One of the best parts of teaching interior design is watching students move beyond learning concepts and begin creating, planning, and building. Hands-on materials help students develop creativity, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills while bringing design ideas to life. Here are some of my favorite classroom supplies and how they support student learning in an interior design course.
Drafting Supplies – Rulers & More
I use several different ruler sets throughout the year as students learn how to create basic floor plans and room layouts. It’s easy to assume interior design is mostly about decorating, but one of the most important skills students can learn is how to thoughtfully plan a space. Drafting allows students to visualize room dimensions, furniture placement, and traffic flow while building an understanding of how design impacts the way people live and work. These early drafting experiences provide a strong foundation for everything else they will learn throughout the course.
Drafting Supplies – Paper & More
If there’s one supply I always keep stocked, it’s graph paper. Students use it constantly for creating scaled floor plans, furniture layouts, and room arrangements. I pair it with vellum tracing paper so they can revise and refine designs without starting over from scratch. For rendering projects, alcohol markers are another classroom essential, helping students add color, depth, and a more professional presentation to their design work. You might want 2 sets! While not necessities, light tables and washi tape have become student favorites. Light tables make tracing easier and give students a more authentic drafting experience, while washi tape secures work without damaging paper. I currently have four light tables for classes of 18–20 students, which allows students to rotate through them effectively during drafting projects.
Classroom Organization
While many students come to class with their own binders and basic school supplies, I like to keep extras on hand throughout the year. One of my favorite organizational tips is creating a sample portfolio binder alongside my students. Not only does it serve as an example of what a completed portfolio should look like, but it also provides students with a resource to reference if they are absent, have lost an assignment, or need help organizing their work. Clear sheet protectors are a simple addition that helps keep projects neat and professional, while colored sticker dots have become one of my favorite classroom management tools. I use different-colored dots to distinguish graded assignments from practice work, making it easy for both students and me to keep track of what belongs in their portfolios. If your classroom doesn’t have built-in storage or cubbies, a rolling cart can be a lifesaver for organizing supplies and storing student portfolio binders throughout the year.
- 3-ring Binders (1.5”)
- Clear Sheet Protectors
- Colored Sticker Dots
- Folding Utility Cart
- Paper Organizer
Project Materials
These items are what I keep in stock for the projects in my curriculum. If you are a part of the FCS teachers club and follow our Interior Design curriculum, you will definitely want to stock up! Use the balsa wood for building projects, and the foam mat board and card stock for a kitchen design board. The paint supplies can be for any project but specifically will be needed for the elements and principles of design unit project! As far as other project materials, I recommend reaching out to local stores or universities that have sample libraries. Many times they are willing to donate many items to your classroom for a variety of projects!
- Balsa Wood Set
- Foam Mat Board (1 per student)
- Card Stock
- Paint
- Paint Brushes
- 4X4 Tiles or Canvas
Donated items: textiles, samples, paint swatches, etc., cardboard, shoe boxes
Cutting Tools
These are some tried-and-true tools that have been great additions to my interior design classroom! A set of Exacto knives (with a cutting mat) and a cardboard cutter provides students with a safe and effective way to cut materials for model construction. Whether creating furniture pieces, walls, or entire room mockups, students gain valuable experience transforming two-dimensional plans into three-dimensional designs for a variety of projects.
Adhesives
These supplies are essential for model building and presentation projects. Hot glue guns allow students to assemble structures and room models, while double-stick tape or glue dots make it easy to attach materials without creating a mess. Both encourage creativity and help students bring their design ideas into physical form.
Coloring Books
Coloring books may seem simple, but they are a fantastic way to introduce students to color theory, design styles, and room layouts. Students can experiment with color schemes, practice coordinating design elements, and develop confidence in making design decisions in a low-pressure environment.
Interested in our full Interior Design Curriculum? Join the FCS Teachers Club today for full access to the Interior Design Curriculum and more!
