When it comes to any type of interior design, being able to accurately measure rooms is an invaluable skill. You may need these measurements to send to a professional or maybe you're shopping for furniture on your own.
You’ll need:
Paper
Pencil
Tape measure
Phone Camera
Step 1. Sketch the Area
On a piece of paper, draw the general shape of the room. Is the room a square, rectangle, have weird angles or built-ins? Make sure to include those in your drawing. Also be sure to properly label what room it is that you’re sketching.
Step 2. Accurately Measure All Walls
Measure the entire length of each wall, corner-to-corner (ignoring doors, openings and windows - we’ll get to those next) and mark this on the floor plan in inches or feet/inches.
Step 3. Getting The Details
On the sketch of your room, don't forget to include any other aspects of the room such as windows and doors. Measure the width of the window (include casings) and mark on the drawing. For your window measurements, be sure to include the height above the floor. Items of importance to include: Doors, windows, built-ins, fireplaces.
Start in the corner, measure the distance to the casing of the first window/door/opening and mark on the drawing. Include how high each window casing is from the floor. Next, measure the width of the window (include casings) and mark on the drawing.
Step 4. Final Touches
Once you are finished with measuring all walls, windows, and doors, it is time for the final touches on your sketch. Be sure to measure and take note of the ceiling height and any ceiling fixtures (lighting, ceiling fans, etc). Add locations of any TV Jack, electrical outlets, thermostats, electrical panels, or air returns in relation to floor and nearest wall.
Step 5. Double Check
Once all measurements of all walls, windows, doors, etc have been recorded, be sure to go back around the room and double check!
Step 6. Photographs
- Take photos during the day.
- Remove clutter.
- Start in one corner and work your way around the room.
- Take a photo from every angle of the room.
- Capture part of the floor and ceiling in each photo.
- Number each photo and label to the corresponding place on the floor plan from which it was taken.
- Take a photo of any furniture you want to keep in the room and submit that with full measurements of each piece.
Mastering the art of room measurement is crucial for any interior design project. With careful attention to detail and the right tools, you can create accurate floor plans and photos to bring your design vision to life. Whether you're working with a professional or tackling the project solo, these steps ensure you're equipped to make informed decisions and transform your space with confidence.
