Room Usage and Focal Point

• Make a room usage list that lists the activities that will take place in the bedroom, the furniture required for that activity and, if known, the size of that piece of furniture. For example, your list might include a 64-inch-by-84-inch queen-sized bed for sleeping, a 48-inch-by-24-inch vanity for applying makeup and a 36-inch-by-36-inch chair for reading the newspaper or a book.
  
  

To-Scale Plan

• Draw a to-scale representation of the measurements of the room. Use graph paper and a scale of one square to 6 inches of actual space. Indicate the position of doors, windows and closet on the floor plan. Draw the doors in the open position so it is evident in which direction they swing -- into the room or out of the room. On graph paper, make to-scale representations of the furniture required, or use online templates and cut them out. Write the name of the piece of furniture on the cutout.
  
  

The Focal Point

• The bed is the focal point of the bedroom. It is best placed in the room in such a way that the whole bed is visible when entering the room. If this is not possible, position it far enough away from the door that it is not necessary to walk around the bed to get to other parts of the room. If the picture window presents a magnificent view, the bed may be oriented toward it, or perhaps toward a fireplace if the room has one.
  
  

Position the Furniture

• Place the bed in the chosen position on the blank floor plan. Make sure there is at least 30 inches of clear space around the bed, which is the minimum amount of space required for making a bed. Place the next most important piece of furniture on the floor plan. Usually this would be a dresser. Allow 24 inches for drawer openings at the front of the piece. Add the other pieces of furniture to the plan in the order of importance. Allow at least 24 inches of walking room between all pieces of furniture.
  
  

General Tips

• It is helpful to remember that the primary purpose of the bedroom is to be a place of rest and relaxation. If it becomes evident when doing the paper floor plan that the furniture required for all the activities listed on the room usage list will not fit comfortably into the space, reconsider the activities. Clutter will negate the best furniture arrangement or design plan. It is more beneficial to have the bedroom be a calm space than one crammed with furniture.