Decorative Arts Course: Fees, Admission 2024, Syllabus, Scope, Career and Salary

Updated on Apr 29, 2024 09:40 IST
Priyanka Sehgal

Priyanka SehgalContent Writer

Decorative Arts refer to those artworks that are visually appealing and useful at the same time. There are a lot of objects that come under the category of Decorative Arts including ceramics, glassware, furniture, metalwork, basketry, textiles, jewelry, and many more. 

Pursuing Decorative Arts Courses could be an apt choice for someone who has a creative bent for things and a visual eye for objects. To get into the field of Decorative Arts and pursue courses like BVA and BFA, one should have cleared 10+2 in a relevant field from a recognized school with an average of 50% or more.

Decorative Arts Courses can be pursued at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certification, the duration for which varies according to its utility. The courses are available in both online and offline mode. Many popular and renowned colleges allow one to pursue fine arts courses, and fulfill their dream of pursuing Decorative Arts. Some of the top colleges offering Decorative Arts Courses include the University of Mumbai and Banaras Hindu University. The average fees range from INR 6250 - INR 11.11 lakh.

One can get admission to these colleges through merit or entrance scores, depending on the college/institute. Some of the commonly accepted entrance exams include CUET, JMI Entrance Exam, and PUBDET. The career after pursuing studies in Decorative Arts is promising, offering abundant opportunities for growth and earning money at the same time. One can work at different well-recognized positions including Interior Designer, Gallery Assistant, Illustrator, Fashion Designer, and Art Associate. The salaries range from INR 2.8 lakh - INR 6.4 lakh.

Table of Contents
  1. Decorative Arts Course Highlights
  2. All About Decorative Arts Courses
    • 2.1 Types of Decorative Art Methods
    • 2.2  Difference Between Decorative Arts and Fine Arts
    • 2.3 Decorative Arts in Architecture 
  3. Decorative Arts Course Entrance Exams
  4. Decorative Arts Course Syllabus
    • 4.1 BFA Course Syllabus
    • 4.2 MFA Course Syllabus
  5. Decorative Arts Certificate/ Online Courses
  6. Decorative Arts Top Colleges: Courses and Fees
  7. Decorative Arts Career Prospects: Internships, Job Profile, Salary, and Top Recruiters 
    • 7.1 Decorative Arts Top Job Profiles
    • 7.2 Decorative Arts Top Recruiters
    • 7.3 Decorative Arts Internships 
  8. Decorative Arts FAQs

Decorative Arts Course Highlights

Decorative Arts Course is all about being creative and using your innovation to create visually appealing objects that are functional as well. To understand various intricacies this course has to offer, one needs to get well-versed with the basics first. To understand the basics one can refer to the below table:

Particulars 

Details 

Course Name 

Decorative Arts 

Decorative Arts Course Level

Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, and Certification

Decorative Arts Course Eligibility

UG, Diploma, and Certification: 10+2 in relevant field with 50% or more 

PG: Graduation in a relevant field with an aggregate of 50% or more

Decorative Arts Course Entrance Exams

BHU UET, CUET, PUBDET, JMI Entrance Exam

Decorative Arts Course Duration

UG: 3 - 4 years

PG: 2 years

Diploma: 1-2 years

Certification: 2 months - 2 years

Decorative Arts Top Colleges

University of Mumbai, Banaras Hindu University, Vogue Institute of Art and Design

Decorative Arts Top Career Profiles

Interior Designer, Museum Curator, Illustrator, Artwork Manager

Decorative Arts Average Salary

INR 2.8 lakh - INR 6.4 lakh

All About Decorative Arts Courses

Decorative Arts courses are designed for those who wish to understand different aspects related to ceramic arts, interior design, textile design, jewelry design, and other forms used to decorate objects. Students can choose which career to pursue according to their interests and professional pursuits. 

Types of Decorative Art Methods

There are different types of Decorative Art forms:

  • Naturalistic: these art forms are very close to reality and appear as natural and accurate as they can.
  • Conventional: these art forms are created using traditional sources such as paints, sculptures, and canvas.
  • Abstract: these art forms are far away from reality, and are created using various visual means like colors, lines, and shapes. They are created using the traditional techniques more experimentally. 
  • Geometric: as the name suggests, geometric arts are created using different shapes in unimagined ways to create a visually appealing experience. 

 Difference Between Decorative Arts and Fine Arts

Though both the courses come under the Arts field, Decorative Arts and Fine Arts are completely different. The below table captures certain basis and aspects based on which we can distinguish the two art forms. 

Particulars 

Decorative Arts 

Fine Arts

Purpose

Be well decorative and functional

Provoke emotional and intellectual responses

Ambiguity 

Comprehending Decorative Art pieces is easy because they are simple and direct

Comprehending Fine Artworks is difficult because of the myriad meanings they carry

Number of Editions

Unlimited copies

Limited Edition

Materials used

Affordable and easy to use 

Varies from more to less expensive 

Complexity in Process

Quick and less complicated

Complicated creative process

Client Influence 

More Influence

Less Influence 

Quick links for Decorative Arts Courses:

Arts (Fine/Visual/Performing): Courses, Admission 2024, Subjects, Top Colleges, Job Profiles and Salary

Interior Designing: Courses, Fees, Admission 2024, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Career Scope

Decorative Arts in Architecture 

Architecture is more than just the design of the building. Good Architecture can make a building stand out with its design and elegance. It involves creating structures in a way that is visually appealing and hence a good knowledge and understanding of Decorative Arts is needed in Architecture. 

An Architect can use different Decorative elements to highlight the different parts of a building including moldings, capitals, and pediments. By working on these elements, architecture can create visual interest in the viewers and make the building stand out.

Decorative Arts Course Entrance Exams

To pursue your favorite arts degree and get into the profession of Decorative Arts one needs to pursue a professional graduate, or postgraduate degree in the same. Admission to best colleges offering Decorative Arts Courses happens through merit, or entrance exams depending on the university. Though there are no specific exams in the field of decorative arts. But there are a lot of exams in for the courses of Fine Arts and Visual Arts that one can take to get into Decorative Arts.

The below table highlights some of the major entrance exams for the same, along with the relevant dates. To get a better understanding of the same, refer to the table below:

Decorative Arts Entrance Exams

Decorative Arts Exam Date

Decorative Arts Exam Schedule 

AUEET

05 May '24

AUEET Exam Schedule 

CUET

21 May '24

CUET Exam Schedule 

JMI Entrance Exam

25 Apr '24

JMI Entrance Exam Schedule

SET

05 May '24 & 11 May '24

SET Exam Schedule 

IPU CET

27 Apr '24 - 12 May '24

IPU CET Exam Schedule

PUBDET

27 Jul '24 - 28 Jul '24

PUBDET Exam Schedule 

NSD Entrance Exam

Aug '24 

NSD Entrance Exam Schedule

URATPG

To be Notified

URATPG Exam Schedule

Calcutta University Entrance Exam 

To be Notified 

Calcutta Entrance Exam Schedule 

Decorative Arts Course Syllabus

To get into your dream college and pursue a BFA, or MFA you need to be aware of the syllabus first. Decorative courses can be pursued at both the UG and PG levels. The syllabus for the same is mentioned below.

BFA Course Syllabus

Bachelor of Fine Arts is a 4-year undergraduate degree program with 6 semesters. It is designed in a way that provides in-depth knowledge related to different Decorative Arts. Though there are various specializations in BFA courses like BFA in Pottery and Ceramics, BFA in Textile Design, and BFA in Painting. But to understand BFA clearly, we have discussed the syllabus of basic fine arts course.

BFA Syllabus Semester 1

Drawing Fundamentals 

Introduction to Color Theory

Introduction to 2D Design

Critical Analysis of Art

BFA Syllabus Semester 2

Painting Fundamentals

Introduction to Paint Making

3D Design and Culture

Digital Art Basics

BFA Syllabus Semester 3

Introduction to Digital Arts

Art Critique and Analysis 

Studio Practice: Specialization Techniques 

Painting/Sculpture/ Photography (choice) 

BFA Syllabus Semester 4

Advanced Painting or Sculpture Techniques 

Art History: Contemporary Art Movements 

Exhibition Design and Presentation 

Advanced Digital Arts 

BFA Syllabus Semester 5

Interdisciplinary Art Projects 

Art History: Global Perspectives 

Advanced Digital Media and Technology

Professional Development in the Arts 

BFA Syllabus Semester 6

Internship or Practical Experience 

Thesis Proposal Development 

Art History: Special Topics 

Entrepreneurship in the Arts 

BFA Syllabus Semester 7

Thesis Research and Development 

Advanced Studio Practice Continued 

Professional Practices in the Arts 

Art History: Thesis Focus 

BFA Syllabus Semester 8

Thesis Project Completion 

Portfolio Development 

Professional Development Seminar 

-

MFA Course Syllabus

MFA is a 2-year master's level degree program covering advanced aspects related to fine arts, including drawing, painting, sketching, sculpturing, and decorative arts. It includes concepts like Advertising Principles and the History of European Art. To know more about the syllabus of the Masters of Fine Arts, refer to the table below:

MFA Syllabus Semester 1

History of European Art - I

Occidental Aesthetics- I

Advertising Principles and Practices

Visualisation/ Illustration/ Photography 

MFA Syllabus Semester 2

History of European Art - II

Occidental Aesthetics -II

Advertising Principles and Practices

Creative Painting/ Mural Design/ Portrait/ Landscape 

MFA Syllabus Semester 3

History of Modern Indian Art-I

Occidental Aesthetics- I 

Advertising Principles and Practices - I

Visualisation- III/ Illustration -III/ Photography -III 

MFA Syllabus Semester 4

History of Modern Art II

Advertising Principles and Practices- IV

Oriental Aesthetics -II

Visualization -IV/ Illustration- IV/ Photography - IV 

Relevant links for Decorative Arts Courses:
Ceramics Designer: Course Details, Admission 2024, Eligibility, Career, Scope, Top Recruiters & Salary Package

Textile Design Course: Admission 2024, Eligibility, Entrance Exam, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Job Profiles and Salary

Decorative Arts Certificate/ Online Courses

There are a lot of certificates and online courses for different fields under Decorative arts including ceramics, glass, pottery, textile designing, and interior designing. A few of those courses along with their fees are given in the table below:

Decorative Arts Online / Certificate Courses

Online/ Classroom

Offered by 

Average fees (in INR)

Certificate in Pottery Ceramics 

Classroom: Part-time 

BHU, Varanasi

25,000

Certificate in Ceramics and Pottery

Classroom: Full time

Leonardi da Vinci School of Design, Aurangabad

60,000

Advanced Functional Ceramics 

Online

Coursera- Yonsei University

Free

Ceramics and Composites

Online 

Coursera - Arizona State University

Free

Certified Interior Designer 

Online

VSkills

3499

Certificate Program in Interior Design and Interior Architecture

Online

University of California, Berkeley

17,80,367

PG Diploma in Interior Design

Online

AND Academy 

1 lakh

Certificate in Pottery 

Full time 

Visva Bharati University, West Bengal

1680

Careers in Fashion: Trend Forecasting and Textile Design

Online 

FutureLearn

6584

Certified Textile Designer 

Online 

VSkills

1999

Decorative Arts Top Colleges: Courses and Fees

There are a lot of renowned and popular colleges that allow one to pursue Decorative Arts. A few colleges along with the courses and their fees are given in the table below:

Top Decorative Arts Colleges

Course Name 

Average Fees (in INR)

University of Mumbai

BFA in Interior Decoration, MFA in Interior Decoration

20,000

Banaras Hindu University 

BFA and MFA

6250

Sir J.J. School of Art

BFA in Interior Decoration, BFA in Ceramics 

-

Vogue Institute of Art and Design

BVA in Animation and Multimedia 

9.1 lakh

NITTE School of Fashion Technology and Interior Design

B.Sc in Interior Design and Decoration, Masters in Interior Design and Decoration

2.5 - 7.5 lakh

IDea World College

B.Des in Interior Design and Decoration

9.96 lakh

Indian Institutes of Craft and Design

Integrated B.Voc in Craft Design, 

M.Voc in Craft Design 

4.48 - 11.11 lakh

Gandhinagar University

Interior Design and Decoration

-

SMRK BK AK Mahila Mahavidyalaya

Certificate in Interior Designing and Decoration

-

Seamedu - School of Pro-Expressionism

BA in Journalism and Mass Communication

6 lakh

Decorative Arts Course topics you may be interested in:

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Decorative Arts Career Prospects: Internships, Job Profile, Salary, and Top Recruiters 

The growing relevance of Decorative Arts as a symbol of self makes it important to have skilled decorative artists for the same. 

Decorative Arts Top Job Profiles

There is a myriad of professions available to someone who has completed their graduation or post-graduation in Decorative Arts, or any other related field of fine arts or interior design and decoration. A few of those top job profiles, along with their salaries are mentioned in the table below:

Decorative Arts Top Job Profiles 

Average Salary (in INR)

Interior Designers 

4.5 lakh

Museum Curators

2.8 lakh

Gallery Assistant 

6.4 lakh

Ceramic Designer 

3.1 lakh

Art Teacher 

3 lakh

Illustrator 

4.2 lakh

Jewelry Designer 

4 lakh

Art Associate 

4 lakh

Artwork Coordinator 

5.1 lakh

Textile Designer

4.9 lakh

Decorative Arts Top Recruiters

The Decorative Arts candidates are hired by a lot of Design as well as interior design organizations. Apart from them, they also get a plethora of opportunities at various hotels and corporations for their interior design projects. A few of those organizations are mentioned in the table below:

Decorative Arts Top Recruiters

DQ Entertainment 

Pride India

Colors TV

Accenture

Sony Liv

Raymond 

MPC Film

Tech Mahindra

Decorative Arts Internships 

One can further upskill their learning by taking up an internship in decorative arts, interior designing, or any other related field to get hands-on experience and exposure needed to solve real-life problems. A few of the places where one can get these opportunities are mentioned below:

  • Studio Internships: working in painting and decorative arts studios allows one to learn from experienced professionals and try their hands on those same things.
  • Interior Design Collaborators: interning with interior designers provides you with abundant opportunities to learn about the work and the different perspectives they bring to overall work. It also allows the candidates to learn collaboration skills by looking at interior designers and how effortlessly they collaborate with the designers.
  • Corporate Projects: some interns may choose to work in large corporate setups like office spaces, hotels, and commercial avenues and work in the decorative paintings and decorative arts needed to make that space a visually appealing one.
  • Local Decorative Painting Studios: research the local studios that offer internships to freshers, it’s a win-win situation for both. The local studios are very welcoming toward fresh people with curiosity, and working at local studios gives you more learning opportunities in less time.

Decorative Arts FAQs

Q. What counts as decorative art?

A. Decorative arts is a vast term and has a myriad of objects and creative pursuits under it. This becomes a core reason for one to pursue the same because they get abundant opportunities in various fields. These include:

  • Furniture Making
  • Tapestry Creation
  • Ceramics 
  • Basketry 
  • Embroidery 
  • Jewelry Creation
  • Rug and Carpet Making 
  • Accessory Creation
  • Enamel work
  • Mosaic Art 
  • Glasswork
  • Textile Designing

Q. What is the earliest type of Decorative Art?

A. The decorative arts started with pottery as the earliest form of decorative arts, notably the Jomon style Japanese ceramics which started back in 14,500 BCE. Other historical decorative art objects include personal weapons and items of jewelry made of gold and bronze.

Q. Which exam is best for Arts Students?

A.There are lots of exams for arts students at both state and national levels. A few common and popular entrance exams are mentioned below:

Arts Popular Exams Arts Exam Schedule
CUCET CUCET Exam Schedule 
CUET  CUET Exam Schedule
TISSNET TISSNET Exam Schedule
AUEET AUEET  Exam Schedule 
JMI Entrance Exam JMI Entrance Exam Schedule
PUBDET PUBDET Exam Schedule

 

Q. What is a Decorative Painting?

A. Decorative painting simply suggests the decoration of different objects by painting on them, or simply making paintings that can be used as decorative elements. It is known by various names like folk art, country painting, tole painting, and rustic painting. Decorative painters use different painting techniques to convert simple objects into visually appealing decorative elements.  

 

Q. What are the top 5 fine arts institutions in India?

A. India has a lot of good fine arts institutions, where one can pursue their bachelor's or higher studies and get placed. Some of the well-known fine arts institutions include:

Fine Arts Top Institutions Course Name Average Fees (in INR)
Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University, Baroda Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Visual Arts  -
College of Art, Delhi BFA, MFA 12,400 - 16,800
Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai BFA, MFA -
Banaras Hindu University, Mumbai BFA, B.Voc 6,250 - 11,890
Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi BFA in Painting, BFA in Applied Art 50,200

 

Q. What is the difference between abstract art and decorative art?

A. Decorative Arts and Abstract Arts are two different art forms under fine arts. Abstract Arts are those non-figurative art forms that use different lines, colors, and objects to evoke emotions, thoughts, and ideas. These art forms are far away from reality and are mere representations of the artist's interpretation and expression of the ideas. Decorative Arts on the other hand are known for the aesthetic purpose they serve while being functional altogether. They are majorly used for beautifying different spaces and objects. 

Q. What is the importance of Decorative Arts?

A. Decorative Arts are used to enhance the aesthetics and add to the beauty of the spaces and everyday objects. They serve as tools for cultural expression used for telling stories and communicating societal values. These art forms act as decorative elements by adding beauty to various objects of furniture, glassware, textiles, and ceramics. 

Q. What is the average salary of an Indian Art student?

A. Salary, in general, is something that depends on a lot of factors, some common factors being one's knowledge, skillset, years of experience, location of the organization, and the college from which the individual graduates. Yet, as per various research and observations, an approximate salary can be determined, which is INR 20,000 - INR 30,000 for an Arts fresher. 

Popular Decorative Arts Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Decorative Arts Colleges in India. Learn more about these Decorative Arts colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
2 Courses
1 Course
1 Course
6 L
2.5
2 Courses
2.5 L - 7.5 L
4.48 L - 8.9 L
3.8

Popular Private Decorative Arts Colleges in India

2 Courses
2.5 L - 7.5 L
2 Courses
1 Course
1 Course
6 L
2.5
4.48 L - 8.9 L
3.8

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Decorative Arts courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Decorative Arts.

Popular Decorative Arts UG Courses

Following are the most popular Decorative Arts UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Decorative Arts PG Courses

Following are the most popular Decorative Arts PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Decorative Arts Specializations

Following are the most popular Decorative Arts Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Decorative Arts. Students interested in pursuing a career on Decorative Arts, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Dec '24 - Feb '25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process Online Fee

TENTATIVE

Dec '24 - Feb '25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

15 Sep ' 24

MAH AAC CET 20240 Cut-off Date for all type of ad...

14 Sep ' 24

MAH AAC CET 20240 Last date of uploading the data

Aug '24

NSD Exam 2024 Workshop cum interview

TENTATIVE

Jun '24 - Jul '24

NSD Entrance Exam Registrations 2024

TENTATIVE

6 Jul ' 24 - 7 Jul ' 24

PUBDET Exam

25 Jun ' 24 - 7 Jul ' 24

PUBDET Admit Card 2024

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