How to Arrange a Room With Sliding Doors

Measure the length, height and depth of the room's major items of furniture, such as the bed or sofa, large chairs and tables. Make a note of the dimensions.

Measure the width of the sliding door's opening. Walk through the room from any other doors to the sliding door. Keep the paths from one door to another clear to make the room comfortable. Arrange the furniture so that major walkways are at least 36 inches wide and clearance between large items of furniture is two and a half feet.

Use the furniture measurements, doorway measurement and clearance guidelines to create a harmonious room. For example, allow a minimum of two and a half feet for the path to the entertainment center and curtain pulls.

Orient the furniture to face the sliding door if it offers a view, such as sliding doors to a patio, deck or garden. Alternatively, arrange the furniture so that its sideways to the view if the room has a focal point such as a piano, fireplace, picture window or entertainment center. For example, arrange sofas and armchairs in an L shape for conversation and a view of the TV, with the open end of the L aimed at the sliding doors so everyone can see the view.

Arrange a large room to create a walkway behind the main seating area, if the sliding doors are connecting doors to another room instead of glass doors with a view. Allow at least 36 inches for the walkway, so there's room to get through the doorway and walk behind the furniture without feeling crowded. For example, place a sectional sofa facing the room's focal point with its back to the sliders.