Quick Overview
- 1#1: SketchUp - Versatile 3D modeling software for precise interior design, space planning, and photorealistic rendering with extensive asset libraries.
- 2#2: Homestyler - Free AI-powered interior design tool for creating 2D floor plans and 3D visualizations with drag-and-drop furniture and AR previews.
- 3#3: Planner 5D - User-friendly 2D/3D design app with millions of furniture items, customizable materials, and HD renders for home interiors.
- 4#4: Chief Architect - Professional-grade residential design software with advanced CAD tools, 3D modeling, and comprehensive interior detailing features.
- 5#5: RoomSketcher - App-based tool for generating professional floor plans, 360-degree panoramas, and interactive 3D interior walkthroughs.
- 6#6: Floorplanner - Online platform for easy 2D floor plans, 3D designs, and high-quality renders tailored to interior decoration projects.
- 7#7: HomeByMe - Collaborative 3D interior design software with brand-name furniture catalogs and realistic rendering capabilities.
- 8#8: Cedreo - Cloud-based 3D home design tool for professionals, offering fast photorealistic interiors and customizable elements.
- 9#9: Live Home 3D - Cross-platform interior design software with terrain editing, lighting effects, and exportable 2D/3D models.
- 10#10: Sweet Home 3D - Free open-source application for quick 2D floor plans and 3D interior previews with furniture drag-and-drop.
Tools were selected and ranked based on key factors: feature robustness, rendering quality, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they meet the needs of diverse skill levels and project scales, from casual decor projects to complex residential designs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key features, usability, and project focus for popular interior decorating software, including SketchUp, Homestyler, Planner 5D, Chief Architect, RoomSketcher, and more. Readers will discover which tools align with their needs—from 3D modeling to budget management—helping them choose the right software for their next design project.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SketchUp Versatile 3D modeling software for precise interior design, space planning, and photorealistic rendering with extensive asset libraries. | creative_suite | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Homestyler Free AI-powered interior design tool for creating 2D floor plans and 3D visualizations with drag-and-drop furniture and AR previews. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 3 | Planner 5D User-friendly 2D/3D design app with millions of furniture items, customizable materials, and HD renders for home interiors. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Chief Architect Professional-grade residential design software with advanced CAD tools, 3D modeling, and comprehensive interior detailing features. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | RoomSketcher App-based tool for generating professional floor plans, 360-degree panoramas, and interactive 3D interior walkthroughs. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Floorplanner Online platform for easy 2D floor plans, 3D designs, and high-quality renders tailored to interior decoration projects. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | HomeByMe Collaborative 3D interior design software with brand-name furniture catalogs and realistic rendering capabilities. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | Cedreo Cloud-based 3D home design tool for professionals, offering fast photorealistic interiors and customizable elements. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Live Home 3D Cross-platform interior design software with terrain editing, lighting effects, and exportable 2D/3D models. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | Sweet Home 3D Free open-source application for quick 2D floor plans and 3D interior previews with furniture drag-and-drop. | other | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
Versatile 3D modeling software for precise interior design, space planning, and photorealistic rendering with extensive asset libraries.
Free AI-powered interior design tool for creating 2D floor plans and 3D visualizations with drag-and-drop furniture and AR previews.
User-friendly 2D/3D design app with millions of furniture items, customizable materials, and HD renders for home interiors.
Professional-grade residential design software with advanced CAD tools, 3D modeling, and comprehensive interior detailing features.
App-based tool for generating professional floor plans, 360-degree panoramas, and interactive 3D interior walkthroughs.
Online platform for easy 2D floor plans, 3D designs, and high-quality renders tailored to interior decoration projects.
Collaborative 3D interior design software with brand-name furniture catalogs and realistic rendering capabilities.
Cloud-based 3D home design tool for professionals, offering fast photorealistic interiors and customizable elements.
Cross-platform interior design software with terrain editing, lighting effects, and exportable 2D/3D models.
Free open-source application for quick 2D floor plans and 3D interior previews with furniture drag-and-drop.
SketchUp
creative_suiteVersatile 3D modeling software for precise interior design, space planning, and photorealistic rendering with extensive asset libraries.
Push/Pull modeling tool that uniquely simplifies converting 2D floor plans into detailed 3D interiors
SketchUp is a powerful 3D modeling software renowned for its use in interior decorating, allowing users to create precise room layouts, furniture designs, and full-space visualizations. It features an intuitive push-pull modeling tool for quickly transforming 2D sketches into 3D models, a vast 3D Warehouse library of pre-made interior assets like furniture and decor, and support for extensions that enable photorealistic rendering and virtual walkthroughs. Ideal for both professionals and enthusiasts, it streamlines the design process from concept to presentation.
Pros
- Intuitive push-pull tool for rapid 3D modeling
- Massive 3D Warehouse with millions of free interior models
- Extensive extension ecosystem for rendering and advanced tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Advanced rendering requires paid plugins
- Free version limited to web browser with export restrictions
Best For
Professional interior decorators and designers needing versatile 3D modeling for custom spaces and presentations.
Pricing
Free web version; Pro at $349/year; Studio at $699/year with AR/VR and advanced analysis tools.
Homestyler
specializedFree AI-powered interior design tool for creating 2D floor plans and 3D visualizations with drag-and-drop furniture and AR previews.
Vast catalog of licensed real-brand furniture with direct shopping links for seamless design-to-purchase workflow
Homestyler is a browser-based interior design software that allows users to create 2D floor plans from scratch or scans, then furnish and decorate them in photorealistic 3D. It features a massive catalog of over 1.5 million real-brand furniture and decor items, enabling accurate shopping lists and virtual walkthroughs. Advanced tools include AI design suggestions, one-click rendering, and mobile app support for on-the-go editing.
Pros
- Extensive library of real-brand 3D models and materials
- Free tier with robust core functionality and high-quality renders
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with AI-assisted tools
- Cross-platform access via web and mobile apps
Cons
- Free version includes watermarks on exports and limited storage
- Performance can lag on complex projects in browser
- Advanced customization requires Pro subscription
- Occasional glitches in floor plan auto-generation
Best For
DIY homeowners, amateur designers, and real estate agents needing quick, professional-looking interior visualizations without expensive software.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; Pro at $4.90/month (billed annually) or $59/year for unlimited renders and exports; higher tiers up to $99/year.
Planner 5D
specializedUser-friendly 2D/3D design app with millions of furniture items, customizable materials, and HD renders for home interiors.
AI Snap technology that instantly generates complete, customizable room designs from simple inputs like room dimensions and style preferences
Planner 5D is a comprehensive interior design platform that enables users to create 2D floor plans and immersive 3D models of rooms and entire homes. It features a vast catalog of over 7,000 furniture items, decor, and materials from real-life brands, supporting realistic rendering and customization. The software includes AI tools for automatic layouts, VR previews, and cross-platform access via web, mobile apps, and desktop downloads, catering to both novices and pros.
Pros
- Extensive library of branded furniture and decor items
- High-quality 3D rendering with VR and 360° views
- AI-assisted design tools for quick room generation
Cons
- Free version includes watermarks and export limits
- Performance lags on complex projects or lower-end devices
- Some advanced customization requires premium subscription
Best For
DIY homeowners and hobbyist designers seeking an intuitive tool to visualize and experiment with interior layouts affordably.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Premium from $9.99/month ($59.99/year) for HD exports and unlimited items; Premium Plus $19.99/month.
Chief Architect
enterpriseProfessional-grade residential design software with advanced CAD tools, 3D modeling, and comprehensive interior detailing features.
Automatic 3D model generation from 2D floor plans with fully customizable cabinetry and manufacturer catalogs
Chief Architect is a professional-grade 3D design software primarily focused on architectural drafting and home building, with strong capabilities for interior decoration through extensive furniture, fixture, and material libraries. It allows users to create precise floor plans that automatically generate 3D models, enabling detailed room layouts, custom cabinetry, and photorealistic visualizations. While powerful for integrated home design projects, it supports interior decorators in rendering lifelike spaces with manufacturer-specific products.
Pros
- Extensive libraries of real-world furniture, materials, and appliances
- Photorealistic 3D rendering and interactive walkthroughs
- Precise CAD tools for accurate scaling and measurements
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High upfront and maintenance costs
- Overly complex for simple interior decorating tasks
Best For
Professional interior designers and remodelers who need seamless integration of architecture and detailed interior furnishings.
Pricing
Home Designer Suite: $99 one-time; Home Designer Pro: $595 one-time; Chief Architect Premier: $3,495 perpetual license + $795 annual maintenance.
RoomSketcher
specializedApp-based tool for generating professional floor plans, 360-degree panoramas, and interactive 3D interior walkthroughs.
One-click generation of high-quality 3D photos and 360° virtual tours from 2D plans
RoomSketcher is a user-friendly online floor plan and interior design software that allows users to draw 2D floor plans which automatically generate 3D models and virtual walkthroughs. It features a large library of furniture, finishes, and decor items for realistic interior decorating visualizations. The tool supports high-quality renders, 360° panoramas, and easy sharing options, making it suitable for quick professional presentations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for beginners
- Vast library of customizable furniture and materials
- Instant 2D-to-3D conversion with walkthroughs
Cons
- Subscription required to remove watermarks and unlock exports
- Limited advanced modeling for complex architectural details
- Performance can lag with very large projects
Best For
DIY homeowners, real estate agents, and entry-level interior decorators needing fast, professional visualizations without CAD expertise.
Pricing
Free plan with limitations; Pro at $49/month or $99/year; Business plans from $79/month.
Floorplanner
specializedOnline platform for easy 2D floor plans, 3D designs, and high-quality renders tailored to interior decoration projects.
Instant 2D floor plan to fully navigable 3D model conversion with drag-and-drop furnishing
Floorplanner is a web-based floor planning tool that enables users to create precise 2D floor plans and instantly convert them into interactive 3D models. It provides an extensive library of furniture, fixtures, and decor items for virtual staging and interior design visualization. While strong in layout planning, it supports interior decorators with real-time rendering and export options for client presentations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick floor plan creation
- Massive library of over 260,000 3D objects for furnishing
- Seamless 2D-to-3D conversion with real-time previews
Cons
- Limited advanced rendering and material customization options
- Free version restricted to one project with watermarks
- Higher-tier plans required for HD exports and unlimited projects
Best For
Interior decorators and designers needing fast, accessible 2D/3D floor plans with basic furnishing for client proposals.
Pricing
Free (1 project, watermarks); PLUS €5/user/mo (5 projects); PRO €19/user/mo (unlimited projects, HD exports) - billed annually.
HomeByMe
specializedCollaborative 3D interior design software with brand-name furniture catalogs and realistic rendering capabilities.
Vast, brand-partnered 3D object library exceeding 100,000 items
HomeByMe is a free web-based 3D interior design software that enables users to create floor plans, furnish rooms, and visualize designs in photorealistic 3D. It features a massive catalog of over 100,000 branded furniture and decor items, supports floor plan imports, and offers tools for 360-degree panoramas and VR views. The platform emphasizes ease of sharing designs within a community, bridging DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
Pros
- Extensive catalog of real-brand furniture and decor items
- High-quality photorealistic renders and 360/VR views
- Generous free tier with community sharing features
Cons
- Performance lag in complex projects due to web-based nature
- Watermarks and export limits on free plan
- Limited advanced customization options compared to pro software
Best For
DIY homeowners and amateur designers seeking an accessible, free tool for visualizing and sharing interior concepts.
Pricing
Free plan available; Premium subscriptions start at $14.90/month for HD exports, more storage, and ad-free experience.
Cedreo
enterpriseCloud-based 3D home design tool for professionals, offering fast photorealistic interiors and customizable elements.
One-click photorealistic 3D rendering from 2D plans in minutes
Cedreo is a cloud-based 3D home design software tailored for professionals like interior decorators, home builders, and remodelers, allowing users to create photorealistic 2D floor plans and 3D interior/exterior renderings quickly. It features extensive libraries of furniture, materials, and decor items, enabling rapid customization of spaces with drag-and-drop functionality. The tool excels in generating client-ready visuals, including 360° panoramas and dollhouse views, streamlining the design presentation process.
Pros
- Lightning-fast 3D rendering and design generation (full home in under 2 hours)
- Vast, high-quality library of furniture, decor, and styles for realistic interiors
- Cloud-based collaboration and easy sharing of interactive 3D tours
Cons
- Subscription pricing is geared toward professionals, less ideal for hobbyists
- Limited advanced customization for complex material editing or lighting
- Focuses more on whole-home designs than standalone room tweaks
Best For
Interior decorators and home stagers needing quick, professional photorealistic visuals for client presentations.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (Starter, billed annually); Premium at $79/month; free 14-day trial available.
Live Home 3D
specializedCross-platform interior design software with terrain editing, lighting effects, and exportable 2D/3D models.
Seamless real-time 3D rendering with AR export for iOS, allowing instant real-world overlays of designs
Live Home 3D is a cross-platform home design software that enables users to create 2D floor plans and convert them into detailed 3D models for interior and exterior decoration. It features a vast library of furniture, fixtures, materials, and decor items, allowing realistic customization with real-time rendering and 360-degree panoramas. The app supports AR previews on iOS and VR exports, making it ideal for visualizing designs in real spaces.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with automatic 2D-to-3D conversion
- Extensive catalog of over 7,000 3D objects and textures for decoration
- Cross-platform support including AR on mobile for on-site previews
Cons
- Limited advanced CAD tools for professional architects
- Performance lag with very large or complex projects
- Licensing is per-platform, requiring separate purchases for full ecosystem
Best For
DIY homeowners and beginner interior decorators seeking an accessible tool for planning room layouts and furnishings.
Pricing
Free Lite version; Pro desktop license $49.99 one-time per platform (Mac/Windows), mobile Pro $14.99, bundles from $69.99.
Sweet Home 3D
otherFree open-source application for quick 2D floor plans and 3D interior previews with furniture drag-and-drop.
Real-time 3D preview that updates instantly as you edit the 2D floor plan
Sweet Home 3D is a free, open-source interior design application that enables users to quickly draw 2D floor plans and furnish them in 3D. It includes a vast catalog of furniture, textures, and materials, allowing for realistic previews and custom imports. The software supports exporting to formats like PDF, SVG, and OBJ, making it suitable for basic home redesign projects.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no hidden costs
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for beginners
- Seamless 2D-to-3D switching and large furniture library
Cons
- Dated user interface and graphics
- Limited photorealistic rendering and advanced lighting
- Performance issues with very large or complex projects
Best For
DIY homeowners and hobbyists seeking a cost-free tool for basic floor planning and furnishing visualization.
Pricing
100% free with optional donations; no paid tiers.
Conclusion
Among the top interior decorating software, SketchUp reigns as the top choice, offering unmatched 3D precision, extensive asset libraries, and photorealistic rendering for detailed design. Homestyler and Planner 5D follow closely, with Homestyler’s AI-driven ease and AR previews perfect for simplicity, and Planner 5D’s vast furniture options and HD renders excelling in design diversity. All three deliver exceptional value, tailored to different user needs.
Explore SketchUp to harness its versatile tools and bring your creative vision to life with precise, realistic results.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison