How to Plan a Successful Room Layout

Space planning is always the first thing to scrutinize and decide during a home renovation or extension. This blog post will cover the key considerations to ensure your new space functions well and meets your bespoke needs. Once you’ve got the layout sorted you can confidently move onto the pretty stuff!

Room requirements

Firstly have a good think about the purpose of the room and how you would like to use it.

Make a list of the all the activities that you would like/need to do in the space. Who will be using the using room? What is the maximum number of people it needs to accommodate? What time of day will the room be used? What is the room’s orientation? Are there any period features/architectural features that you want to highlight? Will the room require radiators or do you plan to use underfloor heating?

Furniture Placement

Make a list of the furniture requirements of the room to accommodate all of the needs you have identified. This should include furniture you already own the you would like to use in the space with a note of the dimensions, as well as a list of new pieces of furniture you will need to source.

Draw up a plan of the room ideally to scale and play around with the furniture layout with consideration for access, traffic flow, period features / architectural features of the room, sight lines etc.

Lighting

Once you are happy with your furniture plan you need to have a think about where light will be needed. Consider different types of light; task lighting, ambient lighting, accent lighting and decorative lighting. Decide what lighting circuits are needed to create different moods and allow you to perform the various activities required in the room. Next think about each light fitting; what would work best; pendant lights, spotlights, wall lights, track lights, lamps etc

Electrics

The final consideration are the electrical requirements of the room. This will include; plug sockets, light fittings, light switches etc. Ensure the location of all these work with your furniture placement and are intuitive to the flow of the room.

Time to shop

Once you’ve finalised your layout, lighting and electrics you can move onto the feel and style you want for the room. Plan your colour scheme and concept for the space and adhere to this when sourcing for the room. Make a list of the furniture, fittings and equipment (FF&E) you need to source and add the required dimensions for each piece. Agree your budget for the FF&E and start shopping!