Yes, interior designers often charge extra for sourcing furniture and décor, but the pricing structure varies. Some include it in their design fee, while others apply markup pricing or charge a separate procurement fee. Here’s a breakdown of how designers charge for sourcing furniture and décor in India.
1. Cost-Plus Pricing (Markup on Retail Price) 🏷️
✔️ Many designers buy furniture and décor at a trade discount and charge clients the retail price or add a markup.
✔️ The markup typically ranges between 10% – 40%, depending on the designer and the item.
💡 Example:
- Trade Price for a Sofa: ₹50,000
- Designer’s Markup (20%): ₹10,000
- Final Price for Client: ₹60,000
✔️ Pros: You may get access to exclusive trade-only furniture.
✔️ Cons: You might pay more than if you sourced the items yourself.
💡 Tip: Ask if your designer passes trade discounts directly to you or applies a markup.
2. Fixed Procurement Fee 📦
✔️ Some designers charge a flat fee for sourcing furniture and décor, regardless of the item’s cost.
✔️ The fee depends on the number of pieces or total project size.
💡 Typical Pricing in India:
- Small Project (1-5 pieces): ₹5,000 – ₹20,000
- Full Room (Furniture + Décor): ₹20,000 – ₹1,00,000
- Full Home (Multiple Rooms): ₹1,00,000 – ₹5,00,000
✔️ Pros: Transparent pricing, no surprise markups.
✔️ Cons: You pay the full retail price for furniture.
💡 Tip: Ask for a list of sourced items before committing to the fee.
3. Hourly Sourcing Rate ⏳
✔️ Some designers charge by the hour to find the perfect furniture and décor.
✔️ This is common for custom furniture or extensive research projects.
💡 Hourly Rate in India:
- Junior Designers: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per hour
- Senior Designers: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 per hour
✔️ Pros: Ideal for single-item purchases or finding unique pieces.
✔️ Cons: Costs can add up quickly if sourcing takes longer than expected.
💡 Tip: Set a time limit to control costs.
4. Full-Service Packages (Sourcing Included) 🎁
✔️ Many turnkey interior design packages include sourcing within the total fee.
✔️ Best for clients who want a hassle-free experience.
💡 Typical Costs in India:
- Basic Room Design Package: ₹40,000 – ₹2,00,000 (includes sourcing)
- Luxury Full-Service Design: ₹5,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 (includes sourcing + project management)
✔️ Pros: All-in-one pricing, no hidden fees.
✔️ Cons: Higher upfront costs.
💡 Tip: Ask if purchase coordination is included or if you must buy the furniture yourself.
5. Custom Furniture Sourcing Fees 🛠️
✔️ Custom furniture requires extra time and expertise, so designers often charge separately for it.
✔️ Fees may include design, sourcing, and project coordination.
💡 Cost Breakdown in India:
- Custom Sofa or Bed: ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 sourcing fee
- Bespoke Cabinetry & Built-Ins: ₹2,00,000 – ₹10,00,000
- Luxury Custom Pieces: ₹5,00,000+
✔️ Pros: You get a unique, high-quality piece tailored to your space.
✔️ Cons: More expensive and may have longer wait times.
💡 Tip: If on a budget, consider semi-custom furniture instead of fully bespoke designs.
6. Online & E-Design Services (Affordable Sourcing) 💻
✔️ Virtual designers or e-design services source furniture for you online.
✔️ They provide a shopping list so you can purchase items yourself.
💡 Popular Online Interior Design Services in India:
- Livspace: ₹50,000 – ₹5,00,000 per project
- HomeLane: ₹1,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 per project
- DesignCafe: ₹1,50,000 – ₹7,00,000 per project
✔️ Pros: Lower cost, full control over purchases.
✔️ Cons: You handle the ordering, delivery, and setup.
💡 Tip: Use e-design for budget-friendly furniture recommendations.
How to Save Money on Furniture Sourcing in India 💡
✔️ Ask for a Transparent Fee Structure: Some designers pass on trade discounts without a markup.
✔️ Shop for Items Yourself: Use the designer’s recommendations but purchase furniture directly.
✔️ Use Online Budget Tools: Websites like Pepperfry, Urban Ladder, and IKEA India offer great deals.
✔️ Mix High & Low-End Pieces: Splurge on statement items, but save on accessories.
Conclusion
Yes, interior designers often charge extra for sourcing furniture and décor, but the pricing structure varies. You can choose from cost-plus pricing, hourly fees, flat procurement rates, or full-service packages based on your needs and budget.
Would you like recommendations for affordable furniture brands or online sourcing tools in India? 😊