10 Best Online Interior Design Courses and Classes

The field of interior design rarely receives the recognition it deserves, even though it plays a defining role in shaping the spaces where people live, work, and express themselves. With the rapid evolution of technology, aspiring designers today can access some of the best online interior design courses offered by leading institutions and design platforms. While traditional degree-based programs still hold merit, many learners now prefer flexible formats that allow them to build practical skills, study the fundamentals of interior design, and work on real projects without enrolling full-time.

Whether you’re beginning your journey, exploring home renovation, or upgrading your interior design skills to enhance your design experience, the right interior design online course can help you progress with confidence. Below is a refined, comprehensive guide to the ten best online interior design programs, each suited for different goals and learning preferences.

Read also – 12 Best eLearning Courses for Interior Designers

Here is a list of the top 10 best online interior design courses and classes that you can look into:

1. Foyr Community

Technically, Foyr Community is not a traditional online interior design school and does not offer formal accreditation. However, it remains an excellent starting point for beginners and professionals who want a foundational introduction to the aspects of interior design, 3D modeling, and basic design principles through hands-on tutorials.

The platform’s digital design ecosystem helps learners understand design elements, experiment with furniture styles, and explore architectural design fundamentals while using Foyr Neo one of the industry’s fastest 3D rendering tools. The tutorials function much like video lessons, allowing users to work on one of the best interior design software programs to learn about creative design, practice client communication, and engage with design communities at their own pace.

You may not get a bachelor’s degree out of it but without the need for a hands-on certificate program, Foyr Community allows you to partake in online learning at your own pace.

Beyond theory, Foyr Community provides opportunities to prototype creative portfolio work, test ideas through creative thinking and critical thinking, and refine design strategies rooted in functionality. It also encourages students to translate their design ideas into digital assets, useful for both personal projects and professional presentations.

The beauty of Foyr Community Is it allows you to learn design skills that are usually available in free courses by simply going through tutorials and implementing them in practical design projects, helping you create a stunning interior design portfolio. The high-quality 3D modeling also inspires innovative design ideas for beginners and professionals alike, making it one of the best online interior design courses for hands-on learners.

Best for: Beginners and professionals seeking an all-in-one software solution to practice design, create 3D renders, build a portfolio and apply interior design best practices without needing multiple complex tools.

Read also – How To Create An Interior Designer Resume?

2. ASID Master Class On Decorating Your Home

Every year, thousands of students apply to interior design institutes in order to obtain their interior design certificate to start their dream career. However, not everybody can qualify for the top institutions for enrollment in interior design.

With that in mind, Susan Welch Heaney from the American Society of interior designers ASID initiated the “decorating your home” online interior design classes. This master class in home decor and interior design, as stated by most interior design students, covers almost all the fundamentals of space planning, color scheme, floor plan and design of particular rooms, etc.

Using the Decorating Studio, students explore living rooms, bathrooms, home offices, and other residential spaces in depth. The modules demonstrate how design elements work together and how thoughtful choices improve user experience inside the home, which is a key part of what an interior designer does.

You can experiment with a range of floor designs, countertops, cabinets, wall arts, etc. It is a well-rounded online learning experience in which you can indulge part-time and learn how to best compliment the design principles with your personal touches.

Best for: Aspiring designers and homeowners who want a comprehensive master class covering the fundamentals of space planning, color schemes, and room-specific design from a reputable industry society.

Read also – How To Become An Interior Designer Without A Degree?

3. Autodesk Design Academy

Autodesk is a highly regarded name in the interior design industry and the company sure has a lot to offer in terms of an interior design career. To begin with, they offer Excellent online interior design courses under the banner of the interior design institute with a certification Course.

The Autodesk Design Academy Offers free courses that cover modules on various design styles. It teaches interior designers the importance of combining aesthetic value with accessibility and Hi functionality.

The online interior design course takes roughly five hours to finish. Using the Autodesk Homestyle software program, you can learn how to implement healthful measures in the interior design of challenged individuals.

Along with a masterclass in how to design beautiful spaces by simply modifying the fundamentals of design principles for aesthetic value, you can also learn how to add simple design touches to incorporate special equipment required by those who are physically, mentally, or otherwise challenged.

The design concepts explain so thoroughly in this online learning course content can help you transition into a part-time interior designer for those with special needs, making it one of the best online interior design courses for technical specialization. You could really learn how to make a difference in a person’s life.

Best for: Students and designers focused on the technical side of design, accessibility, and mastering industry-standard software like Autodesk Homestyler for specialized, functional, and aesthetic-driven projects.

Read also – 8 Best Ways To Become An Interior Designer

4. Design 101 by HGTV

Among other free courses of online interior design classes with good course content, you can also find ‘Design 101’ by HGTV. Although technically ‘Design 101’ courses are not so much online interior design classes as they are online interior design videos that you can watch.

This innovative online learning experience comes with images of high-quality interior design projects, videos and 3D modeling solutions. The channel also provides news on current developments in the field of interior design.

Therefore, when exploring design ideas alongside topics on speciality designing such as spring decorations, bathroom interior decorating, accessorizing your home, how to best use your design skills on a budget design project, and other such anecdotes on interior architecture and design.

Best for: Visual learners and DIY enthusiasts who prefer learning through high-quality videos and articles on specific trends, budget projects, and accessorizing, rather than a structured, formal course.

Read also – Top 20 HGTV Personalities in Inteiror Design

5. MIT’s series of Open Courseware program

When it comes to education, MIT has always been front and center to facilitate as much learning for aspiring students as possible. This is no exception for the interior design industry either. MIT’s innovative Open Courseware or OCW program allows aspiring “interior design students” to get a basic understanding of what interior design programs entail.

The free courses in interior design available in the form of part-time online learning on the OCW web network help a lot of beginners take their first steps at their own pace. It’s one of the best online interior design courses for self-starters. There are several videos on color theory, modules of interior decorating, textiles, design styles and themes, design principles applicable in different interior spaces, etc.

You will also learn how to use 3D modeling software programs and the basic elements. It makes it easier to implement design concepts on online design programs when working on design projects.

You can learn how to use popular interior design software programs such as Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, etc. The design skills you learn in this free masterclass but transferable to other similar apps and websites that assist in creating design projects.

MIT also has dedicated certificate programs on the principles of design, daylighting, and various other course materials that can truly help aspiring interior designers and beginners, especially if you’re exploring how to become an interior designer without a degree.

Given that these are free courses that also offer to teach high-quality design skills, it is an incredible program. Insights from faculty, relevant textbooks to learn current interior design trends, and video lectures would zero the need for enrollment in full-time degrees are some of the perks of this interior design program.

Best for: Self-motivated beginners who want a free, university-level introduction to design theory, color, and technical software like Revit and SketchUp, without the cost of a formal program.

Read also – How To Get The Interior Design Certification?

6. New York Institute of art and design

If you are inclined toward enrolling in a full-time bachelor’s degree or learning program, the New York Institute of art and design may just be the destination for you. Unlike other interior design courses on this list, they offer full-time, hands-on interior design certificate courses to prepare you for an interior design career, making it one of the best online interior design courses for career-switchers.

There is more than one course available at the New York Institute of art and design for interior design certificates. Unfortunately, as engaging and educating as these masterclasses on space planning are, they are available for a small fee, some of which you can subscribe to on a monthly basis.

Interior design students can apply for their RIDQC Interior design certificate after completing this course since it is approved by the Designer Society of America. They indulge in immersive Course materials on design concepts, high-quality rendering, design history, evolving trends in interior design, color theory, textiles and fabrics, lighting, and much more.

Best for: Individuals seeking a career change or official certification. This paid program is approved by the Designer Society of America and prepares students for the RIDQC exam.

Read also – How To Get The Interior Design Certification?

7. New York School Of Interior Design

The New York School of Interior Design offers 3 distinct interior design programs, namely the Basic Interior Design Certificate Program, master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Interior Environments, and Associate in Applied Science and Interior Design Program. 

The basic course is available as a full-time or part-time Non-degree credit program that requires an enrollment of one year. Even though it does not give a bachelor’s degree, of course, you can use the credits you earn from this esteemed interior design institute to apply for a BFA or AAS. 

You can attend full-time or part-time classes at the interior design institute or opt for the online interior design classes that you can take at your own time at your own pace.

Best for: Students seeking flexible, credit-bearing interior design programs. The courses offer a path toward a BFA or AAS and can be taken full-time, part-time, or entirely online.

Read also – 8 Best Interior Design Colleges and Institutes

8. The UC Berkeley Extension of the Online Interior Design Course

Among paid design programs, there are certificate programs with excellent course content, also by Berkeley under the University of California. The certificate program in interior design and architecture has always been a highly coveted course for aspiring interior designers.

The course requires a bachelor’s degree for eligibility and teaches interior design students how to use design principles to create beautiful spaces for their own homes or for design clients. The course explores the aesthetic value of interior design and the urgent need to incorporate sustainable interior architecture into our design schemes.

As a part of the UC Berkeley learning experience, these best online interior design courses are well-suited for aspiring professional interior designers. Although expensive, it offers great potential for professional interior designers to connect with experts in the interior design industry. Thus, it opens up new opportunities for them upon the completion of their course.

Since the interior design courses are prepared to train interior design students in design skills required for professional projects, those preparing to start their own business or apply to the top firms find them particularly useful. You can attain real-world experience under the tutelage of expert interior designers to create your portfolios as for the mentorship.

Best for: Aspiring professionals with a bachelor’s degree. This prestigious certificate program focuses on sustainable architecture and provides strong networking opportunities for high-end professional projects.

Read also – Best Cities and Countries for Interior Design Jobs and Courses

9. Wende Reid’s interior design institute

As an accomplished, highly sought after, and prestigious interior designer Wende Reid not only features royal collections of interior designs but also indulges in inspiring the next generation of interior designers to create masterpieces.

The interior design institute or IDI founded by Wende is a driving force in mentoring young professional interior designers to think outside the box. The courses offered by this interior design institute cover everything from fundamentals of design principles to master classes in specific fields of study under the all-inclusive interior design certificate program.

The course content consists of 12 assignments that are interactive to prepare the interior design students for real-world pitches. They also include 12 modules of said assignments with a money-back guarantee to ensure that the interior design students will secure a good job or initiate their own business soundly.

You can complete the course at your own pace and reach out to student support at any time 24/7 for any queries. It is a gateway to learning everything from budget to luxurious interior spaces and is an excellent recommendation for those seeking accreditation from renowned interior design institutes.

Best for: Students who thrive on interactive, assignment-based learning. This institute offers 12 modules, 24/7 student support, and a money-back guarantee, focusing on real-world preparation.

Read also – Which Interior Design Jobs Have The Best Pay?

 10. Online interior design certificate courses on Udemy

Udemy is the new age solution, inspiring people towards education. This powerful online learning platform offers numerous courses in interior design that you can join, including some of the best online interior design courses on the platform.

There are a handful of free courses where you can learn the fundamentals to design your own home. However, if you aim to become a professional interior designer, you may want to consider a professional design course that thoroughly indulges in design principles.

As established interior designers, enrollment in several Udemy online interior design courses could help you keep up with current trends. You can also apply for accreditation with certificate programs on Udemy which are essentially masterclasses to cover the bases of design concepts.

Of course, the eligibility for certain accreditation courses may seem annoying but on the plus side, you can subscribe to these courses at very reasonable prices. You can also use Udemy courses to upgrade your design concepts at your own pace.

Best for: Learners on a budget or professionals needing to update specific skills. Udemy offers a massive variety of affordable, self-paced courses on niche topics and current trends.

Read also – How To Become A Freelance Interior Designer?

What to Look for When Choosing an Online Interior Design Course

Choosing from the best online interior design courses requires balancing five key factors to find the right fit for your goals.

Accreditation and Certification

Look for courses accredited by bodies like CIDA or recognized by industry groups like ASID or DSA. An official interior design certificate or diploma validates your skills, builds client trust, and is often a prerequisite for professional licensing exams and high-level jobs. It proves you’ve met industry standards.

Curriculum and Specialization

Review the syllabus. Does it cover fundamentals like color theory, space planning, and drafting? Or does it offer specializations in areas like sustainable interior environments or commercial design? Choose a curriculum that aligns with your career ambitions, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.

Cost vs. Value

Free courses are great for basics, but paid interior design programs offer mentorship, certification, and deeper learning. Evaluate the total cost against the value provided: Is there 1-on-1 instructor access? A strong alumni network? Career services? The most expensive isn’t always the best for your specific needs.

Software and Tools Taught

Modern interior design runs on software. The best courses will teach industry-standard tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit. They should also introduce modern, all-in-one platforms like Foyr Neo interior design software, which combines 2D drawing, 3D modeling, and photorealistic rendering in one easy-to-use tool.

Practice and Become a Pro on Foyr

Watching tutorials is one thing; applying your knowledge is how you truly grow. The best way to solidify what you learn about interior design online is by practising. This is where an intuitive, powerful tool like Foyr Neo becomes your greatest asset, allowing you to move from theory to practice instantly.

• Design directly on a 2D floor plan and watch it render in 3D simultaneously.
• Access a massive library of over 60,000 pre-modeled 3D assets to furnish your spaces.
• Create stunning, photorealistic 12K renders in minutes, not hours or days.
• Use the AI-powered features to automate lighting, texturing, and more.
• Build a professional portfolio to share with clients, all within one platform.

Don’t just learn about design, do it. Foyr Neo is the fastest way to translate the ideas from your online interior design classes into a professional-grade project. It’s the perfect tool for practicing your skills and building client-ready presentations. Start your 14-day free trial today.

Read also – The Pros and Cons of Being An Interior Designer

FAQs

Can you really learn interior design online?

Absolutely. You can successfully learn interior design online through a variety of formats. While self-paced video courses are great for basics and DIY projects, structured interior design programs with certification offer a comprehensive education in theory, history, and technical skills, fully preparing you for a professional career.

Is an online interior design certificate worth it?

Yes, an interior design certificate is highly valuable. It demonstrates to clients and employers that you have completed a formal course of study and possess the required skills. For many, it’s a critical step for gaining credibility, joining professional organizations, and qualifying for higher-paying projects and jobs.

What is the best online interior design course for beginners?

The best online interior design course for a beginner depends on your goals. Free options like MIT OpenCourseware or HGTV’s Design 101 are excellent for exploring the topic. However, for a structured, all-in-one learning and practice experience, a platform like Foyr Community provides the tools to start designing immediately.

Can I get a job with just an online interior design certificate?

Yes, especially when combined with a strong portfolio. While a full degree is required for some architectural firms, an interior design certificate from a reputable institution is often all you need for roles in residential design, e-design, home staging, or starting your own freelance business. Your portfolio will be key.

How long does it take to learn interior design online?

This varies widely. You can learn basic concepts in a weekend. A comprehensive interior design certificate program may take anywhere from six months to two years to complete. The journey to mastering the craft, building a portfolio, and understanding the business side is ongoing, but you can be job-ready in 1-2 years.