If you have an eye for design and a passion for transforming spaces, learning how to become an interior decorator could be the best career move you ever make. The interior decoration industry in the US is growing, with thousands of homeowners and businesses looking for talented professionals every year. This guide gives you everything you need to start your journey.
Interior Decorator vs Interior Designer: Know the Difference
Before diving into steps, it helps to understand the difference. Many people ask, “What does it take to become interior decorator?” Part of the answer starts with knowing what decorators actually do.
| Aspect | Interior Decorator | Interior Designer |
| Focus | Aesthetics & furnishings | Structure & space planning |
| License Required | Generally no | Often yes (by state) |
| Education | Certificate or self-taught | Usually a degree |
| Scope | Soft goods, color, furniture | Can alter walls, layout |
| Average Salary | $45,000–$75,000/year | $55,000–$90,000/year |
Do You Need a Degree to Be an Interior Decorator?
The short answer: no. Unlike architecture or engineering, do you need a degree to be an interior decorator is a common question — and the answer is encouraging. While a formal education helps, many successful decorators are self-taught or hold a certificate rather than a four-year degree.
That said, the best schools for interior decorating do give you a strong foundation. The top programs in the US include:
- New York School of Interior Design (NYSID)
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
- Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
- Pratt Institute, Brooklyn
Best Online Interior Decorating Schools
For those who prefer flexibility, best online interior decorating schools offer solid programs you can complete from home:
- New York Institute of Art and Design — Certificate programs
- QC Design School — Comprehensive online training
- The Interior Design Institute — Affordable global program
- Decorating & Design Institute — US-focused curriculum
How to Become an Interior Decorator Without a Degree
Many working decorators in the US never attended a formal design school. Here is how to become an interior decorator without a degree:
- Build your portfolio — Decorate your own home, help friends and family
- Take online courses on color theory, space planning, and furniture selection
- Study top design publications — Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful
- Shadow a professional decorator to learn the business side
- Start small — Offer free or discounted consultations to build real experience
- Document everything with quality before-and-after photos
Do You Need a License to Be an Interior Decorator?
Unlike interior designers, do you need a license to be an interior decorator depends on your state. In most US states, decorators do not need a license. However, if you call yourself an “interior designer” in states like Florida, California, or Nevada, you may need to pass a licensing exam (NCIDQ).
As a decorator, you are free to start working without a license in nearly every state. Business registration, liability insurance, and professional memberships (like ASID) are more important than licensing for decorators.
Steps to Becoming an Interior Decorator
Here is your complete roadmap for steps to becoming an interior decorator:
- Assess your skills — creativity, communication, attention to detail
- Choose an education path — degree, certificate, or self-study
- Build your portfolio with at least 5–10 real or practice projects
- Get business basics — set up an LLC, open a business bank account
- Choose your niche — residential, commercial, staging, etc.
- Market yourself — social media, local networking, a professional website
- Find your first client and deliver exceptional results
How Long Does It Take to Become an Interior Decorator?
People often ask how long does it take to become an interior decorator. The timeline varies:
- Certificate program: 6 months to 1 year
- Associate degree: 2 years
- Bachelor’s degree: 4 years
- Self-taught with portfolio: 1–2 years to get first paying clients
What Do You Need to Be an Interior Decorator?
Beyond education, here is what you need:
- A strong portfolio showcasing your style
- Basic knowledge of color theory, proportion, and scale
- Ability to communicate with clients and understand their vision
- Knowledge of where to source furniture, textiles, and accessories
- Basic business and billing skills
- A professional online presence
Key Takeaways
- No degree or license is required in most US states to become a decorator
- Online schools offer flexible, affordable paths into the career
- Building a strong portfolio is the most important step you can take
- Decorators focus on aesthetics; designers can alter structure
- Most people get their first client within 1–2 years of starting
FAQs About Becoming an Interior Decorator
Q: How can I become an interior decorator if I have no experience?
Start by decorating your own home and documenting the results. Offer to help friends and family. Take an online course on interior decorating basics. Build a portfolio and start marketing yourself.
Q: Is interior decorating a good career in the US?
A: Yes. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in design-related fields through 2030. With the rise of home renovation culture, the demand for skilled decorators is strong.
Q: What is the difference between how to be an interior decorator vs an interior designer?
A: Interior decorators focus on furnishings, color, and aesthetics. Interior designers may also alter the physical structure of a space and typically need a formal degree and licensure.
