Difference Between an Interior Designer & an Interior Decorator
The job description of "interior designer" and "interior decorator" are often referred to as identical professions. While some of the roles in each position might overlap the other, these two positions are very different in function and ability. Learn how to break down the differences between an interior designer and interior decorator.
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Interior Designers
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The American Society of Interior Designers defines an interior designer as someone who "is professionally trained to create a functional and quality interior environment." Designers have to be knowledgeable about construction practices and building codes in order to do their job.
Interior Decorators
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Unlike interior designers, interior decorators are concerned primarily with the function of making a space look and feel attractive. Interior decorators are concerned with the aesthetics of a space, without having to make more complex choices involving construction or building codes.
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Education
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The primary difference between an interior decorator and interior designer is the education that is required. Interior designers are often required to attend rigorous education that involves subjects such as how different choices affect acoustics and sound transmission in a room, whereas decorators will attend classes geared more toward art education.
Licensing and Certification
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Interior designers will normally be a graduate of a 4-year degree program and be required to have memberships in state boards and organizations. Interior designers will graduate from a vocational degree program but can also apply for certification with certified interior decorators international.
Salary Difference
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Interior decorators and interior designers can often make the same amount of money. However, interior decorators tend to be salaried employees while interior designers are paid more widely on an independent consultant basis.
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