the furniture plan

A quick guide to understanding what is a furniture plan and what information should be included in one.

Guide Index

Key learnings include:

What should be included in a furniture plan?
Should plug in lighting be part of a furniture plan?
should art & accessories be part of a furniture plan?
should a furniture schedule be included in a furniture plan?

What should be included in a furniture plan?

A furniture plan is a detailed layout or diagram that specifies the placement and arrangement of furniture within a given space. It is an essential component of interior design and space planning, providing a visual representation of how furniture pieces will be positioned to optimize functionality, traffic flow, and aesthetic appeal.

A furniture plan typically includes the following elements:

Room Dimensions: The dimensions of the room or space where the furniture will be placed are outlined on the plan, including the length, width, and height.
Furniture Layout: The plan depicts the location and orientation of each furniture item within the space. This includes sofas, chairs, tables, beds, cabinets, and other furnishings.
Furniture Schedule: The schedule lists the quantity, categories, products and product tags necessary to identify, locate and properly quote a furniture layout.
Clearances and Traffic Flow: Consideration is given to clearances around furniture pieces and pathways for movement within the space. Adequate space is allocated to ensure comfortable circulation and accessibility.
Scale and Proportion: The scale and proportion of furniture items are carefully considered to ensure they are in harmony with the size and scale of the room. Oversized or undersized furniture can disrupt the visual balance of the space.
Functionality: The furniture plan takes into account the functional requirements of the space and the activities that will take place within it. Furniture is arranged to support these activities and optimize usability.
Aesthetic Considerations: Design elements such as balance, symmetry, and focal points are incorporated into the furniture plan to create a cohesive and visually appealing arrangement.

Furniture plans are typically created by interior designers or space planners using design software or hand-drawn sketches. They serve as a roadmap for furniture placement during the design and installation process, helping designers and clients visualize the final layout of the space and make informed decisions about furniture selection and arrangement.

Learn how to create your own layout here.

Here's an example of a furniture plan in an open office context made with Canoa.

An example of a furniture plan being edited in a browser

Should plug in lighting be part of a furniture plan?

Plug-in lighting fixtures, such as floor lamps and table lamps, can be considered as part of the furniture plan to some extent, especially when their placement is integral to the overall design and functionality of the space. While plug-in lighting is not permanent like built-in fixtures, it directly influences the layout and ambiance of the room, often interacting with furniture arrangements.

In a furniture plan, designers may indicate the placement of plug-in lighting fixtures to ensure they complement the furniture layout and contribute to the overall lighting scheme. For example, a floor lamp might be positioned next to a reading chair or sofa to provide task lighting, or a table lamp might be placed on a side table to illuminate a specific area.

See all lighting products shared by the community on the public catalogs.

Considering plug-in lighting fixtures in the furniture plan helps designers ensure that lighting is integrated seamlessly with the furniture arrangement, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of the space. However, while plug-in lighting can be part of the furniture plan, it is also considered as an aspect of the broader lighting design for the room, which encompasses various types of lighting fixtures and their strategic placement to achieve the desired illumination and ambiance.

Should art & accessories be part of a furniture plan?

Art and accessories, while not typically part of a furniture plan in the strictest sense, are integral components of interior design that complement and enhance the overall aesthetic of a space. While they are not furniture items themselves, they are often considered alongside furniture arrangements to create cohesive and visually appealing interiors.

Artwork, such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other decorative pieces, can serve as focal points within a room and influence the layout and composition of furniture. Designers may consider the size, scale, and style of art pieces when planning furniture arrangements to ensure they complement each other harmoniously.

See all accessories shared by the community on the public catalogs.

Similarly, accessories like vases, decorative pillows, rugs, lamps, and other decorative objects add texture, color, and visual interest to a space. These elements are often used to personalize and accessorize furniture arrangements, infusing the room with personality and style.

While art and accessories may not be directly integrated into a furniture plan, designers often consider their placement and interaction with furniture layouts to create cohesive and balanced interior compositions. By incorporating art and accessories thoughtfully into the overall design scheme, designers can elevate the visual impact of the space and create environments that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Should a furniture schedule be included in a furniture plan?

Yes, including a furniture schedule in a furniture plan is a common and beneficial practice in interior design and space planning. A furniture schedule is a comprehensive document that provides detailed information about each furniture item specified for a particular space or project. It serves as a reference guide for all stakeholders involved in the design, procurement, and installation process.

The furniture schedule typically includes the following information for each furniture record:

Item Description: A clear and concise description of the furniture item, including its type (e.g., chair, table, sofa), style, and any distinguishing features.
Manufacturer or Supplier: The name of the manufacturer or supplier of the furniture item.
Model or Style Number: A unique identifier assigned to the specific model or style of the furniture.
Quantity: The number of units of each furniture item to be included in the space.
Dimensions: Exact measurements of the furniture item, including height, width, depth, and any other relevant dimensions.
Materials: Information about the materials used in the construction of the furniture, such as wood, metal, upholstery fabric, etc.
Finish: Details about the finish or color of the furniture item, if applicable.
Location: The intended location or placement of each furniture item within the space, as indicated on the furniture plan.
Other Notes or Specifications: Any additional notes or specifications relevant to the furniture item, such as special features, customization options, or assembly instructions.

Including a furniture schedule in a furniture plan helps ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency in specifying and procuring furniture items for the project. It provides a centralized reference point for designers, clients, contractors, and suppliers to coordinate efforts, track progress, and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the design and implementation process. Overall, a well-prepared furniture schedule contributes to the efficient and successful execution of the interior design project.

Learn how to create a furniture schedule here.