budget-friendly refresh
- You just want ideas for color or seasonal styling
What Do Designers and Decorators Have in Common?
Even though our roles are different, both interior designers and decorators:
- Help make your space reflect your personal style
- Need creativity and good communication skills
- Stay updated with design trends
- Work closely with clients to bring their vision to life
Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator Salaries & Career Outlook
Across the world, interior designers usually earn more than decorators because:
- They manage bigger and more complex projects
- They need formal education and licensing
- Their work involves safety and building compliance
According to Indeed and BLS (US data):
- Interior designers earn 10–30% more on average
- The global demand for skilled designers is rising, especially in cities
In Bangladesh, trained interior designers are also gaining higher salaries and better career opportunities, thanks to the growing real estate and construction market.
Choosing the Right Professional for Your Project
Here’s how to decide:
- Need help with space layout, lighting, structural changes, or building code? -> Call an interior designer
- Want to upgrade a room's look, furniture, or style only? -> Call a decorator
As we have a professional interior designer team at Archiconnect, we offer:
- Full design-to-delivery service
- Technical expertise + artistic vision
- Personalized designs that match your space and lifestyle
Conclusion
To wrap it up:
- Interior Designers: Focus on both the function and style of a space.
- Interior Decorators: Focus only on the style and beauty after the space is built.
Before starting your project, ask yourself: "Do I need structural changes or just a new look?"
If your answer includes redesign, layout, or construction, you need an interior designer.
At Archiconnect, we design smart, modern, and functional spaces all over Bangladesh. Visit our site to discover how we can transform your home beautifully—and safely.
FAQs
What is better, an interior designer or an interior decorator?
It depends on your needs. If you want structural changes or functionality, hire an interior designer. If you just want to update style, hire a decorator.
Do interior decorators make money?
Yes, many decorators earn well, especially with strong portfolios and client networks. However, interior designers usually earn more because of their wider role and training.
What is another name for an interior designer?
Some people use terms like:
- Design consultant
- Spatial planner
- Interior architect (depends on region)
What is the difference between interior design and interior decoration?
- Interior design = function + structure + looks
- Interior decoration = looks only
