Lesson 2: Preparation is the Key to Success!
Planning Your Layout
You know, based on our first lesson, that the function of a room is the same as the major use to which it is put. In other words, a bedroom is for sleeping, and should have certain basic pieces of furniture to fulfill its function. But if the way those pieces of furniture occupy space in the room isn't proving to be practical, convenient, comfortable or aesthetically pleasing, then it can't fulfill its function very well, can it?
This is where we plan the best layout for your project room. Using one sheet graph paper, transfer the dimensions from your floor plan to the paper, using 2 squares for each one-foot length (1/4" square=1/2 foot, on this graph paper). If your room is larger than 15'x21', tape two sheets together.
Use standard graph paper (which can be bought in spiral notebooks), and cut out your shapes from shirt cardboard or heavy card stock. Label them with the names of your furniture pieces. Measure your major furniture pieces such as sofa, bed, dining room table, and make the shapes in the same proportions (i.e., a 48-inch dining table shape would be two inches long. Don't forget floor lamps, large potted plants, footstools and ottomans, etc.
Once you've transferred the dimensions of your room onto the paper and sketched the walls and doors in their proper places, begin visualizing the perfect traffic flow in this room. Where have the difficulties been, in the current arrangement? Do you have to walk through the conversation area to get to the opposite door? Does a large piece of furniture block the natural pathway? Is your kitchen work area conveniently arranged to enable you to prepare meals and clean up afterwards, or are you currently taking too many steps to complete a task? Keep these in mind when moving your furniture shapes around the room plan.
Next, mark on your layout where the focal point is, or where you would like it to be. Does the current furniture arrangement take advantage of the focal point? Can you enjoy both the view out the window and the fireplace at the same time? What about your entertainment center: is it in an awkward location to be seen from the conversation area? Perhaps the bed could be moved to provide a separate seating area which lets you look out on a pretty terrace?
Now place the largest furniture shapes and begin placing them in interesting combinations. For example:
- (Fireplace focal point)- a pair of loveseats on either side of the fireplace facing each other; a sofa on one side of the fireplace, two large club chairs facing it, separated by a large ottoman or coffee table.
- (Fireplace focal point, window with view at right angle to fireplace)- sofa at an angle to the fireplace/window.
- (TV focal point)- sectional sofa, pieces separated by a corner table, in an "L" shape, directed toward TV.
Continue by adding the smaller furniture pieces like end tables, side tables, nightstands, desk, computer work station, etc.
If your room is a dining room, remember to allow 24" clearance behind the chairs. Standard chair dimensions are either 16"x16"x16" for smaller tables up to four feet long or round, or 18"x"18"x18" for larger tables. Place the sideboard, buffet or hutch in the room first, and then place the table and chairs.
You will need space around a bed to enable easy access to closets, room to open dresser drawers, and to give room for occupants to get in and out of the bed easily. Usually 24" is the minimum desirable clearance, but more is better!
When you have placed the furniture pieces onto the graph paper layout in the most practical and pleasing arrangement, use a little double-sided tape to attach them to the paper. If you have a scanner/printer, scan the floor plan and print it out. Now you have a permanent layout to work with!
