Interior Designer Salary: What You Really Earn in the UK

When you think of an interior designer, a professional who plans and styles indoor spaces for function and beauty, often working with clients on homes or commercial spaces. Also known as interior decorator, it's not just about picking paint colors—it's about spatial planning, building codes, lighting design, and managing contractors. Many assume it’s a glamorous, high-paying job, but the truth? Pay varies wildly depending on experience, location, and whether you work for a firm or run your own business.

Entry-level interior designers in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £28,000 a year. That’s after years of study, internships, and often unpaid work to build a portfolio. Mid-level designers with 5–8 years under their belt can expect £30,000 to £45,000. The top 10%—those with strong client lists, niche expertise, or their own studios—can hit £60,000 or more. But here’s the catch: those higher numbers don’t come from salary alone. Most top earners make money through project fees, commissions on furniture, and repeat clients. If you’re working as a freelancer, you’re also paying for your own insurance, software, marketing, and taxes. That’s why many designers track project profit, not just hourly rates.

Location matters too. Designers in London and the South East generally earn more, but so do their living costs. A designer in Manchester or Bristol might take home less on paper but have more disposable income after rent and bills. The type of project also changes your pay. Residential work pays steady rates, but commercial projects—hotels, offices, retail spaces—often come with bigger budgets and higher fees. And if you specialize in something like sustainable design or historic home restoration, you can charge a premium. Clients pay more when they know you bring unique skills to the table.

It’s not just about talent—it’s about business sense. The best-paid designers aren’t always the most artistic. They’re the ones who know how to price their work, communicate value, and manage client expectations. They understand contracts, timelines, and how to say no when a project won’t pay off. If you’re thinking about this career, know that the money comes after years of building trust, not right after graduation.

Below, you’ll find real posts that dig into related topics: how to style a room on a budget, what flooring lasts the longest, how to pick curtain colors that sell homes, and even how to make your bookshelf look classy without spending a fortune. These aren’t just decor tips—they’re the skills that help interior designers prove their worth, win clients, and earn more over time. Whether you’re hiring a designer or thinking about becoming one, these insights show what actually moves the needle in this field.