Redesigning a bedroom on graph paper (Age 11) — Measure, scale 1 sq = 10 cm, and make furniture cutouts

What you need

• Graph paper (with squares you can count)
• Tape measure or ruler (measures in cm)
• Pencil, eraser, colored pencils
• Cardboard or stiff paper for cutouts, scissors, glue/tape
• Sticky tack, small pieces of tape, or coins to keep pieces in place

Scale rule

We will use: 1 square on the graph paper = 10 cm in the real room. That means:

• 100 cm = 10 squares
• 1 m = 10 squares

Step-by-step

1. Measure the room
   • Measure the length (long side) and width (short side) in centimetres. If you get metres, multiply by 100 (for example, 3.6 m = 360 cm).
   • Measure the location and width of the door (distance from the nearest corner to the hinge side and the door width). Also measure windows, radiators and fixed items (built-in wardrobes, heaters).
   • Write each measurement down so you do not forget it. Measure twice to be sure.
2. Convert measurements to squares

   Divide each centimetre measurement by 10 to get how many squares to draw.

   Example: Room 420 cm by 360 cm becomes 420/10 = 42 squares by 360/10 = 36 squares. So on your graph paper draw a rectangle 42 squares by 36 squares.

   If a measurement is not a whole number of squares (for example 135 cm -> 13.5 squares), you can:

   • Use half a square if your graph paper squares are easy to split, or
   • Round to the nearest half or whole square and note the small difference.
3. Draw the room on graph paper
   • Pick a corner of the paper as a corner of the room. Count and draw the width and length in squares. Label each wall with its real length (for example 420 cm).
   • Mark the door: measure how far from the corner the door hinge is, convert to squares and mark that point. Draw the door width in squares. Draw a curved line to show the door swing inside the room so you know where it opens.
   • Also mark windows, radiators and power sockets so you remember obstacles.
4. Measure furniture

   Measure the top-down size of each item you want to place: length and width in centimetres (for a bed, measure mattress size; for a desk, measure top width/depth).

   Common examples and how many squares they are at this scale:

   • Single bed 90 x 190 cm = 9 x 19 squares
   • Double bed 135 x 190 cm = 13.5 x 19 squares (draw half-square or round)
   • Desk 120 x 60 cm = 12 x 6 squares
   • Wardrobe 80 x 60 cm = 8 x 6 squares

   If you have an odd measurement, divide by 10 and draw to the nearest half-square.

5. Draw and cut out furniture footprints
   • On cardboard or stiff paper, draw each furniture shape to the same scale (1 square = 10 cm). For a bed 90 x 190 cm, draw a rectangle 9 squares by 19 squares.
   • Label each piece with the name and real size (for example: Single bed, 90 x 190 cm).
   • Color or decorate the pieces so you can tell them apart.
   • Carefully cut them out. If a piece has a special shape (like a desk with rounded corner), trace that top-down shape.
6. Try layouts
   • Place the cutouts on your drawn room and move them around. Try different positions until you like one.
   • Check walking space: a comfortable minimum walking path is about 60 cm (6 squares) — in tight rooms you may accept 50 cm (5 squares) temporarily. Make sure the door and windows can open and that heating and sockets are accessible.
   • If you want to compare designs, take a photo of each layout or trace the layout on another sheet.

Helpful tips

• Draw the door swing each time so you remember it needs free space.
• Include small items like a bedside table (40 x 40 cm = 4 x 4 squares) and rugs so you get a realistic idea of space.
• If you need more precise half measurements, lightly mark a halfway line across squares to split them before cutting out pieces.
• Keep a legend on the side of your drawing that lists each symbol and real size.
• Ask an adult to help measure high or awkward spots and to cut cardboard if needed.

Quick checklist before you start

• Have your tape measure, graph paper and pencil ready
• Decide orientation (which wall is north or where the window is)
• Write down all room and furniture sizes in cm
• Convert to squares (cm ÷ 10)

Have fun designing! Move pieces around, test different ideas, and remember you can always re-cut pieces or try a different scale if you want bigger or smaller paper drawings.