Top 11 Online Interior Design Courses and Certifications

Interior design has never been more accessible, thanks to the plethora of online courses available. Whether you're a beginner dipping your toes into the world of design or an experienced designer looking to update your skills, there's an online course tailored to your needs. Here, we've compiled a list of the best online interior design courses to help you learn how to become an interior designer.

Please note that the details for each course, including costs, duration, and course availability, are subject to change by the course providers. Make sure to visit the course link for the most accurate and updated information.

Advantages of Doing the Course Online

Online interior design classes offer numerous benefits: flexibility to learn at your own pace, the ability to rewind and rewatch lessons, access to a vast range of courses and instructors worldwide, and often, lower costs compared to traditional interior design schools.

What to Consider When Choosing an Online Interior Design Course

When selecting a course, consider the instructor's expertise, the curriculum's relevance, the cost's appropriateness, and the course's flexibility to align with your schedule. Look for courses that provide direct interaction with instructors and feedback on your work for a holistic learning experience. Additionally, you may wish to confirm whether completing the course will earn you an interior design certification online.

Online Interior Design Courses for Beginners

1. Interior Design Basics: Simple Steps to Your Perfect Space

• Platform: Skillshare
• Instructor: Lauren Cox
• Description: This course helps beginners define their style, create a mood board, plan their space, and choose suitable colors, patterns, and textures.
• Cost: Skillshare's subscription costs $165 per year.
• Certificate: Not available.
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Pros: Ideal for beginners; Affordable; Self-paced; Part of Skillshare's vast library.
• Cons: No certification; No one-on-one instruction.
  

2. New York Institute of Art and Design

• Platform: New York Institute of Art and Design
• Instructor: Multiple
• Description: Comprehensive online interior design course covering 18 units and 6 projects.
• Cost: $1,299 for the entire course.
• Certificate: Available upon completion.
• Duration: Self-paced (recommended 18 months)
• Pros: Comprehensive curriculum; Offers certification; Personalized feedback from professionals.
• Cons: Expensive compared to other courses; Might be overwhelming for absolute beginners.
  

3. The Interior Design Institute Course

• Platform: The Interior Design Institute
• Instructor: Wende Reid
• Description: This course offers 12 modules teaching everything from color theory to lighting design.
• Cost: $1,099 for the entire course.
• Certificate: Diploma in Interior Design upon completion.
• Duration: Self-paced (up to 24 weeks)
• Pros: Comprehensive curriculum; Offers certification; Personalized feedback from professionals.
• Cons: Relatively high cost; Requires a significant time commitment.

4. 3D CAD Fundamentals

• Platform: Coursera
• Instructor: National Taiwan University
• Description: Learn how to use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 3D models of interior spaces, including floor plans, furniture, and lighting.
• Cost: Free to audit, certificate costs may vary.
• Certificate: Downloadable certificate.
• Duration: Approximately 9 hours to complete; self-paced.
• Pros: Comprehensive introduction to CAD; Free to audit; Taught by experienced instructors.
• Cons: Technical, might be challenging for those unfamiliar with CAD software or engineering fundamentals.

Intermediate and Advanced Interior Design Courses

5. Corey Damen Jenkins Teaches Interior Design

• Platform: MasterClass
• Instructor: Corey Damen Jenkins
• Description: In-depth look at creating stunning spaces, marketing, and business growth.
• Cost: MasterClass Annual Membership for $120.
• Certificate: Not available.
• Duration: 2 hours (10 lessons)
• Pros: Taught by a renowned designer; High-quality video lessons; Provides business insights.
• Cons: No certification; no one-on-one instruction.
  

6. Autodesk CAD/CAM for Manufacturing Specialization

• Platform: Coursera
• Instructor: Multiple
• Description: Learn to use Autodesk software for designing and drafting interior spaces.
• Cost: Free to audit, certificate costs may vary.
• Certificate: Downloadable certificate.
• Duration: Approximately 4 months at 6 hours per week
• Pros: Free to audit; In-depth software learning.
• Cons: Requires previous knowledge of interior design and engineering.

7. British College of Interior Design - Professional Interior Design Course

• Platform: British College of Interior Design
• Instructor: Various professional designers
• Description: A comprehensive 12-module course designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to work as a professional interior designer.
• Cost: £1,299 (Approximately $1,634 USD).
• Certificate: Yes, upon completion.
• Duration: Self-paced (usually completed in 24 weeks)
• Pros: Comprehensive and professional level course; Personal tutor support; Flexibility in learning.
• Cons: Fee might be high compared to other online courses; Might be intense for those not intending to go professional.
  

8. Construction Management

• Platform: Coursera
• Instructor: Columbia University
• Description: Learn how to manage complex construction projects, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, contracting, and controlling the construction process.
• Cost: Free to audit, certificate costs may vary.
• Certificate: Available with paid version.
• Duration: Approximately 7 months to complete at 4 hours per week.
• Pros: Covers a wide range of topics in construction management; Taught by Columbia University faculty.
• Cons: May be too specialized for some interior designers.

Luxury Interior Design Courses

9. Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design

• Platform: MasterClass
• Instructor: Kelly Wearstler
• Description: Detailed guidance on finding inspiration, experimenting with materials, mixing styles, and creating sensory experiences.
• Cost: MasterClass Annual Membership for $120.
• Certificate: Not available.
• Duration: 17 lessons, 2 hours total.
• Pros: Taught by a famous designer; Access to exclusive design resources and tips.
• Cons: No certification; no one-on-one instruction.
  

10. Modern and Contemporary Art and Design

• Platform: Coursera
• Instructor: The Museum of Modern Art
• Description: Appreciate and analyze modern art and design, learn about the history, theory, and practice of art and design from the 19th century to the present day.
• Cost: Free to audit, certificate costs may vary.
• Certificate: Available with paid version.
• Duration: Approximately 7 months to complete at 2 hours per week.
• Pros: Free to audit; Thorough understanding of art and design; Collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art.
• Cons: Focus is broader than just interior design.

11. New York School of Interior Design Courses

• Platform: New York School of Interior Design
• Instructor: Multiple
• Description: A variety of courses that teach you to design luxurious spaces for residential and commercial settings.
• Cost: Costs vary depending on the specific course.
• Certificate: Available upon completion.
• Duration: Varies depending on the specific course.
• Pros: Wide range of courses; Offers certification; Comprehensive learning experience; Taught by professionals from a renowned design school.
• Cons: Costs and durations vary; Some courses might require previous knowledge of interior design.

Related: Check How Much an Interior Designer Costs

Interior Design Resources

Many courses will introduce you to tools commonly used in the interior design industry. These include software like SketchUp, AutoCAD, and Rhino for 3D modeling, and Adobe Photoshop and InDesign for presentations and portfolio design.

Unleash Your Creativity With an Interior Design Online Institute

From basic principles to professional skills, 3D modeling techniques to design management, these comprehensive and diverse courses cover a broad range of topics. Each one presents a unique approach to learning, with interactive elements, hands-on projects, and insights from industry professionals.

Remember, the learning doesn't stop when the course ends. Keep up to date with the latest trends, tips, and inspiration in the world of interior design. For a consistent dose of inspiration, don't forget to check interior design blogs, where you can explore a multitude of design ideas and insights.