Interior designer: Cost breakdown 2026

Hiring an interior designer can often be overlooked when people are renovating their homes because of the potential expense. But the benefits of using an interior designer often outweigh the cost.

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The average cost of hiring an interior designer in the UK is around £100 per hour.

Interior designer prices in the UK will depend on the size of the project and the individual project designer.

Keep reading to learn more about cost of hiring an interior designer.

How much does an interior designer cost in 2026?

Below are estimated average interior designer prices in the UK:

Interior designers usually charge an hourly rate. Depending on the company, some designers will charge interior design fees per room, while others will set out a fixed price after an initial consultation.

It's worth contacting a Checkatrade member to find the best service for you.

Factors affecting the cost of an interior designer

Here are some of the main factors that will affect interior designer costs:

• Size and complexity of the project

• The designer’s experience and reputation

• Where you live (London and the South East tend to be more expensive)

• Level of service (consultation vs full project management)

• Number of rooms or areas involved

• Any custom sourcing or specialist materials needed

For accurate costs, get quotes from multiple interior designers who cover your area.

Interior designer fees per project

Here's a rundown of the common levels of interior design services:

• Entry-level design (usually a single standard room) – Includes design concepts, furniture placement, and a list of options, usually with a consultation. Average cost: around £5,000

• Design + documents (larger rooms or multiple connected spaces) – Adds a detailed furniture plan, lighting options, and drawings to help visualise the space. May include technical documents. Average cost: £12,500

• Full project management (whole-home refurbishments) – Covers everything above plus sourcing, installation, and managing tradespeople. Average starting cost: £35,000

Hidden costs to look out for

When planning your interior design budget, it's worth considering any extra costs involved, including:

• Project management fees – These may apply if the interior designer has to oversee other contractors or trades

• Markup on furnishings – Some designers add a percentage to retail prices (although many can get discounted with their preferred suppliers)

• Delivery and installation – You’ll often have to pay the costs for transporting and setting up furniture or fittings

• Travel expenses – These usually apply if you hire an interior designer who lives outside your local area

• Supplier minimums or surcharges – Some specialist or trade-only suppliers have minimum orders

It's worth discussing all of the above when speaking to interior designers, so you don't have any surprise costs down the line.

Choosing an interior designer

Interior designers offer a range of services, from room design to sourcing furniture (often at trade prices) and managing entire projects – taking the pressure off you.

You can decide how involved your designer is. Options range from a basic interior design consultation cost to full-service packages:

• Online consultation – Receive digital plans, mood boards, and a shopping list tailored to your space

• Personal consultation – Includes in-home assessment, measurements, lighting plans, sketches, and material samples from professional suppliers

• Full-service design – Covers everything above, plus end-to-end project management including sourcing furniture and coordinating tradespeople

Planning a big home improvement project? Read our guide on how to plan for your home remodel.

Benefits of hiring a high-end interior designer

There are several benefits that come with hiring a high-end interior designer to help you with your home decorating goals, including:

1. They'll have a strong eye for design – High-end interior designers are trained to notice details that homeowners might miss

2. They have better access to higher quality materials – They'll often have connections with industry suppliers and have access to higher quality, and more unique, products

3. They are trained to maximise your home's potential – Qualified designers have a professional education in making homes look their absolute best

4. They usually offer free consultations – Ranging from an hour up to several hours depending on your needs, this free time together allows you to assess the designer without risk

Downsides of hiring a high-end interior designer

While there are several benefits to paying high-end interior design prices, there are several costs too.

1. They will charge by the hour rather than a flat rate – Despite giving a quote, the total cost might end up charging more if it ends up taking longer than expected (unless you agree a flat fee ahead of time)

2. They often have a minimum number of hours – Each designer is different but if your job takes less than their minimum hours, you could end up paying more hours than needed

3. Expertise varies – Not every high-end interior designer out there will be able to meet your specific needs, so it's important to get quotes and consultations from multiple interior designers

Benefits of hiring an affordable interior designer UK

If you want to transform your home but don't want to break the bank in order to get professional services, hiring a budget friendly interior designer might be the solution for you.

1. More time to focus on your project – Unlike a big name interior design studio, a budget interior designer will typically only have a handful of clients and can ioffer you more attention

2. A more personable experience – Budget interior designer services tend to be focused on small-scale projects so they can spend the time getting to know their clients on a personal level

3. More flexibility – It's much easier for a budget interior designer to make changes and adjustments throughout your project as they're usually the main decision-maker

Downsides of hiring a affordable interior designer UK

Although the pros of hiring a budget design service are apparent, there may be some downsides to consider.

1. Larger projects may be too much for them – For extremely large spaces, you might want to hire a designer with more comprehensive experience and additional skills

2. They may not have the contacts needed – Budget interior designers can lack the contacts of a more established company

3. Refunds and grievances – If you do decide to hire a budget interior designer and you don't like the final results, it's possible there won't be any refund option or formal complaint option

Interior designer cost checklist

Interior design cost can sometimes make or break a project, so it's worth knowing ahead of time what to expect and what can impact the price you're being quoted:

1. Interior designers charge by the hour or on a fixed-fee basis, depending on the project

2. Some designers also charge a percentage of build costs or add markups on furniture

3. What you ask the designer to do will directly affect the total cost

4. Interior designer costs are higher in London and the South East

5. Interior design fees are often higher than expected for first-time clients

Ready to find an interior designer? Enter your postcode below and browse a list of checked tradespeople who cover your area:

Interior designer cost: FAQs

Is hiring an interior designer worth it?

Yes, especially for larger projects or if you’re unsure how to achieve your vision. A designer can save you time, avoid costly mistakes, and help maximise your budget.

Do interior designers charge by the hour or per project?

Some charge hourly, while others offer fixed project fees or percentage-based pricing (e.g. 10–15% of the total project cost). The pricing model often depends on the designer and the job size.

What affects the cost of interior design services?

Key factors include the size of the space, level of service (e.g. full design vs consultation), designer experience, location, and whether the designer handles sourcing and project management.

Can I hire an interior designer for just one room?

Yes, many designers offer room-by-room services, especially for kitchens, bathrooms, or living areas. This is a great option if you want expert help without a full-home redesign.

What’s the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

An interior designer typically has formal training and may work on structural changes, space planning, and project coordination. An interior decorator focuses more on aesthetics like furniture, colour schemes, and styling.

If you’re unsure which is best for your project, compare interior decorator vs designer cost as well as qualifications and services they offer.

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