Are you looking to transform your passion for interior design into a skill set that can launch a career or enhance your projects? With so many online courses, it’s hard to know which one to pick. We’ve rounded up the best online interior design courses, as recommended by industry professionals, and analysed their pros and cons based on cost, duration, certification, and accessibility. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a more comprehensive course, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
1. New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD) – Complete Course in Interior Design
Price: $999 (with instalment options)
Duration: 12-18 months (self-paced)
Certification: Yes, accredited by the Designer Society of America (DSA)
Pros:
- Comprehensive curriculum covering colour theory, lighting, spatial arrangements, and design software.
- Includes one-on-one mentoring with experienced designers.
- Offers a solid certification that’s recognized in the industry.
Cons:
- More expensive compared to other options
- Long duration might be overwhelming for those looking for a quicker course.
Why Choose This Course?
Ideal for serious students looking to break into the interior design industry with a reputable certificate and thorough training.
2. Udemy – Interior Design 101
Price: Around $20-$30 (often discounted)
Duration: 4.5 hours
Certification: Yes, but not officially accredited
Pros:
- Affordable and frequently on sale.
- Short, to-the-point lessons with good foundational knowledge.
Cons:
- Not a replacement for more in-depth programs.
- Limited advanced design concepts.
Why Choose This Course?
Perfect for beginners looking to dip their toes into interior design without committing much time or money.
3. Skillshare – Interior Design Basics: Simple Steps to Perfect Your Space
Price: Free with a 7-day trial, then $32/month
Duration: 50 minutes
Certification: No official certificate
Pros:
- Quick and concise—ideal for hobbyists or those new to design.
- Covers basics in a very accessible format.
- Skillshare membership gives access to thousands of other courses.
Cons:
- No formal certification.
- May feel too brief for those looking for depth.
Why Choose This Course?
This course is ideal for those wanting to understand the essentials of interior design quickly and access other creative courses on Skillshare.
4. Coursera – Making Architecture by IE School of Architecture & Design
Price: Free for audit; $49 for certificate
Duration: 5 months (4-6 hours per week)
Certification: Yes, accredited
Pros:
- Taught by a reputable architecture school.
- Covers principles that can be applied to interior and exterior spaces.
- An affordable option for those who want a certificate.
Cons:
- More theoretical and architecture-focused.
- Longer commitment is required.
Why Choose This Course?
If you’re interested in the relationship between architecture and interior design, this course brings a unique perspective at an affordable price.
5. British College of Interior Design – Professional Interior Design Course
Price: Approx. £599
Duration: 12-24 months
Certification: Yes, diploma level
Pros:
- An in-depth program that covers all aspects of professional design.
- Offers tutoring and assignments for practical learning.
Cons:
- More expensive.
- Longer duration, which may not suit everyone’s schedule.
Why Choose This Course?
This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a professional-level diploma that gives you comprehensive training and a potential pathway to a design career.
6. LinkedIn Learning – Interior Design Foundations
Price: Free with a 1-month LinkedIn trial; otherwise, $39.99/month
Duration: 1-2 hours
Certification: Certificate available
Pros:
- Very accessible, with short, focused modules.
- Convenient if you’re already a LinkedIn Learning subscriber.
Cons:
- Less depth than longer programs.
- Not accredited, though a certificate can be added to LinkedIn profiles.
Why Choose This Course?
Great for those looking to quickly learn the fundamentals and add a recognized certificate to their LinkedIn profile.
7. Domestika – Interior Design for Beginners
Price: Approx. $12-$30
Duration: 3 hours
Certification: Certificate of completion
Pros:
- Engaging visual format, especially suitable for creative learning.
- Affordable with frequent sales.
Cons:
- Not as comprehensive as some other options.
- No formal accreditation.
Why Choose This Course?
A solid choice if you’re a visual learner and want a quick overview of interior design essentials.
8. MIT OpenCourseWare – Principles of Design (Free)
Price: Free
Duration: Self-paced
Certification: No
Pros:
- Free and taught by world-class MIT instructors.
- Covers timeless principles applicable to interior design and architecture.
Cons:
- No certificate or accreditation.
- More theoretical and academic.
Why Choose This Course?
For anyone interested in design theory from a top university, this is a fantastic free resource.
9. Interior Design Institute – Professional Interior Design Course
Price: $999 (payment plans available)
Duration: 24 weeks
Certification: Diploma-level certification
Pros:
- Comprehensive with practical and theoretical lessons.
- Offers mentorship from professionals.
Cons:
- High cost.
- Not suitable for those seeking a brief introduction.
Why Choose This Course?
This course is a solid option for aspiring professionals who want in-depth training with diploma-level certification.
10. Harvard Online – The Architectural Imagination
Price: Free to audit, $99 for certificate
Duration: 10 weeks (3-5 hours per week)
Certification: Certificate of completion
Pros:
- Taught by Harvard faculty.
- Explores design fundamentals, with a focus on architectural principles.
Cons:
- Focuses on architecture, not exclusively interior design.
- The certificate is optional and adds extra cost.
Why Choose This Course?
Ideal if you’re fascinated by architectural principles and want to learn from Harvard faculty for free (or get a certificate for a low fee).
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right course depends on your goals, budget, and how deep you want to dive into the field. Beginners may benefit from shorter courses like those on Skillshare and Udemy, while serious learners could find the certification programs at NYIAD or the Interior Design Institute worthwhile.
With both free and paid options on this list, you’re sure to find an interior design course that’s right for you. Happy designing!
