How to Make a Map of a Room

Map the Basic Layout

• 1

  Measure the room with measuring tape and make note of the dimensions.

• 2

  Based on the room's size, design a legend with appropriate scale (for example, one one-inch grid equals one foot). The larger the room, the larger the scale will be.

• 3

  Using the ruler and pencil, plot out the walls of your room on the graph paper. If necessary, use a larger scale or tape two pieces of graph paper together.

• 4

  Add windows and doors to your map. Measure the window or door's width and distance from the closest perpendicular wall for accurate placing.

• 5

  If your room has any other stationary features (counters, sinks, in-wall oven), add them to your map in the same way as doors and windows.

Add Furniture Cut-Outs

• 6

  Measure the length and width of each piece of furniture.

• 7

  On a separate sheet of graph paper, draw each piece of furniture to scale. Be sure to use the same size grid and the same scale as your room map.

• 8

  Label each piece of furniture on the graph paper ("sofa," "bookshelf," etc).

• 9

  Cut out each piece of furniture.

• 10

  Place the furniture cut-outs onto your original map. You now have an accurate map of the room. Slide the furniture cut-outs around the map to try different arrangements and see what will fit where.

• 11

  If you're considering buying new furniture, find the dimensions and make a cut-out of the new furniture to see how you can incorporate it into your room.