Do interior designers get discounts on furniture?

Many designers have access to trade pricing from manufacturers and showrooms, which can be lower than retail. Some trade-only showrooms sell exclusively through designers. How that pricing affects you depends on the designer's business model.

Some designers pass part or all of their discount to clients and charge a design fee instead. Others charge clients retail price or a markup over their cost, which is how they earn part of their income. Neither approach is wrong, but you should understand which one applies.

Ask your designer how purchases are priced and whether you will see the original cost. Get this in your written agreement. Also ask about return policies, since custom and trade orders are often non-returnable. Knowing these details helps you compare designers fairly and budget accurately.