Taking measurements of a room can seem intimidating, but it’s not all that difficult once you know how. Whether you are working virtually with a designer or simply need to measure a room to calculate the amount of flooring or tiles that you need, there are some basic principles to follow to ensure that you get the measurements right every time. To help we’ve put together this easy to follow 5-step guide to help you to measure a room like a professional.
Step 1
Make sure you have the right tools, you’d be surprised how many people don’t own a proper measuring tape. If you need to measure a room this is something that you much invest in, we’ve seen people try to measure their space with dressmaker tapes and even rulers (not very accurately) but if you are measuring you need to be accurate so invest in the right kit.
Step 2
Start by drawing a rough outline of the room, this should include the position of any doors, windows and other fixed features like fireplaces or structural pillars etc.
Most rooms have four walls, but if you’re measuring an L-shaped room, make sure to include every wall in your sketch.
The drawing should be big enough to allow enough space to write in all of the dimensions as you measure them but no so big that it doesn’t fit on one page. An A4 sheet of paper is ideal. If you need to measure more than one room you can do them separately or if they are attached drawn them together.
Step 3
Now you are ready to start measuring. You should start by getting the overall dimensions of the room, i.e. the width and the length.
Start by measuring the length of the room by holding the tape against one wall and measuring to the opposite wall. It’s best to measure from wall to a wall rather than along the floor as most rooms will have skirting boards which will make the reading smaller.
Measure the width the same way you measured the length. Record these dimensions on your sketch.
Step 4
Now you need to locate all of the features in the room like doors and window positions.
Note whether the door opens into or out of the room. You can indicate the direction with an arc to shoy the door swing on your sketch.
Measure the distances of all doors from the inside of architrave and mark these dimensions on your sketch plan. These measurements are especially important to help you to check if your sofa or other large piece of furniture can fit through the opening.
When measuring window positions and openings do so by measuring the actual opening rather than the frame. Measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of the window opening or window cill to the floor and from the top of the window opening to the ceiling.
Measure any other architectural features, including fireplaces, built in joinery items shelves, and any other fixed features and then locate each on your plan.
Step 5
Finally take a note of where any switches, sockets and radiators are located. This is especially important if you are planning any built in joinery or if you are trying to plan a furniture layout as their location will influence furniture placement. You don’t want to end up with a large cabinet for example blocking the power point in the room for example.
Do bear in mind that if you are having any built in joinery or curtains or blinds fitted, the supplier will do their own measurement survey before making anything.
Virtual Interior Design Consultation
Interested in our virtual interior design consultations? Watch our video where Denise Chats with Kate about her experience of working with us virtually to design her home office and find out how working virtually saved her time and money.
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