An interior decorator is often interpreted as an interior designer’s perfect substitute. But this interpretation is a misconception. Although not as different as night and day, the two professions have noticeable distinctions. Here are these distinctions from three job-related aspects’ point of view.

1.Work

The work of a decorator is to furnish a space with dazzling colours, shapes & textures. Whereas the work of an interior designer is more in-depth, his/her job is to understand the client’s need and create a space accordingly. Basically, an interior decorator deals only with the client’s tastes while an interior designer will deal with taste as well as clients structural requirements. Let’s take wall coverings as an example, the decorator will choose the colours, texture & pattern to go on the wall. The designer, on the other hand, will take care of the before-mentioned aspects while also taking care of things like noise-reduction, acoustics, flammability of the material & electrical needs of the client. Simply put, an interior designer is also an interior decorator but a decorator isn’t a designer.

2.Salary

Even though a designer’s work requires more skill, the salary statistics show a different picture. As per payscale, average salaries offered to interior decorators (INR 296000) are higher than those offered to designers (INR 330000). However, this miscalculation can be attributed to the lack of knowledge regarding the distinction between these 2 professions. Decorators are often hired under the title of ‘Interior Designer’ in firms. This theory is further strengthened when one takes a look at maximum pay offered. Maximum pay offered to designers (INR 730000) is higher than maximum pay offered to decorators (INR 510000).

3.Creativity

Generally, students with creative inclinations pursue a career in interiors. So it becomes paramount to distinguish the level of creativity which goes into each. An interior designer’s job entails a blend of artistic & functional talents whereas a decorator’s job involves a higher percentage of creativity. While interior decoration is an art, interior designing is both, an art & a science.

So a student wanting to get into interiors as a platform to express their creativity should call themselves decorators. And students wanting to take up interiors as a high-paying profession should call themselves designers.

Got anymore doubts about this distinction? Comment below, let us know.