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

1. Measure the length and width of each piece of furniture.

2. 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.

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

4. Cut out each piece of furniture.

5. 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.

6. 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.