45+ Profitable Business Ideas For Interior Designers (Real Examples!)
Looking to start a business based of interior designing but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build an innovative product/service in this line of work.
If you're looking to start your own business based of interior designing, there are several low-capital options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the most profitable business ideas for interior designers you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Start a bedding company
At the end of a hard day, we all need a good night’s sleep. A good quality mattress, bedsheet, or pillow makes all the difference when it comes to sleeping comfortably. That’s why many people invest in quality bedding materials, making it a profitable business idea.
The first step to starting a bedding business is to choose your niche. You need to decide what bedding you want to specialize in, which will help determine the products you’ll sell. Do you want to focus on luxury sheets? Or perhaps more affordable linens that are still high-quality?
Next, you’ll need to find a manufacturer who can supply the bedding products you want to sell. You’ll want to research different options and ensure they can provide what you need at a reasonable price.
Once you’ve got all that lined up, start setting up your website and social media accounts! These are essential tools for any business owner—especially in today’s digital landscape.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $14,166,667/month
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
Sheets & Giggles, an eco-friendly bedding brand, earned nearly $500,000 and 6,000 orders in the first 6 months of business through Indiegogo, and utilizes pun-based marketing and a DTC model to tap into a fragmented, low brand loyalty market.
2. Start a lighting store
The lighting fixtures market will reach a CAGR of 5.4% over the next few years. The massive demand for modern lighting fixtures will fuel the market growth as consumers look to optimize power consumption and save more on utility bills.
Thus, starting an interior and exterior lighting fixtures store can be a profitable business venture. If you are passionate about supplying lighting fixtures, consider setting up a brick-and-mortar shop in your neighborhood.
If you already have an online store that is doing well, you can target the areas with a high demand for lighting fixtures and open a physical store there.
How much you can make: $35,000/month
Any Old Lights, a UK-based vintage nautical and industrial lighting store, has grown to turn over £250,000 annually by being on the forefront of SEO tactics and building their own Revivals brand of lighting, as well as sourcing and selling maritime antiques and curios.
3. Start an artificial plants business
Artificial flowers are commonly used for décor at home, offices, and during events.
Nowadays, event organizers, homeowners, and businesses largely prefer artificial flowers over natural flowers as they are long-lasting and available in different colors and textures.
With the growing trend of indoor and outdoor decoration across the globe, starting an artificial flowers business can be a lucrative business opportunity. Thus, if you are interested in starting a florist business, you may consider artificial flowers a potential business opportunity.
How much you can make: $50,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
Sharon Demmery started a luxury artificial flower arrangement business from scratch and now achieves sales of around £50k/month, focusing on creating bespoke and unique products with high margins and low competition, while building a loyal customer base through organic social media efforts and referrals.
4. Start an online rug store
Online rug stores sell fine hand-woven or hand-dyed antique rugs, carpets, and textiles. Some potential customers looking to purchase exceptional old rugs, carpets, and materials are auctions, collectors, academics, museum curators, and homeowners.
If you are a home décor enthusiast, purchase and resell rare and important rugs or carpets online or even open a store in the neighborhood. If you are starting, always begin with a nearby product, something local or with close suppliers. Costs will be less, and probably logistics problems will go near zero.
Also, take controlled risks, as it's easier to test and fail cheaper than ever. Online services and tools make you ready to launch with a few bucks, so go try, sell and take feedback. Probably, you are nearer than you think to success.
As you advance, source fine textiles and fragments of rugs from Europe, Persia, India, Turkey, Morocco, China, and other countries respected for their rug-making expertise.
Market your rugs and carpets online or open a local rugs store targeting rug and tag run & carpet lovers.
How much you can make: $40,000/month
Mundoalfombra.com is a Spanish-based rug and carpet e-commerce retailer that has seen 20% growth since the beginning of the decade, making around $23K/month revenue, and plans to further internationalize in the future.
5. Start a throw pillow designing business
A throw pillow designing business involves creating decorative pillows that can add comfort, color, and personality to a room. The business typically involves creating unique designs, selecting fabrics and materials, and producing finished products.
To run a successful throw pillow designing business, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind:
Develop a unique and cohesive design aesthetic: Creating a distinct and consistent design style will help your business stand out in the market and attract repeat customers.
Source high-quality materials: The quality of your materials will have a significant impact on the final product, so it’s essential to invest in fabrics and fillings that are durable and comfortable.
Stay on trend: Keeping up with current design trends will help your business stay relevant and attract new customers.
Invest in marketing: Marketing your business and products is crucial to attracting new customers and driving sales. Use social media, email marketing, and other online platforms to promote your products.
Offer excellent customer service: Providing excellent customer service is key to building a loyal customer base and maintaining a positive reputation. Respond to customer inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
Following these tips can create a successful and sustainable throw pillow designing business.
6. Start a faux painting business
7. Start a framing service
How much you can make: $50,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of Saleh Sokhandan, the founder of Vidavin, who started with $2,000 and grew his 3D art and optical illusion business to $1 million through unique products, influencer marketing, and a focus on creating pleasant experiences both for customers and himself.
8. Start a fashionable home décor business
How much you can make: $415,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Hoagard is a profitable metal wall decor brand with an average annual turnover of 4.5-5.5 million Euros, which started out as a new hobby and transformed into a successful e-commerce business with 85% of sales coming from the brand's own website.
9. Start a pool and garden designing business
If you have landscape architect skills, you can become a pool and garden, designing expert. Your role will be to provide master planning of landscapes, design of gardens and pools, consulting with advice for clients, and providing direction and supervision during pool construction. A garden designer also helps manage pools and other garden establishments.
10. Start a headboard art business
Headboard art has become a popular trend today. Several specialty retail stores offer their customers headboards decorated with photographs and unique art pieces. The trend creates a terrific opportunity for artists to capitalize by starting headboards that feature original art.
The headboards can feature paintings or enlarged photographs adhered to the headboard.
11. Start a patio furniture retail business
12. Start a home restoration business
Residential and commercial properties are prone to water damage, fire damage, roof damage, mold, and asbestos damage.
Home renovation companies will help with the home restoration process. home restoration businesses work with insurance companies or directly with homeowners to restore the property to normal after a devastating loss.
If you are passionate about home improvement, you may consider starting your own home restoration business. To start, you may hire certified home repair professionals to be in charge of home renovation projects as you market the business.
13. Start an interior landscaping business
Interior landscaping is the practice of designing, installing, and maintaining greenery and biophilic elements inside buildings.
Commercial and residential property owners are embracing interior landscaping at a higher rate than ever before. Interior landscaping offers an opportunity to replicate the beauty and environmental benefits previously associated with the outdoors.
If you enjoy home improvement and interior décor, consider starting an interior landscaping business.
14. Start a kitchen remodeling business
Kitchen remodeling means changing the previous appliances, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and fixtures to add space and value through a new look.
The kitchen remodeling business requires creativity, design, and technical skills. To succeed in kitchen remodeling, you must be well-versed in aesthetics and space planning. You must show deep practical technical knowledge when it comes to the installation of plumbing, electrical, and other kitchen appliances.
15. Start a window shutters and blinds business
Of all accessories used in the interior décor, window shutters and blinds play a key role in the overall aesthetics of a room. The blinds protect your privacy and shield your interior space from dust, wind, and harsh sun rays.
Therefore, almost all homeowners will invest in quality window shutters and blinds.
Establishing a window shutter and blinds business can be fun and rewarding. To start, research the market and create a business plan. Then, register your business and liaise with interior décor professionals to help you reach new customers.
How much you can make: $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 330 days (?)
Blindster, a leading custom window treatment eCommerce retailer, achieved record sales of $39MM in 2020, experiencing a 60% increase over 2019, by focusing on over-the-top customer service with a six-week training program for customer service reps and a Fit-or-Free guarantee, among other marketing tactics.
16. Start a fireplace installation business
The majority of homeowners install new gas fireplaces in autumn before winter arrives. With a fireplace installed, you simply hit a button or flip a switch on the wall to enjoy instant ambiance and warmth.
Starting a fireplace sales and installation business can be lucrative.
17. Start a home theater rooms set-up business
The home theater room set-up business is about creating a professional, immersive, and comfortable home theater experience for customers. The business includes installing a projection system, sound system, seating, and other necessary components.
To start this business, you will need knowledge of home theater systems and installation and access to the necessary equipment and materials. You may also need to obtain any required licenses or certifications.
You should be able to provide top-quality service and meet each customer’s unique needs and preferences. Offering quality service may involve working with a team of professionals, such as electricians or audio engineers, to ensure that the installation is done correctly and to the highest standards.
Additionally, it is essential to have excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients to ensure that they are satisfied with the final result.
How much you can make: $4,000,000/month
Case study of World Wide Stereo, a consumer electronics company with a profitable $56 to $62 million business, known for their excellent customer service and online shopping experience, as well as their focus on providing a higher quality of entertainment and environmental control through electronics.
18. Start a house painting business
Starting a house painting business can be a rewarding and lucrative endeavor. With the right skills, equipment, and a bit of luck, you can provide a valuable service to homeowners looking to spruce up their living spaces.
You'll need to invest in basic painting supplies such as brushes, rollers, ladders, and drop cloths to get started. You'll also need to invest in protective gear, such as masks and gloves, to ensure the safety of yourself and your clients.
Once you have your equipment, you can start marketing your services to potential clients. You can use social media, word-of-mouth referrals, or even old-fashioned flyers and business cards to get the word out.
As your business grows, you should invest in additional equipment, such as sprayers and power washers, to expand your services. You can also consider hiring additional workers to help with larger jobs and to allow you to take on more work.
With hard work, determination, and a little luck, your house painting business can thrive and provide a steady income stream. And who knows, you may even find yourself becoming the go-to painter in your community.
19. Start an interior design consulting business
If you have a passion for interior design and want to turn it into a successful business, starting an interior design consulting company may be the perfect opportunity. As an interior design consultant, you will help clients create beautiful and functional spaces within their homes or commercial buildings.
To start an interior design consulting business, you must have a strong understanding of design principles and the ability to visualize and communicate your ideas to clients. You should also have a portfolio of past design projects to showcase your skills and style. In addition to your design skills, you will also need business skills such as marketing, budgeting, and project management to run your business successfully.
Some of the services you may offer as an interior design consultant include space planning, furniture selection, color consultation, and accessorizing. You may also work with contractors and other professionals to ensure that your design plans are properly implemented.
To succeed in the interior design consulting industry, staying up-to-date on the latest design trends and continually expanding your knowledge and skills is important. Building a strong network of professionals and establishing a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy designer will also help you attract new clients and grow your business.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $40,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
The Design Database is an online platform and community for creatives that connects them with clients who are looking to hire now, providing tools and resources for them to successfully build their careers, and has gained over 200 creatives and 25 companies since its launch in late July, as well as receiving grant funding from the HerRise Pitch Competition by HerSuiteSpot and raising over $10,000 on Kickstarter.
20. Start a self storage business
21. Start a futons business
22. Start a skylight installation business
23. Start a wallpaper business
Wallpapers are a popular trend, and the installation appetite will not stop soon. Homeowners go for various designs, from traditional florals to contemporary geometric, tropical patterns, etc.
Therefore, printing different substrates could make wallpaper trends even more exciting. Start by thinking about the various attractive designs and colors that will attract your target customers. Factor the scale of the flowers in the patterns and choose designs that make rooms large and create an appealing space.
24. Start a hot tub installation business
25. Start a home office planning business
26. Start a bathtub reglazing business
Bathtub reglazing is a business idea that involves refinishing and resurfacing bathtubs to make them look new. This is an affordable alternative to replacing an old or damaged bathtub and can be a great way to increase the value of a home or rental property.
To run a reglazing business, you will need to have experience working with various types of bathtubs and be skilled in using various tools and materials. You must also have good customer service skills and communicate effectively with clients.
One of the benefits of running a bathtub reglazing business is that it can be done on a relatively small budget. You will need to invest in some basic tools and materials, but your services can recoup these costs quickly. Additionally, you can work with a range of clients, from homeowners to landlords and property management companies, which means you have the potential to generate a steady stream of income.
Another benefit of this business idea is that it is relatively low maintenance. You can work on your own schedule and don’t need to worry about inventory or fulfillment. To increase your income potential, you can also offer other related services, such as tile reglazing or sink refinishing.
A bathtub reglazing business can be a rewarding and lucrative venture for aspiring entrepreneurs. It requires minimal start-up costs and offers the opportunity to work with a range of clients and make a positive impact on their homes and properties.
27. Start a window installation business
28. Start a house decoration business
How much you can make: $10,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
MarbleBee is a natural stone carving products manufacturer that has become the most experienced supplier in designing and manufacturing marble bathtubs and sculptures, established long-term cooperation with interior designers, contractors, and builders in over 20 countries and served hundreds of homeowners.
29. Start a house preparation service business
30. Start a party balloon business
31. Start a fabric store
Starting a fabric store can be a rewarding and lucrative business idea for those passionate about fabrics, textiles, and creativity. The key to success in this industry is sourcing high-quality fabrics at competitive prices and offering a wide selection to your customers.
To start a fabric store, you must invest in inventory, including various fabrics in different colors, patterns, and materials. You will also need to rent or purchase a retail space and furnish it with tables, shelves, and display racks to showcase your products. You may also need to invest in a point-of-sale system and online platform to manage orders and transactions.
In addition to managing your inventory and sales, it is important to focus on customer service and building a loyal customer base. This can be achieved by offering personalized assistance to customers, hosting sewing workshops or classes, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the fabric industry.
A fabric store requires creativity, business acumen, and customer service skills. You can build a successful and fulfilling business in this vibrant and creative industry with the right approach and dedication.
32. Start a mirror art production business
Mirror art involves assembling small mirror pieces of varying colors and shapes to resemble a picture, landscape, or abstract design. You can use laser engraving technology as a unique and innovative way of customizing mirrors without frosting or damaging the mirror glass.
33. Start a paving consulting business
34. Start an antique furniture refurbishing business
Antique furniture is a collectible interior furnishing that adds a timeless quality to a space. Antique furniture features attractive designs that looked good 50 or 100 years ago and remains attractive today.
35. Start a plant nursery shop
Starting a plant nursery shop can be a rewarding and lucrative business opportunity for anyone passionate about plants and gardening. A plant nursery shop is a retail store that sells various plants, including annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and herbs.
To start a plant nursery shop, you’ll need a physical location to sell your plants. This can be a standalone store or a small corner of a larger retail space. You’ll also need to understand the different types of plants and how to care for them. This includes knowing which plants best suit various climates and how to properly water and fertilize them.
One of the key elements of running a successful plant nursery shop is having a diverse selection of plants that appeal to a wide range of customers. This might include popular annuals like petunias and marigolds and more unusual specimens like orchids and bromeliads. You should also have a good selection of pots and other gardening supplies to help customers take care of their plants once they get them home.
To start a plant nursery shop, you’ll need to invest in essential equipment, such as pots, trays, and other supplies. You may also need to hire a small staff to help you manage the business’s day-to-day operations. This can include sales associates, gardeners, and other experts who can help customers find the right plants for their needs.
Running a plant nursery shop can be a rewarding and fulfilling business opportunity for anyone with a love of plants and gardening. With the right location, selection, and staff, you can create a thriving business that brings joy to your customers and profits to your bottom line.
36. Start a furniture cover manufacturing business
37. Start a junkyard business
A junkyard is a place where scrap is collected before recycling or discarded. The junkyard operators purchase scrap metal at their weighted price and sell it to recyclers for a profit.
With the demand for scrap metal and recyclable items expected to touch $60 Billion in the next few years, starting a junkyard can be a profitable venture. To start, you need to meet the legal paperwork, so authorities allow you to purchase scrap metal.
How much you can make: $37,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
This case study examines how the founder of 1-800-GOT-JUNK grew his business to $37M/month by offering franchise-based, full-service junk removal to homes and businesses, including donating any possible items to charity.
38. Start a designer lamp shades business
39. Start a home repair business
The home repair business idea involves providing services to fix various issues in people’s homes. The issues can include fixing plumbing problems, repairing electrical issues, painting, and general maintenance tasks.
To start this business, you will need a few things. First, you will need some knowledge and skills in home repair. You can obtain knowledge and skills through education, experience, or both. You will also need the necessary tools and equipment to complete the tasks you are offering. You will also need a reliable vehicle to travel to and from job sites.
To operate this business, you must market your services to potential customers. Marketing can be done through word of mouth, advertising in local publications, or creating a website. When you receive a service request, you will need to visit the customer’s home to assess the issue and provide an estimate for the repair. Once the repair is complete, you will need to collect payment from the customer. It is important to be timely, professional, and thorough in your work to ensure customer satisfaction and to build a positive reputation for your business.
Overall, the home repair business idea is a great way to utilize your skills and provide valuable services to your community. If you have a passion for fixing things and are willing to put in the time and effort, this could be a rewarding and profitable business.
How much you can make: $16,000/month
How long does it take to build: 1 days (?)
This case study shows how Taerra Chiba grew a side business offering individual vocal lessons from earning $14k in her first year to currently making $4k per month, with a proven track record of acquiring more high-quality assignments by switching to HomeAdvisor.
40. Start a professional organizing business
Are you interested in a side hustle business idea you can launch today? How about becoming a professional organizing consultant? You can teach others how to keep their spaces neatly organized if you have special organization skills.
Typically, a professional organizing business helps clients develop critical organizing skills through training. To start your business, you can create videos and share them on Instagram or other social media platforms.
To earn income from the organizing business, you can partner with promoters or introduce paid advertising opportunities.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 100 hours/week
Professional organizer turned system strategist boosts monthly sales to $8,000 by helping others in the industry implement business systems and through successful niche marketing on Instagram for Dubsado CRM setups.
41. Become a ceramic tile manufacturer
Starting a ceramic tile manufacturing business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture. This business involves creating and producing high-quality ceramic tiles for use in various applications, including flooring, backsplashes, and wall tiling. To get started in this industry, you will need a solid business plan, a reliable source of raw materials, and a manufacturing facility equipped with the necessary equipment and machinery.
One of the first steps in becoming a ceramic tile manufacturer is to conduct market research to determine the demand for your products and identify potential customers. To create the ceramic tiles, you will also need to source and secure a reliable supply of raw materials, such as clay, silica, and feldspar.
You will need a production facility equipped with kilns, mills, and other specialized machinery to manufacture ceramic tiles. You will also need to hire skilled workers who are trained in the ceramic tile production process.
As you grow your business, you may also consider expanding your product line to include different sizes, shapes, and styles of ceramic tiles. This can help you appeal to a wider range of customers and increase your revenue.
To succeed in this business, it is important to have strong marketing and sales skills and a keen understanding of customer needs and preferences. By offering high-quality products and excellent customer service, you can build a strong reputation and establish your business as a leader in the ceramic tile industry.
42. Start a mosaic tile creation business
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
43. Start a home organizing business
A professional home decluttering service helps homeowners eliminate what they no longer need. Some home decluttering service providers do basic house cleaning and interior design guidance.
A home organizing service is easy to start and involves little running costs compared to other businesses. Register your company and apply for relevant licenses before you begin offering the services.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Pretty Neat, a service-based company that helps clients get their homes and spaces organized, grew 800% from year one to year two and continues to see growth through word of mouth, SEO, and consistency in service and communication.
44. Start a cabinet door making and repairing business
45. Start a drapery studio business
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
