Being versatile is one of the different purposes furniture can serve.If you're trying to solve a design problem or want a custom piece for your home, you can start designing your own furniture.You will be able to have a functional and custom piece of furniture if you develop a concept and make models.
Step 1: Determine what kind of furniture you want.
There are many times when designs are fueled by an existing problem.To find inspiration for what to design, consider the problems in your home or place of work.A notebook is a good place to keep your ideas and problems.If you live in an area without a lot of space, you may want to design a bookshelf that is small.
Step 2: List what you want to do with your furniture.
If it needs to be moved easily or if it should have a specific shape, write down the challenges and problems you want to try and solve with your furniture.Keep a running log of your design process by asking any answers or ideas you have for your furniture.You may want to make a bookcase that is versatile for small spaces or a chair with added storage.The better the end product you have, the more specific you are with your list.
Step 3: Take influences from other things.
You can see how you can convey items around your home into a furniture design by looking at them.Write down any objects that catch your attention and sketch a picture of how you would turn them into furniture.You could take inspiration from a scorpion to make a chair with a tall back.The branches of a tree could be used to build a bookshelf.
Step 4: To get more ideas, research current furniture designs.
If you want to see what is already on the market, look through design websites or product magazines.Take note of what you like and don't like about the designs so you can change them.You can avoid copying another designer by eliminating any ideas that have already been produced.There are classic works of furniture design.
Step 5: You can make an imageboard online.
All your ideas and inspiration can be collected in one place if you save images and boards on pinsy.You could split your inspiration into different artboards, like "Couches" and "Chairs."
Step 6: You can draw on paper or in a drawing program.
You can tell what it looks like if you draw your furniture at different angles.Start with pencils and finish with fine-tip markers.Changing your brush size can make the outlines darker and thicker.You can use the drawing tablets to sketch designs on your computer.The form of your furniture can be shown with the use of lines.Draw curved lines on areas that are soft.
Step 7: Write down any measurement on the drawing.
Write down the important information someone would need to know to make your furniture on the paper.Common language will help anyone understand your drawing.If you are designing a reclining chair, draw a line to the parts and note how it reclines or controls the action.
Step 8: 3D-modeling software can help you visualize your furniture.
Work from the basic form of your furniture, like a cube or sphere.For more complicated pieces, add more forms.It is possible to render the model to see what it would look like in a 3D space.You can try 3D-modeling with free programs.
Step 9: Simple materials are used to build scale models of furniture.
1 ft (30 cm) of your actual furniture design is 3–4 in on your model.Craft materials like cardboard or styrofoam can be used to replicate your design.This will give you an idea of the number of materials you would need to create a full-sized version.The model may be too small to work on if you work at a minimum of 14 the size of the full-sized design.
Step 10: Purchase the materials you need.
Measure your models so you know how much material to buy.You can find everything you need to make furniture at your local hardware store.You should buy specialty tools to put your furniture together.If some of the tools are out of your price range, ask your friends or colleagues if you can borrow them.You should buy materials when you need them.You don't have to spend a lot of money in one trip.
Step 11: If you can, build a full-sized prototype.
The first thing you should do is build the initial framework for your piece of furniture.Continue building until you are happy with the final piece.You should stain or paint the furniture to make it look like you drew it.You should only work with products that you are comfortable using.It can take a long time to make a piece of furniture.You can keep your materials out of a space for a few weeks or months.
Step 12: If you need to make changes to your furniture, test it.
You should use your furniture regularly to see how it holds up.Check the strength and weight of your product.When building another piece, make notes on the changes you want to make to the final design.You should make at least one change from your prototype to the final design.You may have overlooked some areas once it is built.
Step 13: If you don't want to make it yourself, look for a custom furniture maker.
Look online for shops that build furniture for you.Ask for a price quote and explain what you expect from the designs.Once you find a maker that you like, let them build you a piece of furniture.