An interior designer costs $2,000 to $15,256 per project in 2026
An interior designer costs $2,000 to $15,256 per project in 2026, with an average near $8,550. HomeAdvisor lists $8,550 on average. Fixr lists an average of $5,500, and Fiverr lists a median of $8,500. Designers charge by the hour, by the square foot, by the room, or as a share of the project. Your price depends on the size of the job, the service level, 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 |
|---|---|
| Fixr | Fixr lists a national average of $5,500 and a range of $2,000 to $12,000 for interior design, with senior designers at $200 to $450 per hour. |
| Fiverr | Fiverr lists $50 to $450 per hour, $5 to $17 per square foot, and a median spend of about $8,500. |
| HomeAdvisor | HomeAdvisor lists an average of $8,550 and a normal range of $2,055 to $15,256 for an interior designer. |
Interior designer price by billing method
| Billing method | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly, junior designer | $50 to $100 | Fixr |
| Hourly, senior designer | $200 to $450 | Fixr |
| Per square foot | $5 to $17 | Fiverr |
| One room, design only | $450 to $1,500 | Fiverr |
| Initial consultation | $150 to $500 | HomeAdvisor |
| Online design service | $400 to $1,500 | Fixr |
| Percent of project cost | 10% to 30% | Fixr |
| Whole project, national average | $8,550 | HomeAdvisor |
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 the designer bills | Hourly, square foot, flat fee, and percent of cost give different totals. HomeAdvisor lists $50 to $500 per hour and $5 to $15 per square foot. |
| Experience | Senior designers charge much more than junior ones. Fixr lists $50 to $100 per hour for junior designers and $200 to $450 per hour for senior designers. |
| Size and scope | One room costs far less than a whole home. Fiverr lists $450 to $1,500 per room for design only, and $5,000 or more for a full home. |
| Level of service | A short consult costs less than full service with buying and install. Fixr lists $50 to $900 for a consult and $2,000 to $30,000 for full service. |
| Furniture markups | Many designers add a markup to items they buy for you. Fiverr lists a markup of 17% to 45%, with 30% as a mid range figure. |
What the price includes
A design fee can cover a talk about your needs, a plan, a mood board, and a list of items to buy. Full service adds ordering, a budget, and working with contractors. Furniture, art, and building work are usually extra. Rendering and rush work can also cost more. Always ask for a written scope with a list of what is covered. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Interior designers work alone, in small studios, or at large firms. Some work for furniture stores and charge little because the store sells the items. Most others bill in one of a few ways. Hourly billing suits short advice. A flat fee suits one room or a clear plan. A percent of the project cost is common on large jobs, and Fixr lists 10% to 30%. Many designers also add a markup on items they buy. Ask for a written contract that lists each fee.
When you need this
You may want a designer for a big remodel, a new home, or a room that never feels right. A pro can help you avoid costly mistakes on color, layout, and furniture. A small refresh may only need a short consult or an online plan. Decide your budget first, then pick the level of help that fits it.
How to judge your quote
- How does the designer bill: hourly, per square foot, flat, or by percent?
- Is there a markup on furniture and items, and how much is it?
- What is in the scope, and what costs extra?
- How many changes and revisions are included in the price?
- Compare the total with the range above: $2,000 to $15,256 per project for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Start with a consult. HomeAdvisor lists $150 to $500 for an initial consult, which may be enough if you only need ideas and a plan.
- Try online design. Fixr lists $400 to $1,500 for online services, and Fiverr lists $65 to $175, well below full service in person.
- Design one room at a time. Fiverr lists $450 to $1,500 per room for design only, which is far less than a whole home plan.
- Ask about markups. Fiverr lists markups of 17% to 45% on items, so ask if you can buy items yourself at the same price.
- Set a firm budget. Share your top number at the start. Designers can pick items to fit, and you avoid costs that grow as the job goes on.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from Fixr, Fiverr and HomeAdvisor. 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 per hour?
HomeAdvisor lists $50 to $500 per hour. Fiverr lists $50 to $450 with an average of $150. Fixr lists $50 to $100 for junior designers and $200 to $450 for senior ones.
How much does an interior designer cost per square foot?
Fixr lists $5 to $17 per square foot with an average of $10. Fiverr lists $5 to $17 and an average of about $9. HomeAdvisor lists $5 to $15.
How much does it cost to design one room?
Fiverr lists $450 to $1,500 per room for design only. Fixr lists $1,000 to $3,000 for a bedroom and $4,000 to $6,000 for a living room with full service.
How much does a whole project cost on average?
HomeAdvisor lists an average of $8,550 and a normal range of $2,055 to $15,256. Fixr lists an average of $5,500, and Fiverr lists a median of $8,500.
Is online interior design cheaper?
Yes. Fixr lists $400 to $1,500 for online design services, and Fiverr lists $65 to $175. Both are far below full service in person.