Three Interior Design Courses Worth Your Money

With these online resources, learning the ins and outs of interior design has never been more accessible
Women sits with laptop computer with headphones
Courtesy fizkes & Adobe Stock

With all the interior design inspiration sprawled across HGTV, Pinterest, and Midwest Home on the daily, it’s understandable if you’re feeling intrigued by (or maybe even a little infatuated with) the inner workings of design. You see it, you love it, but how do interior designers actually do it? Whether you want to learn some tricks of the trade or start your own interior design firm down the road, get started on your own time, in your own way, and at your own pace with these establishments’ online courses.

Interior Design Institute

Written by Wende Reid and taught by leading interior designers across the country, the Interior Design Institute prepares students for a future career in the design industry. The 24-week diploma course consists of 12 modules and 12 corresponding interactive assignments, ensuring students receive a practical, hands-on education that results in a deeper understanding of all things design-related.

The modules cover the “need-to-know” interior design basics like design styles, space planning, lighting, color, interior finishes, decorative textiles and fabrics, furniture, art, and accessories. The course even teaches you how to set up your own business and work with clients. Advanced modules cover staging, styling, landscape design, and more.

Perks

  • 24/7 student support
  • Free website portfolio
  • Personal tutors
  • Flexible pay options
  • Exclusive Facebook support group
  • Advanced modules – continued education

Cost: $999 (if paid in full), $183 (six monthly payments), or $45 (24 weekly payments)

Architect drawing plan in her studio
Courtesy Adobe Stock

New York Institute of Art + Design

Across six units, nearly 40 lessons, and more than 13 hours of HD video instruction, this New York Institute of Art + Design course shares all the knowledge you need to design and decorate any space. Whether your client values Mediterranean-style furniture or 20th-century design elements, these lessons have you covered—ranging from drawing floor plans and evaluating room conditions to promotion tips and sales techniques. Along the way, you’ll learn about form, furniture styles, design trends, fabrics, lighting, balance, and more.

This course is approved by the Designer Society of America, so students who complete the course can apply and test for their Residential Interior Design Qualification Certification (RIDQC).

Perks

  • 24/7 access to course materials
  • One-on-one feedback
  • Access to advisors via email & phone
  • Risk-free (guaranteed money back within 14 days)
  • Student support forum

Cost: $849 (if paid in full) or $69 (monthly payments)

Sharing Ideas with Clients
Courtesy Adobe Stock

Udemy

For interior design and Feng Shui lessons with less time and financial commitment, explore Udemy‘s database of 100,000 online courses. Students can can choose between 135 design-focused courses in 50-plus languages on their own schedules, with nearly half requiring less than two hours to complete. Learn from industry experts at your own pace and create a curriculum tailored to your own personal goals and aspirations.

Course examples include How to Use Color Like a Pro, How to Design Your Dream Kitchen, and Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Design to Improve Your Life—featuring 30 lectures and 3.5 hours of on-demand video—all to help you save money and live a healthier life at home.

Perks

  • Downloadable resources
  • Lifetime course access
  • Certificates of completion
  • Affordable
  • Money-back guarantee within 30 days

Cost: Starting at $11.99, up to $149.99 per course

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