Creating a stylish home doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Rising housing costs and a wave of DIY culture have made virtual design services the go-to solution for people who want professional interiors without paying premium rates. These online platforms let you rethink your space from the comfort of your couch, often at a fraction of what traditional designers charge.
This guide highlights the 10 best affordable options available today. Whether you’re trying to refresh a single room or reimagine your entire home, these services give you access to designers, tools, and visuals that fit tight budgets.
Highlights
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Virtual design services are a cost-friendly way to work with professional designers completely online, using tools like 3D renderings, mood boards, and digital floor plans.
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They save money by cutting out furniture rentals, travel, and long-term contracts, while still giving homeowners control over purchases and timelines.
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Affordable options exist for every need, from quick consultations for small updates to full room redesigns with detailed layouts.
What Are Virtual Design Services?
Virtual design, often called e-design, is a way to work with interior designers online instead of in person. Everything happens digitally. You share photos, room sizes, and your style preferences, then receive detailed layouts, mood boards, or residential 3D rendering that show how your space could look. Homeowners also spend about twice as much time planning renovations as building them, so clear visuals at the start help you make decisions with confidence.
Most platforms connect you directly with professional designers who suggest furniture, paint colors, and layouts. Many even provide shopping lists with real, shoppable items, so you can buy pieces whenever you’re ready.
Because the process skips travel, site visits, and long contracts, costs stay far lower than traditional design. Traditional interior design projects average about $8,528, and hourly rates often run $50 to $200, before materials and shopping time. With virtual design you still get expert input and visuals to guide your decisions, while keeping full control of purchases and timing. It is practical, budget-friendly, and fits the way people live today.
Why Budget-Friendly Homes Benefit From Virtual Design
The biggest draw of virtual design services is cost savings. There’s no need to rent furniture, pay for moving crews, or commit to months of design contracts. You only pay for the visuals, and that alone makes a huge difference for families watching their spending. In 2023, more than half of renovating homeowners, 51%, spent $25,000 or more on their projects, so finding lower-friction design help matters for tight budgets.
Flexibility is another win. Some platforms let you book a one-hour consultation to get quick advice. Others create full room designs with floorplans and 3D renderings. You decide how much or how little help you want, which keeps the process practical.
These services also give you full control over purchases. Designers suggest furniture and décor, but you’re the one buying the items, often at your own pace. That means no pressure to splurge right away.
Accessibility seals the deal. Whether you live in a small town or a big city, you can connect with designers online who match your style and budget. For many, that access was once out of reach, but virtual design makes it possible.
See more: 10 Best Virtual Interior Design Services to Transform Your Space
10 Best Affordable Virtual Design Services
Finding the right virtual design services can feel overwhelming, but the good news is there are plenty of affordable options. Below are ten trusted choices that balance cost, flexibility, and quality.
1. Bella Staging - Best Affordable Virtual Design Service
Bella Staging earns the top pick for affordability and quality. With prices starting at just $28 per image, it’s a cost-friendly way to get realistic, professional interiors that feel custom-designed. Whether it’s a single condo unit, a full family home, or a new development, Bella’s team delivers high-quality visuals that help properties sell faster and at higher prices.
How it works: You upload photos of your empty or outdated rooms, choose your preferred style, and Bella’s certified interior designers do the rest. Every project is completed in 24–48 hours, and you get unlimited revisions until you’re satisfied. Unlike some competitors that rely on AI, Bella uses real designers who curate furniture and décor sets that reflect today’s trends. Even better, most of the items are real, shoppable pieces from trusted brands, so buyers can actually recreate the look.
Bella’s services go beyond basic staging too. Options include virtual furniture removal, virtual renovation, 3D floor plans, and 360° virtual tours, making it one of the most versatile choices for homeowners and real estate pros alike. One of their case studies highlights a townhouse in Santa Monica that sat unsold for months. After Bella staged it virtually, the listing attracted multiple offers and sold above asking price.
What it costs: Virtual staging starts at $28 per image, with package discounts for larger orders. Add-ons like furniture removal and renovations are also priced competitively, with the same fast turnaround and satisfaction guarantee.
What we like:
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Real designers, not AI, create each design
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Fast turnaround (24–48 hours)
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Unlimited revisions, 100% satisfaction guarantee
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Wide range of services beyond staging
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Real, shoppable furniture pieces
Take note:
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Services focus on visuals only, installation and furniture delivery are up to the client
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Best suited for those comfortable managing the execution themselves
2. IKEA Online Interior Design
IKEA keeps things simple and budget-friendly, and its online design service is no different. For $99 per room, you get three virtual sessions with a designer who helps create a mood board, floor plan, and 3D renderings. The process also includes lighting plans and curated product lists.
How it works: You start with an online questionnaire where you describe your dream space and wishlist. Then you’re paired with a designer in your region who guides you through the design. Since all product suggestions come from IKEA, the shopping experience is straightforward and affordable.
What it costs: $99 per room.
What we like:
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Very affordable pricing
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Three 1:1 sessions with a designer
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Includes 3D renderings and lighting plans
Take note:
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Suggestions are limited to IKEA products, so choices may feel restricted
3. Spacejoy
Spacejoy is built for speed. Designs are ready in 7 to 10 days, making it one of the fastest virtual design services. Each package includes 3D renderings, shopping lists, and revisions. For bigger projects, you can even add a video consultation with a designer.
How it works: You upload photos of your room and answer a short style quiz. A designer then creates a concept, complete with products you can buy. You’ll see your space in 3D and can move items around digitally to test different layouts.
What it costs: Packages range from $299 to $599, depending on the level of service.
What we like:
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Fast turnaround, usually under two weeks
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Realistic 3D renderings
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Option for live consultations with designers
Take note:
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No trade discounts on furniture
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Packages for kitchens and bathrooms aren’t available
4. Decorilla
Decorilla blends affordability with polished results. Clients get proposals from two different designers, which makes it easier to choose the right match. Every package includes realistic 3D renderings, mood boards, color palettes, and shopping lists with access to trade discounts.
How it works: After completing a short questionnaire and uploading photos of your space, you receive two custom design concepts. Once you pick your favorite, your designer works with you to refine the plan. The final package includes a full shopping list with discounted prices from well-known retailers.
What it costs: Packages start at $549 for smaller rooms and can reach over $1,800 for larger or more detailed projects. Hourly consultations are also available starting at $75.
What we like:
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Two designer concepts to choose from
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Detailed 3D renderings included in all packages
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Access to exclusive trade discounts on furniture
Take note:
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Prices vary by room type and can climb quickly
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Some packages may still be costly for smaller budgets
5. Collov
Collov combines technology with hands-on design help. It connects clients with a professional designer and provides mood boards, 3D renderings, and even a 360° walk-through of the proposed design. For budget-conscious homeowners, Collov also has AI-generated mood boards available at no cost.
How it works: You start by browsing inspirational interiors and setting your budget. Collov’s app lets you measure your room using AR tools. A designer then creates a mood board and rendering, and once you approve, you can purchase furniture directly from over 200 partnered brands.
What it costs: Packages include the Classic plan at $199 and the Luxe plan at $299. AI-generated mood boards are free.
What we like:
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Affordable entry-level package
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Access to furniture from 200+ brands
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Option for free AI-generated tools
Take note:
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Designer consultations don’t include video calls
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Unlimited revisions are only part of the Luxe plan
6. RoomLift
RoomLift brings a more tactile approach to virtual design services. Instead of only digital boards, clients receive a physical box in the mail that includes color swatches, floor plans, and furniture suggestions. It feels more personal and less automated compared to many online-only platforms.
How it works: After answering a detailed questionnaire and sharing room photos, RoomLift matches you with a designer. Within two to three weeks, you’ll receive your box with samples and a suggested floor plan. From there, you can shop directly from retailers using the included product cards.
What it costs: Packages start at $750 for accessory updates and go up to $1,500 for a full room design. Quick consult calls are also available for $100.
What we like:
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Physical samples mailed to your home
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Floor plans and product cards included
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Flexible options from small updates to full room design
Take note:
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More expensive than most digital-only services
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Limited designer interaction (short calls only)
7. SwatchPop!
SwatchPop! is perfect for quick, affordable design advice. Instead of long projects, the service focuses on fast solutions for specific style questions like paint colors, lighting, or furniture selection. Turnaround times are just three to five business days.
How it works: You fill out a short form, upload photos, and pick the design areas where you need help. A designer then prepares visual suggestions and a shopping list you can use right away. Unlike some platforms, there’s no ongoing back-and-forth with the designer.
What it costs: Each project starts at $79.95, with additional categories priced at $49.95 each.
What we like:
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Very quick turnaround
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Affordable entry price
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Clear, visual design plans
Take note:
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Limited revisions
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Minimal interaction with designers beyond the initial plan
8. Stuccco
Stuccco stands out for its realistic 3D designs that give clients a lifelike view of their future rooms. Every rendering comes with shoppable links, so you can hover over pieces in the design and buy them directly. The process is straightforward but still allows for ongoing feedback with the designer.
How it works: After uploading your room details and photos, Stuccco pairs you with a designer. You’ll receive 3D renderings, a furniture layout, and a shopping list. Unlimited revisions are included, as long as they’re submitted within three days of each design draft.
What it costs: $999 per room or $1,499 for open-concept spaces.
What we like:
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Hyper-realistic 3D renderings
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Shoppable links built into the designs
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Unlimited revisions during the project timeline
Take note:
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No trade discounts on furniture
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Limited to designers selected by Stuccco, not your full choice
9. The Expert
The Expert connects homeowners directly with award-winning interior designers through video consultations. Instead of full packages, you book a one-time session with well-known names in the industry, which can be useful for getting specific guidance.
How it works: You browse The Expert’s roster of designers, pick one whose style you like, and schedule a video call. During the session, you can ask questions about layouts, paint colors, or furniture choices. The advice is personal, but it ends once the call is finished.
What it costs: Sessions start at $250 for shorter calls, while longer consultations with top-tier designers can cost up to $1,500–$2,000.
What we like:
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Access to leading designers
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Flexible session lengths
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Personalized advice tailored to your questions
Take note:
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No follow-up after the consultation
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No design deliverables like renderings or shopping lists
10. Havenly
Havenly remains one of the most popular virtual design services for homeowners on a budget. It offers both affordable entry packages and more comprehensive plans that include 3D renderings and layouts. Clients also appreciate the ability to select their designer from a wide roster.
How it works: You begin with a style quiz and upload photos of your room. Havenly then matches you with a designer, but you can also pick from their portfolios. Communication happens online, with options for messaging or calls. After sharing initial concepts, the designer provides a final layout and a curated shopping list.
What it costs: The Mini package costs $129 and provides a concept board. The Full package costs $199 and includes 3D renderings and layouts. An in-person option is available for $699 in select cities.
What we like:
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Affordable entry price for design advice
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Wide selection of designers to choose from
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Multiple revisions allowed before finalizing
Take note:
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3D renderings not included in the Mini plan
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Furniture orders and returns can sometimes be tricky
How to Choose the Right Service for Your Budget
Choosing the right virtual design services starts with being clear about your goals and budget. Some people just want quick design advice, while others need a full room plan with layouts, renderings, and shopping lists. The best fit depends on the scope of your project, the level of detail you expect, and how much control you want over purchases.
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Match service to project size: Small updates like changing décor or testing new furniture arrangements don’t require full packages. Larger projects, like a full remodel or preparing a property for sale, benefit from complete design or renovation services.
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Decide on the level of detail: Not every project needs a 3D floor plan or a virtual tour. If you want to visualize a space before committing to big changes, detailed renderings add value. For simple refreshes, basic staging might be enough.
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Balance cost with flexibility: Entry-level pricing gives you access to professional guidance without overspending. Package discounts are worth considering if you need several rooms done at once.
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Keep control of execution: Most services give you visuals, layouts, and product suggestions, while leaving the shopping and setup in your hands. That flexibility works well for homeowners who want to stay in control of their timeline and spending.
Watch more: How a Real Estate Virtual Assistant Helps You Close More Deals
FAQs: Virtual Design Services
1. What are virtual design services?
They are online interior design solutions where you share photos, measurements, and style preferences, and designers create layouts, renderings, or shopping lists digitally. Everything happens remotely, so there’s no need for in-person visits.
2. How much do virtual design services cost?
Prices vary widely. Some start as low as $28 per image (like Bella Staging), while full-room design packages with 3D renderings can range from $100 to $1,500. Costs depend on project size and level of detail.
3. Are virtual designs realistic enough to use?
Yes. Professional services use high-quality 3D renderings and curated furniture sets, often with real, shoppable items. This allows clients to visualize spaces accurately before making purchases.
4. Who should use virtual design services?
They’re ideal for homeowners updating rooms, sellers preparing properties for market, and agents wanting polished listing photos. Developers and builders also use them to showcase unfinished spaces.
5. How long does the process take?
Turnaround times are fast compared to traditional design. Simple projects can be ready in 24–48 hours, while more complex packages with multiple rooms or renovations may take a week or two.
Final Thoughts
Virtual design services make professional interiors possible without the heavy price tag. From quick consultations to detailed 3D renderings, these services give homeowners and real estate professionals a flexible way to bring their ideas to life.
For those who want high-quality results without overspending, Bella Staging is a trusted choice. Our team of real designers delivers fast, polished visuals with unlimited revisions, helping properties stand out online and in person. Ready to see how Bella can transform your space? Contact us today and start creating beautiful, budget-friendly interiors that sell.
