An interior designer costs $1,893 to $13,901 per project in 2026
An interior designer costs $1,893 to $13,901 per project in 2026. HomeGuide puts the national average at $5,406, and Bob Vila says $7,779. Hourly rates run $50 to $200 for most designers. Many also charge per square foot, at $5 to $17, or a share of the project cost. Your price depends on the size of the job, the rooms and the designer's skill.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| Learn Architecture | Learn Architecture lists hourly rates of $100 to $200, fees of $1,500 to $5,000 per room, $5 to $17 per square foot and 15 to 30 percent of project cost. |
| HomeGuide | HomeGuide lists a national average of $5,406, a typical range of $1,893 to $11,180, design only fees of $449 to $1,500 per room and hourly rates of $100 to $200. |
| Bob Vila | Bob Vila lists a typical range of $1,982 to $13,901, a national average of $7,779 and designer rates of $50 to $200 an hour. |
Interior designer prices by billing type
| Billing type | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $100 to $200 | HomeGuide |
| Consultation, per hour | $50 to $250 | HomeGuide |
| Design only, per room | $449 to $1,500 | HomeGuide |
| Per square foot | $5 to $15 | Bob Vila |
| Living room, with furnishings | $2,500 to $5,000 | HomeGuide |
| Share of project cost | 15 to 30 percent | Learn Architecture |
| National average, whole project | $7,779 | Bob Vila |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| How they bill | Designers charge by the hour, room or square foot, or take a share. Learn Architecture lists $100 to $200 an hour or 15 to 30 percent. |
| Room type | Kitchens and baths cost more to plan than bedrooms. Bob Vila lists a kitchen at $599 to $1,499 and a bedroom at $539 to $1,299 for design work. |
| Size of the job | Bigger homes mean more hours. HomeGuide lists $5 to $17 per square foot, and says $7 to $12 per square foot is most common. |
| Designer level | A new designer costs less than a known one. HomeGuide lists rates from $50 for a junior to $450 for an experienced principal. |
| Furniture markup | Some designers add a markup on items they buy for you. Learn Architecture lists cost plus markups at 17 to 45 percent, with about 30 percent on average. |
What the price includes
Design fees usually cover meetings, a plan for the room, a layout, a color and material plan, and a shopping list. Some designers also manage buying and installing. Furniture, paint, labor and shipping are paid on top. Bob Vila says to budget $2,000 to $5,000 for furnishings on interior design projects. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Interior designers and decorators both do this work. Designers plan rooms and layouts, and some work with builders. Decorators focus on style and furniture. Many bill by the hour, by the room or by the square foot. Some charge a share of the project cost, which Learn Architecture lists at 15 to 30 percent. Others add a markup to the items they buy, listed at 17 to 45 percent. Ask for a written contract that shows the fee type, what is included and when payments are due. Many designers ask for a deposit before work starts.
When you need this
You may want a designer if you are building or remodeling, moving into a new home or starting a room from scratch. They help when you feel stuck on layout, colors or a budget. A one hour consult works if you only need a plan. A full service project fits big jobs with many rooms, trades and deadlines.
How to judge your quote
- Ask if the fee is hourly, flat, per square foot or a share of the budget.
- Ask what is included: plans, a shopping list, buying and installing.
- Ask about markup on furniture and who holds the receipts.
- Ask how many changes you get before extra fees start.
- Compare the total with the range above: $1,893 to $13,901 per project for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Hire by the room, not the whole house. HomeGuide lists design only fees of $449 to $1,500 per room, with an average of $975.
- Book one hourly consultation first. HomeGuide lists consultations at $50 to $250 an hour, a low cost way to get a plan you can finish yourself.
- Ask for a flat fee for a clear job. It caps what you pay if the project runs long.
- Ask how they mark up furniture. Learn Architecture lists markups of 17 to 45 percent, so ask whether you can buy items yourself.
- Hire a decorator for looks only. Bob Vila lists decorators at $50 to $150 an hour, below designers at $50 to $200.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from Learn Architecture, HomeGuide and Bob Vila. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does an interior designer cost?
Bob Vila lists a typical project at $1,982 to $13,901, with an average of $7,779. HomeGuide lists an average of $5,406 and a typical range of $1,893 to $11,180.
How much do interior designers charge per hour?
HomeGuide lists $100 to $200 an hour for most designers, from $50 for juniors to $450 for top names. Bob Vila lists decorators at $50 to $150.
How much does an interior designer cost per square foot?
HomeGuide and Learn Architecture list $5 to $17 per square foot. HomeGuide says $7 to $12 is most common. Bob Vila lists $5 to $15 for designers.
How much does it cost to design one room?
HomeGuide lists design only fees at $449 to $1,500 per room, averaging $975. Bob Vila lists a living room at $599 to $1,399 for design work.
What is the difference between a designer and a decorator?
Bob Vila lists decorators at $50 to $150 an hour and designers at $50 to $200. Designers often plan layouts and builds, while decorators focus on style and furnishings.