Best Online Interior Design Services of 2024

The success of a design depends largely upon the designer who creates it. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that the designer or online interior design company meshes with your own style and taste. Look closely at an online interior design service’s portfolio – the work they’ve already done will be reflected in this, and it will likely offer a preview of the type of design they’ll create for you. “Choosing the right online [designer] is key,” says Houna Bech, professional interior designer and founder of With Houna. “I recommend looking closely at their past work and reviews – this gives insight into their abilities, personal style, and reliability.”

Additionally, if you’re selecting a specific designer (Havenly operates like this), make sure you like the previous work of the designer and that their experience aligns with your style before beginning the project with them. You don’t want to hire a mid-century specialist for a rustic, farmhouse project.

Most online interior design services offer different levels of service through packages with different pricing. A basic package can cost between $100 and $300 and will not include all the amenities of a higher-tiered package (like one-on-one meetings with a designer or 3D renderings). However, basic packages can be a good place to get started if you already have a fairly good idea of what you want in a space or you’re not ready to commit to a large investment in your home.

Many standard packages, which can cost between $200 and $600, include multiple designs, 3D renderings, and shopping lists. These are often the best value for most people. Luxury or premium packages are the most expensive, with most starting at $500. Premium packages include extra services that may make them worth the cost, such as video consults, in-person meetings, white-glove delivery, and long-term support.

Online interior design can comprise more than a questionnaire, a few messages, a floor plan, and a shopping list. Instead, many online interior design companies provide additional services as either add-ons or part of high-end packages that aim to make online interior design just as full-service as traditional interior design. These are often charged as flat fees or hourly rates. Expect most of these amenities to start at an additional $75 per hour.

Some companies provide white-glove delivery and installation, ensuring that once the design is approved by the client, they take care of everything, from ordering the furniture to setting it up in the correct spot. A few companies offer live virtual meetings with a designer, giving clients time to ensure their designer understands their needs and their space. Others offer in-person services in select areas, taking a hybrid approach to interior design. Of course, none of these services are necessary for the success of online interior design, but they can be incredibly helpful add-ons for those who are less familiar with the design process or unsure of what they want.

Customers communicate with designers through virtual means, rather than in-person meetings as with traditional interior design. But that doesn’t mean there’s less communication. “A common misconception is that online design is more hands-off. In my experience, it’s quite the opposite! The designer and client must collaborate closely through each step. An open line of communication, willingness to provide feedback, and dedication on both sides are crucial,” says Bech. Different online interior design services provide different types of virtual communication, ranging from asynchronous chats to live video calls.

The ability to message a designer with questions or revisions is a part of nearly every online interior design service, though response time can vary from a few hours to a few days. Some companies, like Havenly, have built-in messaging systems, while others use email. Live communication, either by phone or video call, often comes as an add-on or as part of a premium design package. If it’s important to you to speak with a designer at length, pick a company that offers this, like Decorilla or Spacejoy.

The turnaround time from the initial questionnaire to the finished design depends on the company and the customer. Some design companies have set turnaround times, like Spacejoy, which promises a design within a certain number of days. Others, however, are more nebulous, noting that the turnaround time depends on the size and complexity of the project. The client also plays an important role in the design time, as the sooner they provide the designer with the information and the revisions they need, the faster the designer can get to work.

In my experience, online interior design is ideal for straightforward redesigns where the goal is a fresh new look within an existing footprint and budget,” says Judi Kutner, real estate agent and contributor for VirtualStaging.com