Designing a home layout is no longer a job only for architects or professional designers. With the power of online house design software, anyone can draw floor plans, furnish interiors, and even walk through their virtual dream home. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a renovation or a student working on a project, these tools make design easy and fun.
🔍 Why Use Online House Layout Tools?
Online house layout tools simplify the entire design process. Instead of hiring someone or buying expensive software, these platforms give you access to drag-and-drop features, ready-made templates, and 3D visualizations — often for free or at affordable prices.
🧰 Best Online Software to Design House Layouts (Free & Paid)
Below is a list of the best online house design software options available today, from beginner-friendly tools to professional-grade platforms.
1. Planner 5D
A popular platform offering both 2D and 3D design capabilities with realistic visuals.
🌐 Website: https://planner5d.com
🔧 Key Features:
- Easy drag-and-drop interface
- Switch between 2D and 3D modes
- Large catalog of furniture and decor
- VR and HD render options
💸 Pricing:
| Plan | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Basic tools and limited catalog access | $0 |
| Premium | Full catalog, HD rendering, more items | From $9.99/mo |
| One-time | Lifetime access with all features | $59.99 |
👥 Best For:
Homeowners, students, interior design enthusiasts
2. Floorplanner
Ideal for creating quick layouts, especially for real estate agents or space planners.
🌐 Website: https://floorplanner.com
🔧 Key Features:
- 2D and 3D floor plans
- Realistic furniture catalog
- Embed and share plans
- Browser-based, no installation required
💸 Pricing:
| Plan | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Single project access | Free |
| Plus | HD export, extra features | $5/project |
| Pro | Batch export, unlimited projects | $29/month |
👥 Best For:
Real estate agents, homebuyers, space planners
3. Roomstyler 3D Home Planner
A 3D home planner that allows you to use real brand furniture like IKEA or Wayfair.
🌐 Website: https://roomstyler.com
🔧 Key Features:
- Simple interface for beginners
- Thousands of real-life furniture items
- Snap-to-grid design
- Web-based and completely free
💸 Pricing:
| Plan | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Full access | $0 |
👥 Best For:
Interior decorators, brand-conscious homeowners
4. SketchUp (Free & Pro)
An advanced design and 3D modeling software used by professionals in construction and design industries.
🌐 Website: https://www.sketchup.com
🔧 Key Features:
- Create and export detailed 3D models
- Supports architectural plugins
- Access to 3D Warehouse (model library)
- Runs online or as desktop software
💸 Pricing:
| Plan | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Web-based version with core tools | $0 |
| Pro | Desktop + web, advanced features | $349/year |
👥 Best For:
Architects, engineers, experienced designers
5. HomeByMe
A very visual home design platform that lets users build homes from scratch or from templates.
🌐 Website: https://home.by.me
🔧 Key Features:
- Step-by-step design workflow
- Photo-realistic rendering
- Add real furniture items
- Collaborate with others
💸 Pricing:
| Plan | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 3 projects and basic tools | $0 |
| Pay-as-you-go | Extra renders or projects | From $2/each |
| Unlimited | Unlimited projects | Custom Quote |
👥 Best For:
Interior designers, DIY home planners
🧾 Comparison Table: Best House Layout Design Software
| Software | Free Version | 3D Design | Furniture Catalog | Professional Use | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planner 5D | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited | Free – $59.99 |
| Floorplanner | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Free – $29/month |
| Roomstyler | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Real Brands) | ⚠️ Basic | Free |
| SketchUp | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Professional | Free – $349/year |
| HomeByMe | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Free – Custom |
✅ How to Choose the Right House Layout Software?
When choosing the best tool for your project, consider the following:
- Ease of Use: Beginners should go for Roomstyler or Planner 5D.
- 3D Visualization: Need to “walk through” your space? Choose HomeByMe or SketchUp.
- Budget: Free versions are available, but pro tools like SketchUp Pro may be worth it for business use.
- Mobile Access: Planner 5D and HomeByMe work well on tablets and smartphones too.
💡 Final Thoughts: Your Dream Home Starts with a Click
With so many great platforms available, designing your own home layout is not just possible — it’s easy and fun. From quick sketches to full 3D walkthroughs, these tools make home design more accessible than ever. Whether you’re planning a small bedroom remodel or an entire new build, there’s a software solution that fits your vision and your budget.
❓ FAQ – Designing House Layouts Online
Q1: What is the easiest software for beginners?
Planner 5D and Roomstyler are extremely beginner-friendly with drag-and-drop tools.
Q2: Can I design a house for free?
Yes. All the platforms listed offer free versions that allow you to design and save projects.
Q3: Which is best for professional use?
SketchUp Pro is the most suitable for architects and professional designers.
Q4: Can I use these tools on mobile?
Planner 5D and HomeByMe have responsive mobile apps or mobile browser support.
Q5: Are there tools with real brand furniture?
Yes, Roomstyler and HomeByMe feature real branded furniture for accurate layouts.
