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

Here's how to decide which one to hire.

If you’re currently renovating or refurnishing a home, you’re definitely going to need help. Whether it's choosing a perfect sofa for your living room or finally building that en suite bathroom in the primary bedroom, having a professional to help guide you is essential. Hiring an interior designer or decorator can also help you maximize the return on your investment. Because a design pro can help you find what you're looking for within your price range and can help you create a design scheme that won’t look dated in a few years—doing things without a pro to guide you can actually end up costing more money in the long run.

So, should you hire an interior designer or an interior decorator? The answer depends on the project and your goals. Here’s what you need to know before you make this very important decision. 

Related: 8 Home Styling Secrets Professional Home Stagers Swear By

What's the Difference Between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator?

While many people think interior designers and interior decorators do the same thing, this isn’t exactly true. They do many of the same things, but not all of the same things. According to Austin-based interior designer Audrey Scheck, “Decorators typically do not handle design work. Interior designers create functional spaces within a structure, and decorators put the finishing touches on spaces to achieve a certain style.”

The scope of what a designer does is larger than a decorator. “Designers translate customer needs into plans by undertaking design projects from concept to completion. They help manage budgets, priorities, and vendors while offering a deep understanding of materials. Their role is to make spaces functional and aesthetically pleasing, and they are typically involved in projects from the onset all the way through the finished product.”

What Does an Interior Decorator Do?

“A decorator focuses on making a home aesthetically pleasing through the use of paint, fabric, furniture, and accessories," Scheck explains.

If you’re doing a refresh of a space like a bedroom or home office—or if you need to get a new sofa and rug for your living room or finally re-paint and furnish your guest room—it's perfectly fine to hire an interior decorator for the job. 

Related: 30 Easy and Unexpected Living Room Decorating Ideas

Which One Should You Choose?

“If you are tackling a remodel, you definitely need a designer who can help you through the process from start to finish,” Scheck says. “Upon completion, most designers also offer decorating services to help put the finishing touch on your space.” 

If you still aren’t sure which one to choose for your project, find out if the work you’re planning will need a permit, involves removing a wall, or creates construction dust. Any project that checks one of these boxes will require an interior designer.

But Shouldn’t You Just Use An Interior Designer for All Projects Then?

Technically, you can hire an interior designer for any project, but you may be better off with a decorator for smaller projects, especially if you like their work. “For streamlined projects that don't require construction, a decorator could certainly come in to help your house feel like a home,” Scheck explains. Using a decorator may also be a less expensive choice depending on availability and locality.

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