How to Design Furniture
Furniture shopping can be a challenging task--scouring stores with your idea of the perfect furniture already in mind, hoping to find something that perfectly suits your home. Why not translate that idea onto paper and build your own furniture instead? Design is the most important step in this process. The better your design, the easier building it will be. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Brainstorm ideas for your new furniture. Consider the style of furniture your home already has and try to match it. Do not go overboard in the design; design something that you will be able to build. It may help to research construction techniques through websites or woodworking magazines.
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Examine the space in your home that your furniture would occupy and determine the maximum size it can be.
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Decide on the material, type of finish and colors you will use for your furniture.
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Research standard ergonomic furniture guidelines online. Wood Bin Standards (See Resources) has an in-depth look at these standards. Use these as a base to develop from. For example, if everyone in your family is shorter than the average height, consider reducing the overall height of your bookcase.
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Begin drawing your design on paper. Create a floor plan of the room where the furniture will be placed with the sizes of the new piece(s) clearly marked out. A 3D drawing will give you the best idea of what your furniture will look like. You can also draw what your furniture would look like from all four sides by drawing a front, back and both side elevations.
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Add detailing to your design. For example, incorporate an extra groove to add more focus to your bookshelf. Then draw arrows and mark off the dimensions of each part of your furniture. The more precise you are, the easier building will be.
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Tips & Warnings
Proportion is very important in furniture design. If you are unsure about the proportions of your design, refer to magazines and create a mock cardboard piece to see how it will look. Remember to think in 3D while designing, or you may end up with a lopsided piece of furniture.
