Plan a room
Furniture spacing guide: measure the gap that matters
Measure from the nearest outer edges of the furniture, then test doors, drawers and chairs in use. A footprint gap, an operating space and a walking route answer different questions and should be checked separately.
Check the gaps in your layout ↗Use the editor on a computer. Editing is free; Google sign-in is required for PNG, PDF and DXF exports.
Three spaces to draw
| Space | What it includes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | The fixed outer width and depth | Sofa arms, not only seat cushions |
| Operating space | Movement needed to use an item | A drawer fully extended or a chair pulled back |
| Route | A connected path between destinations | Entry to the sofa or bed to bathroom |
Calculate the remaining gap
For two parallel furniture fronts, subtract both depths from the clear room dimension: gap = room width − first depth − opposite depth. Use the same units. If the pieces are angled, measure the narrowest point directly instead of using this shortcut.
In a 3000 mm-wide room with a 900 mm-deep sofa and a 400 mm cabinet, the open band is 1700 mm. Add a 600 mm-deep coffee table and there is 1100 mm left to divide between its two sides. A 450 mm sofa-to-table gap leaves 650 mm beyond the table. These are example allocations, not recommended minimums.
Set a target for the actual activity
For a main route, start by observing how the people in your household move through the room. Mark a trial width on the floor and test turns, carrying a laundry basket, helping another person or using a mobility aid as applicable. Record the target you choose rather than assuming one universal number works.
Published spacing guides are useful starting points, but they often describe different tasks: reaching a coffee table, pulling out a dining chair or passing behind someone seated. Do not reuse one number for all three. For regulated access or a specific accessibility requirement, use the applicable professional guidance for the location.
Use this review worksheet
| Location | Measure in this state | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Door open to its intended angle | Narrowest usable route |
| Dining or work chair | Occupied and pulled back | Gap to the next obstruction |
| Wardrobe | Door or drawer fully open | Space to stand and reach |
| Bed | Access from each required side | Actual frame-to-obstacle gap |
| Sofa bed or recliner | Fully extended | Route remaining around it |
Interpret editor warnings correctly
Use FloorDraft to place actual footprints and add dimension annotations between edges. Its furniture overlap feedback can reveal a geometric clash. The absence of a clash does not certify comfortable circulation, access or door operation.
Retain a measured version of the shell while testing alternative furniture arrangements. If a layout works only after shrinking a furniture symbol below the real product size, choose a different piece or a different arrangement.
Questions
How much room should I leave between a sofa and table?
The gap must support reaching the table and using the sofa. Test a trial distance with your actual seat height and table; do not treat it as the main through-route unless it also accommodates that task.
Can I measure clearance from the furniture centre?
No. For usable clearance, measure between the closest outer edges, including projections that affect the route.
References
Use the example dimensions to follow the calculations, then repeat them with your own measurements. The examples are not building standards.