Transforming your living space doesn’t have to be a costly affair. With the rise of free interior design apps, you can now unleash your creativity and reimagine your home without spending a penny. Our team has sifted through countless options to identify the most user-friendly, feature-rich, and visually impressive free interior design apps available. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply looking to experiment with new decor ideas, our curated list will help you find the perfect app to bring your vision to life.
Planner 5D
Planner 5D is a versatile interior design app that allows users to create detailed 2D and 3D floor plans and room layouts. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, even those without professional design experience can easily craft beautiful spaces. The app boasts an extensive catalogue of furniture, decor items, and materials, enabling users to visualise their dream interiors with remarkable accuracy.
Planner 5D’s real-time 3D rendering feature brings designs to life, offering a realistic preview of how the space will look once completed. The app also includes AR functionality, allowing users to project their designs into real-world spaces using their mobile devices.
Key Features
- 2D and 3D floor plan creation
- Extensive furniture and decor catalogue
- Real-time 3D rendering
- AR functionality
- Cloud storage for project syncing across devices
- Customisable textures and materials
Planner 5D offers a free plan with basic features and a limited catalogue. Paid features unlock additional items, advanced editing tools, and the ability to create more complex designs. Pricing for premium features starts at £5.99 per month.
Roomstyler 3D
Roomstyler 3D is a user-friendly online platform that enables interior design enthusiasts to create stunning 3D room layouts without the need for complex software. The tool offers a wide array of real furniture and decor items from well-known brands, allowing users to design spaces with products they can actually purchase.
Roomstyler’s intuitive interface makes it easy to experiment with different layouts, colour schemes, and styles. Users can start with a blank canvas or choose from pre-designed room templates to jumpstart their creativity. The platform also features a vibrant community where designers can share their creations, gather inspiration, and participate in design challenges.
Key Features
- 3D room design with realistic furniture models
- Brand-name product catalogue
- Community sharing and design challenges
- Pre-designed room templates
- High-quality rendering for photorealistic results
- Room measurement tools
Roomstyler 3D is completely free to use, with no hidden costs or premium features. All tools and the full catalogue of items are available to all users without any restrictions.
Houzz
Houzz is a comprehensive platform that combines interior design inspiration, professional networking, and e-commerce into one user-friendly app. It serves as a vast repository of home design ideas, with millions of high-quality photos categorised by room, style, and location. The app’s ‘View in My Room’ feature utilises augmented reality to allow users to visualise how furniture and decor items would look in their own spaces before making a purchase.
Houzz also connects homeowners with local design professionals, making it easier to bring design visions to life. The platform’s integrated shop feature enables users to purchase products they love directly through the app, streamlining the process from inspiration to realisation.
Key Features
- Millions of home design photos for inspiration
- Augmented reality ‘View in My Room’ tool
- Professional directory for finding local designers and contractors
- Integrated e-commerce platform
- Ideabooks for saving and organising design ideas
- Discussion forums for advice and tips
Houzz offers a free plan that includes access to all design photos, the AR tool, and basic e-commerce features. While the core functionality is free, some advanced features for professionals may require a paid subscription.
Homestyler
Homestyler is a powerful yet accessible interior design app that caters to both amateur decorators and professional designers. The platform allows users to create detailed 2D and 3D floor plans, as well as lifelike renderings of interior spaces. One of Homestyler’s standout features is its vast library of real furniture and decor items from popular brands, enabling users to design with products they can actually purchase.
The app’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to experiment with different layouts, colour schemes, and styles. Homestyler also offers a range of design tools, including the ability to import existing floor plans or create them from scratch using precise measurements.
Key Features
- 2D and 3D floor plan creation
- Extensive catalogue of real furniture and decor items
- Photorealistic 3D rendering
- Custom material and texture editor
- Ability to import existing floor plans
- Community gallery for sharing and inspiration
Homestyler provides a free plan that includes basic design tools and a limited selection of items. Advanced features and a more extensive product catalogue are available through paid subscriptions, starting at £9.99 per month.
IKEA Place
IKEA Place is an innovative augmented reality app that revolutionises the way people shop for furniture and home decor. Developed by the Swedish furniture giant, this app allows users to virtually place true-to-scale 3D models of IKEA products in their own spaces. By using the camera on a smartphone or tablet, customers can see how a piece of furniture would look and fit in their room before making a purchase.
The app’s AR technology is remarkably accurate, taking into account the size of the room and existing furniture to provide a realistic preview. IKEA Place also features an intuitive interface that makes it easy to browse through the IKEA catalogue, save favourite items, and share design ideas with friends and family.
Key Features
- Augmented reality placement of IKEA products
- True-to-scale 3D models
- Extensive catalogue of IKEA furniture and decor
- Room measurement capabilities
- Ability to save and share favourite items
- Visual search function to find similar IKEA products
IKEA Place is completely free to download and use, with no in-app purchases or premium features. All functionalities are available to all users at no cost.
Floorplanner
Floorplanner is a versatile online tool that enables users to create detailed 2D and 3D floor plans with ease. It caters to a wide range of users, from homeowners planning renovations to professional architects working on complex projects. The platform’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it simple to design layouts, while its extensive library of furniture and decorative items allows for detailed interior design.
Floorplanner stands out for its ability to handle multi-story buildings and its support for both metric and imperial measurements. The tool also offers advanced features like custom object creation and the ability to add terrain to outdoor spaces, making it suitable for landscape design as well.
Key Features
- 2D and 3D floor plan creation
- Extensive furniture and decor library
- Multi-story building support
- Custom object creation
- Terrain and outdoor design capabilities
- Collaboration tools for team projects
Floorplanner offers a free plan that allows users to create one project with basic features. Paid plans, starting at £4.99 per month, unlock additional projects, advanced tools, and higher resolution exports.
Magicplan
Magicplan is an innovative app that simplifies the process of creating floor plans and 3D models of interior spaces. Using a smartphone’s camera and sensors, the app can automatically measure rooms and generate accurate floor plans in minutes. This feature is particularly useful for real estate professionals, contractors, and homeowners looking to quickly document their spaces.
Magicplan goes beyond simple floor plan creation by allowing users to add objects, annotations, and even cost estimates to their designs. The app also supports the creation of 360° panoramas and virtual tours, making it a valuable tool for property marketing.
Key Features
- Automatic room measurement and floor plan generation
- 3D model creation
- Object placement and annotation
- Cost estimation tools
- 360° panorama and virtual tour creation
- Cloud storage and project sharing
Magicplan offers a free plan with limitations, allowing users to create up to two projects. Paid plans, starting at £7.99 per month, remove these limitations and provide access to advanced features like team collaboration and professional reporting tools.
SketchUp Viewer
SketchUp Viewer is a powerful tool designed to complement the popular 3D modeling software SketchUp. While it doesn’t allow for direct model creation, it provides an immersive way to view and interact with 3D models created in SketchUp. The app is particularly useful for architects, interior designers, and construction professionals who need to present their designs to clients or collaborate with team members.
SketchUp Viewer supports a wide range of file formats and offers features like augmented reality viewing, which allows users to place 3D models in real-world environments. The app also includes measurement tools, enabling users to take accurate dimensions directly from the 3D model.
Key Features
- 3D model viewing in various formats
- Augmented reality placement of models
- Cross-section and layer visibility controls
- Measurement tools
- Annotation capabilities
- Cloud storage integration for easy access to models
SketchUp Viewer offers a free plan that allows users to view SketchUp models on mobile devices. The desktop version and some advanced features may require a paid SketchUp subscription, with plans starting at £109 per year.
Amikasa
Amikasa is a user-friendly 3D room design app that helps users visualise and plan their interior spaces with ease. The app stands out for its simplicity and focus on realistic room layouts. Users can create accurate floor plans by inputting room dimensions or using pre-set room shapes. Amikasa’s strength lies in its curated selection of furniture and decor items from real brands, allowing users to design with products they can actually purchase.
The app’s 3D walk-through feature enables users to experience their designs from a first-person perspective, providing a more immersive and realistic view of the space. Amikasa also includes a colour-matching tool, helping users create cohesive colour schemes for their rooms.
Key Features
- 3D room design with accurate measurements
- Curated catalogue of real furniture and decor items
- 3D walk-through feature
- Colour-matching tool
- Ability to save and share designs
- Product information and purchase links
Amikasa offers a free plan that includes basic design features and a limited selection of items. In-app purchases may be available for additional furniture pieces or advanced design tools.
Decor Matters
Decor Matters is an innovative interior design app that combines augmented reality technology with a vast library of furniture and decor items to help users reimagine their living spaces. The app’s standout feature is its AR functionality, which allows users to virtually place furniture and decor in their rooms using their smartphone’s camera. This real-time visualisation helps users make more informed decisions about their interior design choices.
Decor Matters also offers a wide range of design styles and curated room sets, providing inspiration for users who may be unsure where to start. The app includes a community feature where users can share their designs, get feedback, and find inspiration from others.
Key Features
- Augmented reality furniture placement
- Extensive catalogue of furniture and decor items
- Curated room sets and design styles
- Community sharing and feedback
- 3D room design tools
- Shopping links for featured products
Decor Matters offers a free plan with access to basic features and a limited selection of items. Premium features and an expanded catalogue are available through in-app purchases or a subscription, typically starting around £4.99 per month.
How to choose the best interior design app for you
Assess your design needs and skill level
Start by considering your specific interior design goals and your experience with digital tools. Are you looking to create simple room layouts, or do you need advanced 3D rendering capabilities? Beginners might prefer user-friendly apps with intuitive interfaces, while professionals may require more sophisticated features. Choose an app that aligns with your project scope and technical proficiency to ensure a smooth design process.
Compare features and compatibility
Examine the key features offered by different interior design apps. Look for essentials like room planners, furniture libraries, and colour palette tools. Consider whether you need augmented reality features to visualise designs in real space. Check the app’s compatibility with your devices and operating systems. Some apps may offer cross-platform functionality, allowing you to work seamlessly across mobile and desktop environments, which can be particularly useful for ongoing projects.
Evaluate user reviews and support options
Read user reviews and ratings to gain insights into the app’s performance and reliability. Pay attention to comments about ease of use, feature accuracy, and any potential limitations. Consider the level of support provided by the app developers. Look for apps with active communities, tutorials, or customer service options. This can be invaluable when you need help or want to expand your skills. Ultimately, choose an app that balances functionality with user satisfaction and ongoing support to enhance your interior design experience.
Which Free Interior Design App Is Best?
Planner 5D offers an impressive array of features with its free plan, providing a thorough and user-friendly experience. It’s an excellent choice for both novices and experienced designers, allowing you to create detailed 2D and 3D room layouts. The intuitive interface and vast catalogue of furniture and decor items enable you to visualise your spaces with remarkable accuracy. We recommend Planner 5D if you want a full-featured design tool without any cost.
Looking for a more community-driven approach? Houzz is a great option that not only provides design tools but also connects you with a wealth of inspiration from professional designers and homeowners. Its extensive photo library and product marketplace make it easy to find and purchase items that match your vision, bridging the gap between conceptualisation and realisation. Houzz is ideal if you want to combine design tools with social networking and shopping features.
IKEA Place offers a unique augmented reality experience for those who prefer a more specialised tool. While it’s limited to IKEA products, its ability to virtually place furniture in your actual space using your smartphone camera is unparalleled. This feature is particularly useful if you want to see how specific pieces will fit and look in your home before making a purchase. We recommend IKEA Place for IKEA enthusiasts and those who want to experiment with augmented reality in interior design.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Interior Design Apps
What features can I expect from free interior design apps?
Most free interior design apps offer basic room planning, 2D and 3D design capabilities, furniture placement, and access to a library of items. Some apps like Planner 5D and Roomstyler 3D also provide realistic rendering options. However, advanced features such as professional-grade tools or extensive product catalogues may require a paid upgrade.
Are these apps suitable for professional interior designers?
While these free apps can be useful for professionals to create quick visualisations or initial concepts, they may lack the advanced features required for detailed professional work. Apps like SketchUp Viewer and Magicplan offer more robust tools that could be suitable for professional use, especially with their paid versions.
Can I use these apps on both mobile devices and computers?
Many of these apps, such as Houzz, Homestyler, and IKEA Place, are available on both mobile devices and web browsers. However, some apps like Amikasa are primarily mobile-focused. It’s best to check each app’s compatibility with your preferred devices before downloading.
How accurate are the room measurements in these apps?
The accuracy of room measurements varies between apps. Some, like Magicplan, use augmented reality (AR) technology to capture relatively accurate room dimensions. Others rely on user input, which may be less precise. For the most accurate results, it’s advisable to manually input measurements you’ve taken yourself.
Can I purchase furniture or decor items directly through these apps?
Some apps, like Houzz and IKEA Place, allow you to purchase items directly through their platforms. Others, such as Homestyler and Decor Matters, may provide links to where you can buy similar items. However, not all apps offer direct purchasing options, especially in their free versions.
Do these apps require an internet connection to use?
Most of these apps require an internet connection for full functionality, especially for accessing their item libraries and saving designs to the cloud. Some apps may offer limited offline capabilities, but for the best experience, a stable internet connection is recommended.
How do free versions differ from paid versions in these apps?
Free versions typically offer basic design tools and limited access to furniture and decor libraries. Paid versions often provide more extensive item catalogues, advanced design features, the ability to save multiple projects, and remove watermarks from renders. For example, Planner 5D’s paid version offers more realistic renders and a larger catalogue of items.
Can I collaborate with others using these free interior design apps?
Some apps offer basic collaboration features in their free versions. For instance, Floorplanner allows you to share your designs via a link. However, real-time collaboration or advanced sharing options are often reserved for paid versions or professional-grade apps.
Are these apps suitable for planning entire home renovations?
While these apps can be helpful for visualising individual room designs, comprehensive home renovation planning might require more advanced tools. Apps like Planner 5D and Floorplanner can be useful for basic whole-home planning, but for detailed renovations, you might need to consider professional-grade software or paid versions with more extensive features.
How often are these apps updated with new features and furniture items?
Update frequency varies by app. Popular apps like Houzz and IKEA Place tend to update their catalogues and features regularly. However, free versions may receive updates less frequently than paid versions. It’s worth checking the app stores or official websites for information on recent updates and new features.
