What to put on an interior design invoice
Interior design invoices mix your services with products bought for the client. Keep them apart:
- Design fees — flat by phase, by room or hourly
- Consultations and site visits, with hours
- Products — each piece with maker, description and the proposal or purchase order it relates to
- Freight, receiving, storage and delivery
- Installation and styling
- Deposits and how product orders are handled
Example interior design invoice
| Line item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design fee – living and dining room concept (phase 2 of 3) | 1 | $2,400.00 | $2,400.00 |
| Consultation and site visits (hours) | 6 | $150.00 | $900.00 |
| Sofa – [maker], custom fabric (per proposal #12) | 1 | $4,650.00 | $4,650.00 |
| Dining chairs – set of 6 (per proposal #13) | 1 | $2,280.00 | $2,280.00 |
| Freight, receiving and white-glove delivery | 1 | $640.00 | $640.00 |
| Installation and styling (hours) | 5 | $95.00 | $475.00 |
| Total | $11,345.00 |
Charging for procurement
Designers commonly earn on products in one of three ways: a markup on trade prices, a procurement fee as a percentage of product cost, or net pricing where the client pays the trade price plus your hourly time. Whichever you use, put it in your agreement and be consistent on the invoice. Many designers ask for full payment for products before ordering, because custom pieces can't be returned.
Sales tax on furnishings
When you buy furniture and décor and resell it to a client, you're usually making a retail sale: in most states you buy with a resale certificate and charge sales tax to the client. Design services may or may not be taxable, depending on the state. Show products and services on separate lines so tax can be applied correctly.
Taxes for self-employed designers
Your design software, samples, sample library, travel to sites and suppliers, trade memberships and home studio can be business expenses. Products you buy for clients are a cost of goods sold, not an expense of running your studio. See how much to set aside with our 1099 tax calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Should I show my markup to the client?
That depends on your agreement. Some designers show trade price and markup separately for transparency; others show one price per item. Either works if the client agreed to it.
How do I bill a design project in phases?
Invoice each phase — concept, design development, implementation — when it's delivered, as in the example ("phase 2 of 3").
Can I take a deposit on furniture?
Yes. Many designers take 50–100% of product cost before ordering. Enter what was paid under "Amount already paid" on the final invoice.
What about returns and damaged items?
Note your return policy in the terms. If a supplier credits you for a damaged item, pass it on with a credit note.