eCourses Online

Interiors are an essential part of our daily lives. They affect our work, wellbeing and even our mood. So it’s important that our interiors suit us and make us feel comfortable. Good interior design can help you with that.

In this guide, I’ve selected the 10 best free and paid Interior Design online courses for you from the 90+ Interior Design courses on our catalog by following a well-defined methodology that you can find below.

But if you want to jump straight to the results, here are my top 10 picks. You can click on a course to jump to the corresponding section:

What is Interior Design?

Interior design is all about how we experience spaces. It’s an essential part of our daily lives and affects all our actions from living, working to even healing. It’s not just about being aesthetic, it’s about being functional and comfortable as well.

According to IIDA:

Interior design is defined as the professional and comprehensive practice of creating an interior environment that addresses, protects, and responds to human need(s). It is the art, science, and business planning of a creative, technical, sustainable, and functional interior solution that corresponds to the architecture of a space, while incorporating process and strategy, a mandate for well-being, safety, and health, with informed decisions about style and aesthetics.

Interior Design Schools adds:

Interior design involves the organization and coordination of all aspects of the interior of a space, from paints and finishes to cabinetry, lighting, ventilation and windows, plumbing and fixtures, and creation and placement of non-load-bearing walls.

Why are Interior Design Skills Important?

The New York School of Interior Design shows that from 2020-2021, 90% of the BFA graduates were employed and 10% were pursuing higher education, while 96% of the MFA graduates were employed and 4% were still seeking employment.

Job placement rates at NYSID (source: New York School of Interior Design)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for interior designers was $60,340 in May 2021, with about 8,200 openings for interior designers projected each year, on average, over the decade. More information on the occupational employment and wages of interior designers in the U.S. as of May 2021 can be found here.

What is My Experience with Interior Design?

I am a design enthusiast and an art lover in general. I like to have an eye for good design and try to apply it in my life. I have actively participated in choosing the colors of the walls of our new homes, as well as choosing which new furniture and decorations would go with the house.

I also give importance to incorporating old furniture into the new style to save costs and retain memories. Interestingly, being a civil engineer also helps me with interior design because a part of it includes engineering and architectural aspects as well. As always, I like to fuse my knowledge with my passion.

Besides that, I am a Guided Project Instructor and a Beta Tester at Coursera, having tested many courses before they’re officially launched. I have taken over 50 online courses in various subjects.

My experience as an online learner and teacher has given me some perspective on what to look for in an online course. I used my experience to evaluate each course in this list.

Course Ranking Methodology

I built this ranking following the now tried-and-tested methodology I used in previous rankings (you can find them all here). It involves a three-step process:

1. Research: I started by leveraging Class Central’s database with 100K online courses and 200K+ reviews. Then, I made a preliminary selection of 90+ Interior Design courses by rating, reviews, and bookmarks.
2. Evaluate: I read through reviews on Class Central, Reddit, and course providers to understand what other learners thought about each course and combined it with my own experience as a learner.
3. Select: Well-made courses were picked if they presented valuable and engaging content and they have to fit in a set of criteria and be ranked accordingly: comprehensive curriculum, release date, affordability, ratings and enrollments.

The end result is a unique selection of courses that combines a decade of Class Central data and my own experience as an online learner to try to get the best of both worlds. So far, I’ve spent more than 9 hours building this list, and I’ll continue to update it.

Course Ranking Statistics

Here are some statistics regarding this course ranking:

• Combined, these courses have accrued over 158.8K enrollments.
• 3 courses are free or free-to-audit and 7 courses are paid.
• 9 courses are in English and 1 course is in Spanish.
• The Interior Design subject is followed by over 3.3K learners on Class Central, and accounts for over 90 courses in Class Central catalog.

So without further ado, let’s get to my picks for the best Interior Design online courses.

My first pick for the best Interior Design online course is the free course Interior Design  Basics, offered by D.Signers on YouTube.

As the name suggests, this course will teach you the basics of interior design. With all the techniques and tips, you’ll be able to transform your interiors, no matter large or small, into your perfect home. From colors and lighting to hanging curtains and mixing styles, by the end of this course, you’ll find yourself with the home of your dreams.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn interior design ideas and home decor for living rooms, lighting design principles, mistakes and how to fix them immediately, how to combine colors, interior design principles for home decor, and how to find your interior design style.

Then, you’ll learn how to create a mood board using canva, how to choose paint colors, flooring selection, how to choose lighting, tips to pick the best neutral paint colors, how to select wallpaper like a pro, and how to hang curtains.

Finally, you’ll learn how to design your dream house, top small home hacks and ideas, how to mix styles in a cohesive way, kitchen lighting ideas, color tricks and  visual effects, and how to become an interior designer vs. interior decorator vs. architect.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 21 videos. Each video involves about 10 to 12 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only. Useful links are also provided in the YouTube description of the course. Just click on Start Learning and go to Direct link.

Fun Facts

• Cury is an architect and interior designer, and founder of the online design magazine “D.Signers“.
• Her magazine has over 4 million followers on Instagram and her blog has thousands of readers.
• She has been on social media for a long time and now teaches professional interior design in an easy way on YouTube.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My second pick for the best Interior Design online course is Corey Damen Jenkins Teaches Interior Design on MasterClass.

Learn interior design from renowned interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins who believes everyone should have access to great design. He’s here to teach you how to build bold, functional interiors on any budget. With his help, you can design with confidence and transform your home like a pro.

What You’ll Learn

First, you’ll meet your instructor, Corey Damen Jenkins, then learn about creating stylish and functional spaces, defining your style, coordinating color, mixing and matching patterns, and customizing your window treatments.

You’ll then understand finding your light, space planning, maximizing your design budget, living room walkthrough, design is for everyone, and becoming a design entrepreneur.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 12 videos. Each video involves about 10 to 20 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only.

Fun Facts

• Damen Jenkins is an acclaimed designer who founded the company, Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, and is an inducted member of Architectural Digest’s AD100 and ELLE Decor’s prestigious A-List.
• He has been featured in many publications including House & Garden, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Detroit News.
• He has received numerous industry honors including the New York School of Interior Design’s Larry Kravet Design Industry Leadership Award, Traditional Home’s New, and many more.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My third pick for the best Interior Design online course is Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design on MasterClass.

Award-winning interior designer Kelly Wearstler is here to teach you techniques to make any space more beautiful, creative and inspiring. Her eclectic and experiential style has shaped American design, and now, you can get a taste of that too. With her help, you can create your unique design style and design spaces that tell a story.

What You’ll Learn

First, you’ll meet your instructor, Kelly Wearstler, then learn about sources of inspiration, starting a project, working with space, field trip: working with space, materiality in design, living with color, and experimenting with color.

You’ll then understand texture, pattern (movement and scale), lighting (enhancing your space), furnishing (balance and comfort), creating experience with art and objects, and life as an interior designer.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 17 videos. Each video involves about 5 to 10 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only.

Fun Facts

• Featured in Forbes, Wearstler is an internationally recognized designer who opened her own design firm, Kelly Wearstler Interior Design, in 1995, and creates interiors for luxe hotels and high-end private homes.
• She has designed Gwen Stefani, Cameron Diaz, Bergdorf Goodman and Westfield Century City, and other renowned people and brands.
• In 2021, she was named to Architectural Digest’s Hall of Fame.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My fourth pick for the best Interior Design online course is How to Work with Interior Design Styles Like a Pro on Udemy.

This course will cover the characteristics of 18 different popular interior design styles today so that you can apply those in your home or even mix them to create your own unique style. So now, you can pull off the style you want in your home without getting overwhelmed. However, note that this course does not teach how to arrange a room.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll understand 18 of the main interior design styles used in today’s homes, and explore the defining furniture characteristics of each main style.

You’ll also select the materials, color schemes, patterns and window coverings and flooring used in each of the main styles, discover your interior design style, and mix different styles.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 8 sections. Each section involves about 1 to 1.5 hours of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and readings. Downloadable resources are also provided.

Fun Facts

• Fogleman is an interior designer who loves to teach others.
• She has been designing and redesigning rooms for herself and her friends and family for a long time.
• She graduated from the New York Institute of Art and Design, and owns her interior design business, Erikka Dawn Interiors.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My fifth pick for the best Interior Design online course is the free-to-audit A Beginner’s Guide to Interior Design Principles and Elements, offered by British Academy of Interior Design on FutureLearn.

Designed for those considering a career in interior design as well as those who simply want to improve their own home, this course will give a solid understanding of the basic design theories and principles used within interior design. With expert guidance, you’ll be able to kickstart your interior design career.

What You’ll Learn

First, you’ll understand the design elements. You’ll get to know the design elements and explore the impact of design elements on design.

Next, you’ll apply the design elements. You’ll recognise design elements applied in different scenarios, and practice using design elements to change the perception of a space.

After that, you’ll understand the design principles. You’ll get to know the design principles and explore the application of design principles on design.

Finally, you’ll apply the design principles. You’ll recognise design principles applied in different scenarios and practice using design elements and principles to change the perception of a space.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 4 weeks. Each week involves about 2 hours of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, readings and quizzes.

Fun Facts

• Established in 2004, the British Academy of Interior Design is a leading provider of accredited, industry-recognised interior design qualifications.
• Cício has been working in interior architecture and interior design since 2008.
• In 2020, she became an interior design tutor.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My sixth pick for the best Interior Design online course is Diseño de interiores para restaurantes on Domestika.

Ana Hernández, creative director of the Valencian interior design studio Masquespacio, is here to teach you her process of designing a restaurant that includes everything from previous market research to the distribution of tables and chairs. After taking this course, you’ll be able to apply the design elements to your own restaurant.

What You’ll Learn

First, you’ll learn about customer experience, corporate interior design vs. creative interior design, what is a lovemark or cult brand, what distinguishes your restaurant from its competitors, and who your consumer is, who is the customer and their dedication.

Then, you’ll understand space distribution, layout and bar options, distribution and furniture options, designing the space, restaurant layout, and defining the materials, colors and textures of the brand.

Finally, you’ll take a look at research and inspiration for your project, define the customer’s lifestyle, choose the restaurant you are going to design, and understand the beginning of the path to inspiration.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 19 lessons. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, downloadable resources and practice exercises. There’s also a final project at the end of the course.

Fun Facts

• In 2010 Hernández Palacios, along with Christophe Penasse founded design studio Masquespacio, where Hernández Palacios is the creative director.
• In 2020, they were named ‘Young Talent of The Year’ by Elle Decoration International Magazine, and in 2019, they were awarded ‘Interior Designers of The Year’ by the Spanish edition of The New York Times’ T Magazine.
• They also have been awarded the ‘Massimo Dutti New Values’ award by Architectural Digest Spain and the ‘Wave of the Future’ award by Hospitality Design USA.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My seventh pick for the best Interior Design online course is Home Styling and Decoration with Plants on Domestika.

Plants create a healthier and happier place to live in. A space styled with plants breathes fresh and gets a new life. In this course, stylists Igor and Judith will teach you how to decorate your home or office with plants. You’ll learn their professional styling techniques and transform your spaces with plants.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn about interior styling with plants, the foundation of happy plants, room by room guide, designing the space, mood board and defining your style, and shopping for plants.

You’ll also understand plants on the floor, plants on furniture, hanging plants, photo tips for instagram, plant care and connecting with other people, and home styling and decoration with plants.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 15 lessons. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, downloadable resources and practice exercises. There’s also a final project at the end of the course.

Fun Facts

• Josifovic-Kemper is the founder of Happy Interior Blog and de Graaff is the founder of JOELIX.com.
• Since 2013, their blog, Urban Jungle Bloggers, has grown with over 1.2 million followers on Instagram.
• They have published two books, Plant Tribe and Urban Jungle, and collaborated with brands like IKEA, Urban Outfitters, H&M Home, and many more.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My eighth pick for the best Interior Design online course is Interior Design: Interior Decorate Like a Boss on Skillshare.

This short course will give you step by step instructions on how to decorate your interiors from start to finish. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to layout your floor-plan, work with color, and a lot more, and master interior design in no time.

What You’ll Learn

First, you’ll learn about evaluating your space, function, seating, storage, focal point, special needs, mood, the design principles, contrast, repetition, scale, variation, balance, color theory, natural light, the three types of color, active color, passive colors, and neutrals.

Then, you’ll explore white rooms, dark rooms, how to choose your colors, how to light your space, light temperature, lighting with levels, placing your furniture, walkways and exits, accessories, accessorizing shelves, mirrors, plants, and creating your floor plan.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 38 lessons. Each lesson involves about 1 to 2 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and projects. Downloadable resources are also provided.

Fun Facts

• Sprinkle has done everything from Amazon, to owning her bath and body company, to publishing children’s books.
• She was the interior designer for Edward Cullen’s home in the Twilight movies!
• She is a top teacher on Skillshare.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My ninth pick for the best Interior Design online course is Style Your Space: Creative Tips and Techniques for Interior Design on Skillshare.

Emily Henderson is one of the most popular interior stylists on the internet. In this short course, you’ll go behind the scenes and watch how she creates rooms and spaces that feel fun, creative and unique, and also learn how you can do the same too. Plus, you’ll also see her style her own living room in California in real time from start to finish.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn what styling is, identify your style, develop your style confidence, stick to a color palette, mix your favorite styles, use trends wisely, source items you’ll love, shop for vintage finds, and style a space.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 13 lessons. Each lesson involves about 5 to 10 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and projects. Downloadable resources are also provided.

Fun Facts

• Henderson is a stylist, author and TV host who has styled for magazines and catalogs for years.
• After that, she started her own interior design blog and won HGTV Design Star.
• She also hosted her own TV show, Secrets from a Stylist, authored the book, STYLED, and created the design firm, Emily Henderson Design.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My tenth pick for the best Interior Design online course is the free course Interior Design – Living Room Design Tips, offered by Karla Dreyer Design on YouTube.

Karla Dreyer shows you how to update the look of your living room including useful tips and tricks. From design trends and colors to styling each element in your living room such as your TV and coffee table, you’ll explore every single detail so that you can create a living room that you can show off. Read the in-depth review here.

What You’ll Learn

First, you’ll learn how to decorate with neutral colors, how to choose the right rug size, living room design ideas, coffee table design ideas, living room design ideas, ideas to decorate around a TV, add some bling to your home decor, and styling your console table.

Next, you’ll explore bar cart styling, side table styling, decorating with pillows, decorating your coffee table, adding texture to your home, how to style shelves, how to arrange throw pillows, design dilemma, white dining room tour, and Vancouver condo tour.

After that, you’ll understand shelf styling, styling a console table, coffee table and throw pillows, tips on hanging art, interior design mistakes and how to fix them, living room layout tips, small space ideas, finding your interior design style, and design trends.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 36 videos. Each video involves about 2 to 5 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only.

Fun Facts

• Dreyer is an award-winning Interior Designer and TV Decor Expert.
• Her work has been featured in magazines such as ELLE, Style at Home, Rue, Design*Sponge, Western Living, Canadian Home Trends, Modern Sanctuary and Vancouver.
• She has been awarded Best of Houzz Design, Customer Service, and the Influencer Award. She also produces a weekly You-Tube Show with Design Tips & DIYs.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.