EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MEASURE A ROOM

By CLARICE SMYTH

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MEASURE A ROOM

DIY - ONLY MEASURE ONCE

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MEASURE A ROOM FOR INTERIOR DESIGN. DIY How To Measure a Room. In this video, I share my Principles of Measurement Method to Measure a Room for your next DIY Design Project.

This method shows you How To Measure A Room in a way that you are completely prepared to create the space of your dreams while saving time, frustration, and money.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE to Measure a Room. Thank You for spending your time with me. I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart.

Designing or Redesigning a room…Where do you start?

When we are inspired to design or redesign a space we are tempted and prefer to start with the sexy stuff. Start with what gives us the biggest emotional and visual payoff. So we want to paint or just buy stuff for the space.

THIS IS WRONG. START at the beginning. The space, most likely, will look the same when you are done with this first step as it did when you started. But it is a MUST. The right place to start is these Principles of Measurements for Interior Design.

We hear measure …measure …measure in regards to most projects we take on. This is especially true in Interior Design.

I am not the creator of the concept of measuring spaces BUT, I have developed my own system of measuring a space. Putting in the time to do this in-depth step, in the beginning, saves so much time and in some cases a lot of money throughout the project. I will be sharing my method for measuring – as it applies to interior design..

My method, when done correctly, will eliminate the need to constantly remeasure every time you want to explore new ceiling or wall treatments, add builtins, lighting, window coverings, or buy a piece of furniture or wall art. It will ensure you have the information you need to move forward on your project with confidence.

In future videos, I will focus on my Principles of Measurements as it applies to space planning a closed or an open concept floor plan, and possibly a bathroom and kitchen.

In this video, I will be sharing my Principles of Measurement for a design or redesign of an existing space. We are not tearing out walls, moving doors, or replacing windows …as these would require additional considerations and structural knowledge to plan and complete.

How To Measure A Room - ONCE

START STEP 1

Draw the room perimeter on plain paper or grid paper. The accuracy and clarity of reading the measurements are more important than the perfection of graphic detail. You can draw the room outline freehand, use a basic ruler (1/2” = 1’), or a steadier Drafting Ruler. The important thing is to get the numbers right and on the right drafting ruler. Later, you can redraw the plan neatly or use the software you are comfortable using to produce a more finished-looking floor plan.

To complete the principles of measurements of a space it is suggested that you begin on the entry wall starting on the left corner and move in a clockwise direction – repeat the same direction with each step/pass.

PRODUCT: TOOLS

Basic Ruler

Steadler Ruler

Grid Paper

Pen Set

Pencil Set

Step 2:

Measure the full width of ALL walls. Measure corner to Corner. If there are any jut-outs measure each section and note it on the plan. (White Line)

PRODUCT: TOOLS – FOR THIS STEP AND THE ONES THAT FOLLOW

Electronic Measuring Tape

Manual Craftsman Measuring Tape

Combination Measuring Tape

Measure width and depth of any cutouts or builtins such as pass-throughs, shelves, mantels, recesses, ledges, window seats, benches, countertops, steps, etc.

PRODUCT: TOOLS

Recommend

Manual Measuring Tape

Step 9:

Measure floor to ceiling. If a room has a sloping ceiling or sunken floor area – measure these areas from floor to ceiling. Note each measurement and the reason for the height change. (Yellow Arrow)

PRODUCT: TOOLS

Recommend

Manual Measuring Tape

Combination Tape Measure

Step 10:

Measure the ceiling plain and mark the exact center. If the room is an L-shape measure and not the center of each section.

PRODUCT: TOOLS

Recommend

Manual Measuring Tape

Combination Tape Measure

Step 11:

Measure any ceiling interruptions: Light fixtures, outlets, speakers, air vents, air returns, and security components. Note: Measure straight from the wall/ceiling connection to the center of the interruption and then measure the size of the interruption. For best accuracy measure/pinpoint the center of interruption from at least two directions. (This creates checks and balances to use to verify your measurements)

PRODUCT: TOOLS

Recommend

Manual Measuring Tape

Combination Tape Measure

Step 12:

Measure any other permanent fixtures, architectural elements, or misc not specifically mentioned.

PRODUCT: TOOLS

Recommend

Manual Measuring Tape

Combination Tape Measure

CONCLUSION

There are a lot of moving pieces to design a room. It can be frustrating when you have to make multiple trips to accomplish tasks because you don’t have the information you need.

The benefit of having these highly detailed measurements is that you are prepared for pretty much whatever you need to do. Want a chandelier that is a steal and you have to buy it now – BUY IT – you have the ceiling measurements and height…will know if it will fit. Decide to add roman shades while finalizing your drapes….you have the window measurements so you can order the drapes and you have the width x height x depth of window inset – order the roman shades too – with confidence they will fit. (Artdix Roman Shades Blackout Window Shades-Gray) Dreaming of a more prominent baseboard….you have the length and height currently in the space….buy the taller molding and swap it out.

These are only a few examples of how being prepared can save you time, money, and frustration.

If you are looking to design your own space, schedule your complimentary call with me, I would love to work with you to create your next design project. I offer design services locally and via virtual to other locations.

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Check back often. It is my passion to Empower You To Design Your Life.

Thank You for spending your time with me. I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart.