Are you interested in a career in interior design? The interior design industry is thriving, with interior designers earning anywhere from $40,000 to $78,000 per year. If you have a passion for creativity and want to be a part of this rewarding field, consider taking an online interior design course.
Online courses offer the convenience of learning at your own pace, from the comfort of your own couch. You can tailor your courses to your interests, and some even offer a certificate of completion. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast looking to redesign your home or an experienced interior designer seeking to expand your knowledge, there's a course out there for you.
In this article, we've compiled a list of the 15 best free online interior design courses available in 2024. These courses will help you develop your creative skills and provide you with valuable insights into the world of interior design.
Best Free Online Interior Design Courses
1. Skillshare: Interior Design Basics: Simple Steps to Perfect Your Space
With nearly 59,000 students enrolled, this online course from Skillshare is arguably the best free online interior design course available. Taught by Denver-based Lauren Cox, the design program manager at Havenly, this course simplifies the concepts needed to become a professional interior designer. It covers topics such as creating a unique design style, understanding design principles, working with color schemes, and transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones. The course also includes hands-on projects to help you apply your newfound skills. Skillshare offers a free 2-month trial to new students, giving you access to this course and thousands of others.
2. Udemy: How to Design A Room in 10 Easy Steps
If you're a DIY enthusiast or a beginner designer, this course from Udemy is perfect for you. With over 22,000 students enrolled, this course provides a systematic approach to designing and redesigning rooms in your home. It covers topics such as space planning, color choices, furniture design, and accessorizing your space. Upon completion of the course, you'll receive a certificate. Although the course is not technically free, it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring your satisfaction with the valuable video content.
3. Skillshare: Interior Design: Interior Decorate like A Boss
While most other interior design courses focus on design principles, this course from Skillshare emphasizes space and spatial arrangement. Taught by top interior designer and entrepreneur Rose Sprinkle, this course teaches you how to arrange objects in a room, select color schemes, and create functional spaces. It covers topics such as space planning, interior design principles, lighting design, and furniture arrangement. With over 26,000 students enrolled, this course offers self-paced lessons that are perfect for beginners looking to start a career in interior design. Skillshare offers a 2-month free trial to new students, giving you the opportunity to learn this course and many others.
4. Udemy: Intro to Interior Design Course
If you're looking for an in-depth introduction to the world of interior design, this course from Udemy is perfect for you. Taught by experienced interior decorator Mohamad Tahhan, this course covers a wide range of topics, including interior design principles, technical drawing with CAD, and working with floor plans and sketches. It even delves into topics such as inspiration styles, design topics like elevation and scaling, and the use of design tools like CAD. With 9 hours of extensive video presentations, this course offers valuable insights that many interior design graduates may not have received in their education.
5. Skillshare: Interior Design Essentials: Creating A Color Palette
If you want to up your color game, this course from Skillshare is perfect for you. Taught by New York-based interior designer Sarah Jane, this course focuses on mastering and effectively using colors to create desired effects in your home. It covers topics such as color choices, creating a color palette from household items, and simplifying colors to beautify your space. Despite being a short course, it offers hands-on projects to further enhance your skills. This course is ideal for anyone looking to transform their home into a colorful and vibrant space.
6. Masterclass: Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design
If you're looking for a high-quality online course, Masterclass is the way to go. In this course, award-winning interior designer Kelly Wearstler shares her expertise and experience in creating modern designs for American hotels. With 17 video lectures and over 2 hours of content, you'll learn how to tell stories with your designs, choose the right colors and textures, and work with various design materials. Wearstler even reveals her secrets to creating special effects and matching shades and materials using "vibe trays." This Masterclass course is perfect for taking your interior design services to the next level.
7. LinkedIn Learning: SketchUp for Architecture Details
LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of interior design and visualization courses, and one of our favorites is "Designing a Tiny House with Sketchup." This 5.5-hour course teaches you the technical aspects of building a small house, including 3D modeling, floor plans, and adding furnishing and texture alignment. With these skills, you'll be able to undertake projects using design tools like SketchUp and Photoshop. This course is valuable for engineers and DIY enthusiasts alike. LinkedIn Learning offers a 1-month free trial for new students, giving you access to this course and many others.
8. The Interior Design Institute: Interior Design Course
The Interior Design Institute offers an in-depth 6-month practical course that covers the core aspects of design. This self-paced course consists of 12 learning modules, with assignments and tutor support provided. The program is accredited by recognized organizations and offers a valuable diploma upon completion. Topics covered include design principles, working with furnishings and materials, and the business aspect of interior design. If you're serious about pursuing a career in interior design and have the resources to invest in the course, this program is the perfect choice.
9. Udemy: How to Work with Interior Design Styles Like a Pro
If you're looking for inspiration for your creative designs and home decor, this course from Udemy is the one for you. This self-paced course explores popular design styles such as Scandinavian, Mediterranean, Bohemian, and more. It also covers topics such as different forms of decoration, working with window treatments, and choosing color schemes. Upon completion of the course, you'll receive a certificate of completion. This course is a great way to broaden your horizons as an interior designer.
10. New York School of Interior Design (NYSID): Online Learning
The New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) offers a range of online interior design courses for those interested in a career in interior design. The school is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and offers certificate programs as well as degree programs. Whether you're looking for a basic interior design certificate program or a master's degree in interior design, NYSID has options for you. The online courses cover topics such as historical interior design styles, design software applications, space planning, and sustainable interior design. This is a great choice for those who want a comprehensive education in interior design.
The Best University Online Interior Design Classes
11. New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD): Feng Shui Interior Design
The New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD) offers an 18-month program in Feng Shui Interior Design. Accredited by the Designer Society of America, this program provides extensive education for those interested in studying interior design from home. Upon completion of the program, you'll receive an accredited certificate and be eligible to take the Residential Interior Design Qualification Certification (RIDQC) exam. This program offers 13 hours of video instructions and access to course materials and a student forum.
12. Harvard University: History of Architecture
Ever dreamt of getting an education at Harvard? You can now take advantage of Harvard's free online courses, such as the History of Architecture. This 10-week course covers the principles of architecture, modeling, and the history of architecture. This is a great opportunity to learn from one of the world's top universities from the comfort of your own home.
13. Chatham University: Master of Science in Interior Architecture
Chatham University offers a Master of Science in Interior Architecture program for those looking to strengthen their knowledge and skills in the field. This research-based program takes around one year to complete and offers a certificate upon graduation. This program is not designed for beginner interior design graduates but rather for those who want to further their understanding of innovative interior design techniques.
14. UC Berkeley Extension: Certificate Program in Interior Design and Interior Architecture
UC Berkeley Extension offers a comprehensive certificate program in interior design and interior architecture. This program consists of 21 classes and covers design principles, CAD, design communication, space planning, and sustainability principles. Upon completion of the program, you'll receive a certificate. It's important to note that this program requires a bachelor's degree as a basic requirement, and it can be costly due to registration fees, tuition, and other materials.
15. UCLA: Interior Design: Foundation Level
The foundation level course at UCLA is a certification program that covers essential topics in interior design. This self-paced program consists of 16 core courses and 2 electives, covering digital presentation skills, design communication, lighting communication, and the history of environmental arts. The program can be completed in one and a half years and offers both part-time and full-time options. With UCLA's reputation and track record, this program will undoubtedly enhance your career prospects as an interior designer.
FAQ's
How long does it take to become an interior designer?
The time it takes to become an interior designer varies depending on the route you choose. Typically, completing a diploma or certification course can take around 1-2 years. Additionally, gaining 2 years of design experience is required to be eligible for the licensure exam. In total, becoming a certified interior designer can take around 4 years. If you pursue a bachelor's degree in interior design, which usually takes 4 years, it will be a combined 6-year journey.
How do you become a certified interior designer?
To become a certified or licensed interior designer, you must first complete an interior design course and earn a certificate. Afterward, you'll need to gain professional experience as an interior designer to qualify for the certification exam. Once you pass the exam, you'll be recognized as a licensed interior designer. This certification is crucial for establishing credibility and showcasing your expertise in the field.
In conclusion, these 15 best free online interior design courses offer a wealth of knowledge and skills to help you excel in the field of interior design. Whether you're a beginner looking to start a career or an experienced designer seeking to enhance your skills, these courses provide valuable insights and practical techniques. Take advantage of these online resources and embark on your journey to becoming a successful interior designer.