--- title: What Is Space Planning and Why Is It Important? description: If you're furnishing a room, a space plan can help! Find out exactly what space planning is and how it can prevent you from making costly design mistakes. image: https://blog.mcelherans.com/hubfs/done-title-min.png --- [Skip to content](https://blog.mcelherans.com/what-is-space-planning#main-content) [Schedule A Visit](https://mcelherans.simplybook.me/v2/#book) [![McElherans New Logo-01 Cropped](https://blog.mcelherans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/McElherans%20New%20Logo-01%20Cropped.jpg?width=205&height=52&name=McElherans%20New%20Logo-01%20Cropped.jpg)](https://mcelherans.com/) - [Living Room](https://mcelherans.com/collections/living-room) - [Dining Room](https://mcelherans.com/collections/dining-room) - [Bedroom](https://mcelherans.com/collections/bedroom) - [Home Office](https://mcelherans.com/collections/home-office) - [Accents](https://mcelherans.com/collections/accessories) - [Design Services](https://mcelherans.com/pages/design-services) - [Pricing](https://mcelherans.com/pages/pricing) - [About](https://mcelherans.com/pages/about-us) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Living Room](https://mcelherans.com/collections/living-room) - [Dining Room](https://mcelherans.com/collections/dining-room) - [Bedroom](https://mcelherans.com/collections/bedroom) - [Home Office](https://mcelherans.com/collections/home-office) - [Accents](https://mcelherans.com/collections/accessories) - [Design Services](https://mcelherans.com/pages/design-services) - [Pricing](https://mcelherans.com/pages/pricing) - [About](https://mcelherans.com/pages/about-us) - [Schedule A Visit](https://mcelherans.simplybook.me/v2/#book) Oct 24, 2022 12:37:40 PM # What Is Space Planning and Why Is It Important? ![Picture of Sasha Spencer](https://blog.mcelherans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sashaicon.jpg?width=50&name=sashaicon.jpg) [Sasha Spencer](https://blog.mcelherans.com/author/sasha-spencer) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.mcelherans.com/what-is-space-planning) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.mcelherans.com/what-is-space-planning) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.mcelherans.com/what-is-space-planning) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://blog.mcelherans.com/what-is-space-planning) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://blog.mcelherans.com/what-is-space-planning) [![space plan computer image of a rendering of a living room](https://blog.mcelherans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/done-title-min.png?width=960&height=700&name=done-title-min.png)](https://mcelherans.com/pages/about-us#team2) Space planning is a fundamental part of designing, decorating, and furnishing a functional space. It’s a term used in the interior design world a lot, and although it seems self-explanatory (I mean, you’re literally planning a space), there is a little more to it.Finding out exactly what space planning is and why it can help you could prevent you from making costly mistakes or, worse – ending up with a space that just doesn’t feel right. Our [Design Guides](https://mcelherans.com/pages/about-us#team2) at McElheran’s Furniture + Design are in-house designers with over 60 years of combined expertise. Their industry knowledge and access to design programs help to create beautiful spaces for all our clients. And, a lot of times, it all starts with space planning. In this article, one of our Design Guides, [Shelley](https://mcelherans.com/pages/about-us#team2), will go through the ins and outs of space planning and why it’s important. We’ll also help you figure out what you need to get started, so you can achieve the look you want. [![Download button for a design guide of the five expensive design mistakes to avoid](https://blog.mcelherans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DesignButton(png)-min-1.png?width=800&height=400&name=DesignButton(png)-min-1.png)](https://blog.mcelherans.com/5-expensive-design-mistakes-guide) ## Space planning explained Space planning is a mapped-out representation of the size and architectural components of a space. It allows you to visualize the furniture that can fit within it and prospective layouts. With this rendering, you can create a more functional area based on who uses the space and the room's intended purpose. Gathering measurements and determining a room’s function and flow will give you a better understanding of how objects will fit in the space and work as an entire concept. A space plan can help you prioritize and organize the room’s design. Space planning also allows you to play around and think outside the box when it comes to design. By looking at your rendering, you may see new opportunities to put furniture in places you never considered before! ## Why is space planning important? Having a plan and organizing yourself is important anytime you take on a new project. And, at the very least, it's helpful to have a general idea of what you're getting into! And you’re investing in furniture, right? These are usually larger pieces that will likely be a part of your home for years to come. Not to get too dramatic, but furniture is one of those things that you really want to get right the first time. Space planning can help with that. ### Ensures furniture will fit One of the biggest advantages of space planning is a pretty simple one. It can determine whether your furniture will fit! And fit is more than just getting your sofa through the front door. You also want to make sure it’s of scale and proportionate to the room and the rest of the furniture. On top of that, you need space to allow for traffic to efficiently flow in and out of the room. ### Helps you visualize the space Not everyone has the spacial awareness or ability to visualize a finished product. Space planning gives you a “big picture” overview of your current space and what it can become as you move new pieces into it. It’s one of the most helpful ways to get a feel for a space before it’s actually furnished. And by looking at the space as a whole, you can create a more balanced and cohesive look. ### Makes efficient use of a space A small or awkwardly shaped room can sometimes look cramped and claustrophobic after it’s been furnished. With a space plan, you can thoroughly assess the space beforehand and make the most out of the space you *do* have instead of cramming in pieces to fit a space you don’t. Exact measurements in your space plan come in handy with smaller spaces, too, because sometimes every inch matters! A larger room can certainly benefit from a space plan, too. Big areas can be difficult to envision because of their size, and if you don’t plan well, you could end up with a lot of negative space or awkwardly spaced-out furniture. Shelley points out that space planning may reveal an opportunity to add new zones to your larger room. If you have the space, you could create multiple zones, like a sitting area in one section of the room and a reading nook in another. ## What supplies do I need to space plan? ![a metal ruler, pencil, calculator, and measuring tape for space planning](https://blog.mcelherans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ff-min.jpg?width=960&height=720&name=ff-min.jpg) You can either use planning software or make your space plan by hand. One is not necessarily better than the other, but you may find planning on a computer will allow you to experiment with different layouts more easily – once you get a feel for the program, of course. Also, most planning software, like [Planner 5D](https://planner5d.com/), [RoomSketcher](https://www.roomsketcher.com/?campaign=s-branded-noram-001&gclid=CjwKCAjw79iaBhAJEiwAPYwoCDr2MGni7i16EaxR-d2cg3nJCHEWAJO3WUQNGw6-TOL1xi3dj-AtrBoCAwwQAvD_BwE), and [SmartDraw](https://www.smartdraw.com/floor-plan/), is free, but only to a certain extent. Unlocking various features or using the programs at your leisure may cost you a bit. Either way, here’s what you’ll need: ### Space planning by hand - Graph paper - Straight edge - Pencil - Calculator - Measuring device ### Space planning on the computer - Appropriate software (Planner 5D, RoomSketcher, SmartDraw) - Calculator - Measuring device ## What should be included in a space plan? [![space plan computer image of a living room connected to a kitchen](https://blog.mcelherans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/roomdesign(shelley1)-min.png?width=960&height=700&name=roomdesign(shelley1)-min.png)](https://mcelherans.com/pages/about-us#team2) In order to accurately depict what your space looks like so you can plan furniture and décor around it, you’ll want to take note of: - The room’s dimensions - Fixed features (fireplaces, alcoves, built-in shelving) - Furniture you’re keeping - Outlets - Windows - Doorways/openings - Light switches - Focal points (fireplaces, view, TV, feature wall) ## Do I have to make a space plan? No, you don’t! But it does help – even if it’s just a rough sketch. And if you’re a little apprehensive because you don’t want to make a costly error, check out [Space Planning: The 3 Most Common Mistakes](https://blog.mcelherans.com/space-planning-mistakes) to avoid some of the usual pitfalls. But if you *do* want to make a space plan, just not on your own, that’s one of the many reasons to work with a Design Guide – complimentary space planning! Start with space planning and achieve the look you want by [visiting with one of our](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/53.5422268,-113.5353467/mcelherans+edmonton/@53.5421144,-113.5379768,639m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x53a0222a4b9b4667:0x400fb8982fc5ff47!2m2!1d-113.5354708!2d53.5422491?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) Design Guides at McElheran’s Furniture + Design. [design](https://blog.mcelherans.com/tag/design), [space planning](https://blog.mcelherans.com/tag/space-planning), [measurements and size](https://blog.mcelherans.com/tag/measurements-and-size) ## Related posts [![man and woman sit on living room floor looking at a large document](https://blog.mcelherans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Depositphotos_226764814_S.jpg?height=200&name=Depositphotos_226764814_S.jpg)](https://blog.mcelherans.com/space-planning-mistakes) [design](https://blog.mcelherans.com/tag/design), [living room](https://blog.mcelherans.com/tag/living-room), [space planning](https://blog.mcelherans.com/tag/space-planning) ## [Space Planning: The 3 Most Common Mistakes](https://blog.mcelherans.com/space-planning-mistakes) ![Picture of Sasha Spencer](https://blog.mcelherans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sashaicon.jpg?width=50&name=sashaicon.jpg) [Sasha Spencer](https://blog.mcelherans.com/author/sasha-spencer) Apr 28, 2022 12:24:09 PM Space planning is a fundamental step in creating a well-proportioned and functional space in your... [Read more](https://blog.mcelherans.com/space-planning-mistakes) [![Planner 5D rendering of a digital bedroom space plan with bed, nightstands, lamps, lighting, curtains, balcony doors, and a sitting area](https://blog.mcelherans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Primary%20Bedroom%20Plan.png?height=200&name=Primary%20Bedroom%20Plan.png)](https://blog.mcelherans.com/bedroom-space-planning) [design](https://blog.mcelherans.com/tag/design), [space planning](https://blog.mcelherans.com/tag/space-planning), [bedroom](https://blog.mcelherans.com/tag/bedroom) ## [Bedroom Space Planning: 5 Things to Consider for Your Bedroom Layout](https://blog.mcelherans.com/bedroom-space-planning) ![Picture of Sasha Spencer](https://blog.mcelherans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sashaicon.jpg?width=50&name=sashaicon.jpg) [Sasha Spencer](https://blog.mcelherans.com/author/sasha-spencer) Aug 15, 2022 7:40:38 AM Space planning is a great first step as you’re looking to furnish your bedroom. Maybe you’re... [Read more](https://blog.mcelherans.com/bedroom-space-planning) [![an empty room with four large windows, a closed door, and hardwood floors](https://blog.mcelherans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_316304128-min.jpeg?height=200&name=AdobeStock_316304128-min.jpeg)](https://blog.mcelherans.com/where-to-start-when-furnishing) [furniture](https://blog.mcelherans.com/tag/furniture), [design](https://blog.mcelherans.com/tag/design), [space planning](https://blog.mcelherans.com/tag/space-planning) ## [Where to Start When Furnishing a New Space](https://blog.mcelherans.com/where-to-start-when-furnishing) ![Picture of Sasha Spencer](https://blog.mcelherans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sashaicon.jpg?width=50&name=sashaicon.jpg) [Sasha Spencer](https://blog.mcelherans.com/author/sasha-spencer) Oct 20, 2022 8:11:34 AM Here you are, looking at a clean slate – a brand-new space to furnish! Now for some, this would be... 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