20+ Differences Between Interior Design and Interior Decoration (Explained)

Discovering the dissimilarities between interior design and interior decoration is crucial for those seeking to enhance their living spaces.

Interior design encompasses a comprehensive approach involving spatial planning and functionality, while interior decoration primarily focuses on the aesthetic aspects of a room.

Both fields contribute to creating appealing interiors, it is essential to grasp the distinctions between them to ensure a harmonious balance between functionality and beauty in any living environment.

Interior Design And Interior Decoration – Comparison

Parameter	Interior Decoration	Interior Design
Purpose	Interior decoration enhances space with movable goods and accessories, focusing on aesthetics.	The main purpose of Interior design is to create and make an interior space pleasing to the eye.
Concept	Interior decoration enhances architectural aesthetics.	Interior design’s broad concept enhances the architecture and creates it.
Concerned people	People working in the field of Interior decoration are known as Interior decorators.	People working in the field of Interior design are known as Interior designers.
Types	There are not any types of Interior decoration.	Some of the popular Interior designs are mid-century modern design, shabby chic design, urban modern, etc.
Education	To excel in the field of Interior decoration, an individual does not undergo any degree or training.	To excel in the field of Interior design, it is mandatory for an individual a degree and proper training.
License	The national council of interior design qualification does not require interior decoration have a license.	The NCIDQ makes it necessary for Interior designers to work only when they have a license.
Skills and Knowledge	The skills and knowledge involved in Interior decoration are less sophisticated than in interior design.	The skills and knowledge involved in interior design are more sophisticated than those in interior decor.
Vice-versa roles	Interior decoration can not work as an interior designer.	Interior decoration can work as an interior designer.
Concerned	It is concerned with the styling of an architectural space.	It is concerned with the creation and styling of an architectural space.
Accessibility and durability	Accessibility and durability are not the primary focus of interior decoration.	Accessibility and durability are the primary focus of interior design.
Roles and Responsibilities	Interior decoration, wall colors, furniture selection, placement, appliances, and more.	Interior design accessible layout, durability, colors, accessories, furniture, and more.

Interior Designer And Interior Decorator

What Is Interior Decoration?

Interior decoration is the process of enhancing the visual appeal and aesthetics of interior spaces. It involves selecting and arranging furniture, fabrics, colors, accessories, and other decorative elements to create a desired atmosphere.

Interior decorators use their artistic sense and knowledge of design principles to transform spaces, making them more visually appealing, stylish, and reflective of the client’s preferences and personality.

The focus is primarily on creating a pleasing and harmonious visual impact within the given space.

Key Differences: Interior Decoration

Interior decoration is concerned with decorating the interior with movable things such as clocks, furniture, technology, etc.
Interior Decoration is a narrower concept in comparison with Interior Design.
People who indulge in Interior Decoration are known as Interior Decorators.
One must not clear a certain education and training to excel in Interior Decoration.

Features Of Interior Decoration

1 Interior decoration aims to enhance the looks of a region to make it aesthetically pleasing.
2 It only deals with the styling of an already existing architecture. It works by adding materialistic elements to make sure the primary architecture looks even better.
3 People aspiring to become Interior decoration must not undergo any bachelor’s or master’s degree.
4 According to the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), an Interior decoration does not need a license to work in this field.
5 An Interior Decoration can not work as an Interior Designer.
6 The main duties of an Interior Decoration include selecting the paint and wallpapers of an interior, making sure the furniture is in the right place, adding accessories, choosing the right lighting for an interior, utilizing space for the right purposes, etc.

What Is Interior Design?

Interior design is a multifaceted discipline that involves strategic planning and designing interior spaces to optimize functionality, aesthetics, and overall user experience.

It goes beyond mere decoration and considers aspects such as spatial layout, ergonomics, circulation, lighting, acoustics, and materials selection.

Interior designers collaborate with clients to understand their needs and goals, creating thoughtful and innovative design solutions that enhance the functionality, efficiency, and visual appeal of residential, commercial, or public spaces.

Key Differences: Interior Design

Interior Design is concerned with the immovable property of a building. It involves architecture, painting, space, etc.
Interior Design is a wider concept in comparison with Interior Decor.
People who indulge in Interior Design are known as Interior Designers.
To excel in Interior Design, one has to clear a degree and training in the specified field.

Features Of Interior Design

1 Interior Design aims to create and style architecture per customers’ needs.
2 It involves creating architecture with efficiency and accessibility and then styling it in the best way possible.
3 People aspiring to become Interior Designers have to qualify for the concerned degree and undergo training.
4 As per the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), it is mandatory for Interior Designers to have an authorized license to keep working in the field.
5 An Interior Designer is allowed to work as an Interior Decorator.
6 There are many types of Interior Design, but some of the popular Interior Designs are Mid-Century Modern Design, Shabby Chic Design, Urban Modern Design, Bohemian Design, Nautical Design, etc.
7 The main duties of an Interior Designer are creating effective and accessible architecture, styling it with correct paint and wallpapers, furniture, accessories, curtains, kitchen styling, etc.

Interior Design And Interior Decoration – Explanation

Meaning and Purpose

Interior Decoration – Its sole purpose is to enhance the looks of architecture by adding various accessories and movable goods.

Interior Design – Its main purpose is to create and make architecture pleasing to the eye.

Concept

Interior Decoration – Compared to Interior Design, it is a narrower concept.

Interior Design – Compared to Interior Decoration, it is a broader concept.

Concerned people

Interior Decoration – People working in the field of Interior Decoration are known as Interior Decorators.

Interior Design – People working in the field of Interior Design are known as Interior Designers.

Education

Interior Decoration – To excel in Interior Decoration, one must not undergo any degree or training.

Interior Design – To excel in Interior Design, it is mandatory for an individual to have a bachelor’s degree in the concerned field and proper training.

License

Interior Decoration – As per the rules and regulations of NCIDQ, Interior Decorators/designs do not require the existence of an authorized license.

Interior Design – As per the rules and regulations of NCIDQ, it is mandatory for Interior Designers to have an authorized license to continue working in the concerned field.

Types

Interior Decoration – There are usually no types of Interior Decoration.

Interior Design – There are many types of Interior Designs. Some of the popular designs include Mid-Century Modern Design, Shabby Chic Design, Urban Modern Design, Bohemian Design, Nautical Design, Industrial Design, Scandinavian Design, Farmhouse Design, etc.

Concerned

Interior Decoration – It is largely concerned with the styling of interior space.

Interior Design is largely concerned with creating and styling an interior space.

Vice-Versa roles

Interior Decoration – It is not possible for an Interior Decoration to work as an Interior Designer. This is because Interior Design requires more skills and knowledge than Interior Design. Also, Designers have to undergo a degree, while decorations do not have to.

Thus, Decorations are not considered skilled enough to work as Interior Designers.

Interior Design – An Interior Designer can work as an Interior Decoration. This is because the decorating part of Interior Decoration is also taught in Interior Design. Thus, Designers are already well aware of Interior Decoration. Hence, it would not cause them any problems.

Skills and Knowledge

Interior Decoration – The skills and knowledge used in the process of Interior Decoration are less complex in comparison with Interior Design.

Interior Design – The skills and knowledge used in the process of Interior Design are more complex in comparison to Interior Decoration.

Accessibility and Durability

Interior Decoration – It may take care of the accessibility and durability of an Interior space. However, it is not the primary focus of Interior Decoration.

Interior Design – Accessibility and durability of an Interior space are the primary focus of Interior Design.

Roles And Responsibilities

Roles and Responsibilities of an Interior Decoration

Choosing the appropriate wall colors and wallpapers.
Selecting the right furniture.
Choosing the right place for the selected furniture.
Using accessories efficiently and effectively.
Choosing the right position to place the technological items on, etc.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Interior Designer

Coming up with the blueprint of the architecture.
Creating an accessible interior space.
Make sure all the items are durable.
Choosing wallpapers, curtains, furniture, etc., for the interior space.
Making good use of various accessories, etc.

Conclusion

Finally, interior design and interior decoration are independent but related fields that contribute to constructing pleasant and effective living spaces.

Interior design emphasizes spatial planning, utility, and aesthetics, whereas interior decoration emphasizes visual features and the selection of decorative components.

Both disciplines are critical in attaining a perfect balance of functionality and beauty, ensuring that rooms are visually appealing and functional.

Read More Related Articles.. 👇

🏠 Home Decoration Setup Pros Cons

🖥️ Graphic Designer Pros Cons

🥻 Being Fashion Designer Pros Cons

💍 Jewelry Design Pros Cons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some prevalent interior design elements?

Furniture choices, color palettes, lighting design, flooring materials, wall treatments, window treatments, and decorative accents are all standard parts of interior design.

What function does interior design have in establishing atmosphere?

The careful selection of colors, textures, patterns, accessories, and decorative elements that add to the overall mood and atmosphere plays a vital role in defining the ambiance of a space.

Is it possible to accomplish interior design and decoration on a budget?

Interior design and interior decoration can both be adjusted to different budgets.

Designers and decorators can operate within strict budgets while still producing visually appealing and valuable solutions through careful planning and resourceful sourcing.