Interior Design Invoice Template - UK

Your interior design invoice must include your business name, registered address, VAT number (if registered), invoice number, issue date, and payment deadline. List each service separately with its rate—consultation, space planning, colour schemes, furniture sourcing, and project management. Apply VAT at 20% on most services unless specifically exempt. Include your payment instructions, bank details, and any late payment terms. For compliance, ensure all invoices are numbered sequentially and retained for six years. UK invoices must include the invoice date, number, and your contact information for accounting and tax purposes.

Design consultations should be priced by the hour or as a flat fee, typically £100–£250 per hour depending on your experience and location. Many UK designers charge £150–£300 for an initial consultation (60–90 minutes) to scope the project and build rapport with clients. Separate this from full design project fees, which cover space planning, selections, and ongoing support. Charging for consultations establishes professional value and filters serious clients. Once a client commits to the full project, many designers credit the consultation fee against the total project cost to encourage the sale.

Yes, you must charge VAT at 20% on interior design services in the UK if your annual turnover exceeds £85,000 (the VAT threshold for 2024–2025). Even below this threshold, you can voluntarily register for VAT. Most design consultations, space planning, and design services are standard-rated at 20%. However, some specialist services may be exempt—consult HMRC's guidance for your specific situation. Always display VAT separately on invoices and remit collected VAT to HMRC quarterly or per your registration scheme. Keep detailed records of all VAT charged and paid.

Breaking your interior design project into invoice milestones—consultation, concept design, implementation drawings, and final sign-off—improves cash flow and protects you financially. Each phase represents deliverables, so invoicing after completion of each stage is professional practice. For smaller projects, a single invoice at project completion works, but for larger renovations or commercial work, milestone invoicing is standard. This approach also helps clients budget and reduces payment disputes because it's clear what work has been completed. Document each phase in writing and reference it clearly on your corresponding invoice.

Itemize furniture sourcing as a distinct line item separate from design fees, specifying the type of work: "Furniture sourcing and selection—10 items," "Vendor liaison," or "Procurement coordination." If you're marking up furniture purchases (common in the UK), invoice the cost plus your mark-up percentage clearly. Some designers charge sourcing as a percentage of the furniture cost (typically 10–20%), others charge hourly. Always clarify this arrangement in your design contract beforehand. If you're referring clients to vendors without markup, list "furniture selection consultation" instead. Transparency prevents client confusion and payment disputes.

Standard payment terms for UK interior design invoices are Net 14 or Net 30, though Net 7 is common for smaller jobs. For larger projects or new clients, Net 30 (payment within 30 days of invoice) is industry-standard. Always specify your payment deadline clearly. If you grant milestone invoicing, align each invoice's due date with phase completion. Consider requiring a deposit (typically 30–50%) for projects over £2,000 to secure the engagement and cover initial costs. Specify late payment terms: "Interest at 8% plus Bank of England base rate applies to overdue invoices." This protects your cash flow and sets clear expectations.

Design revisions should be addressed in your initial contract before invoicing becomes complicated. Specify how many revision rounds are included in your design fee—typically 1–2 rounds. Additional revisions beyond this should be invoiced separately at your hourly rate or as a flat fee per round, typically £150–£400 depending on scope. Document the requested changes in writing via email to establish what's being invoiced. Create a separate line item on your invoice: "Design revisions (round 3)—2 hours @ £150/hour." This protects your profitability and prevents scope creep. Always communicate the additional cost before undertaking extra work.

When you coordinate with contractors, suppliers, or other trades on a project, clarify your role before invoicing. If you're merely recommending vendors without managing them, invoice only your design fees—don't include contractor costs on your invoice. If you're managing the project, sourcing contractors, and overseeing their work, you can invoice for "project management" as a separate line item, typically 10–20% of subcontractor costs. Always obtain client approval before involving external trades and communicate who's responsible for paying whom. Invoice transparency prevents confusion: clearly separate your design fees from any pass-through costs or management fees for contractor coordination.