Write down feet/inches measurements in the form 11’ 6” or 10’ 3¼”, and metric measurements in the form 4. 5m or 6. 25m.

Lay that side of the ruler on your paper. Draw a line on the paper between the zero mark on the ruler and the number mark on the ruler that matches the length of the wall you’re drawing (e. g. 11’). The line will automatically be at a ¼” = 1’ scale, meaning it will be 2 ¾” long to represent an 11’ long wall.

This ¼” = 1’ scale (also represented by the ratio 1:48) is very common in architectural measurements in the U. S. [4] X Research source

Multiply the square/rectangle measurements (e. g. , 11’ and 9’) by 2, 3, 4, and 6. In this case, you’ll get 22’ by 18’, 33’ by 27’, 44’ by 36’, and 66’ by 54’. Use the pair of multiplied numbers that is closest to 39 by 29 (the graph paper parameters) without going over. In this case, it is 33’ by 27’ (the multiple of 3). Since the multiple of 3 fit the parameters, draw your plan so that 3 squares equals 1 foot—which also means 1 square equals 4 inches, or a 1:16 ratio.

Multiply the square/rectangle measurements (e. g. , 4. 3 and 3. 4) by 2, 4, 5, and 10. In this case, you’ll get 8. 6 by 6. 8, 17. 2 by 13. 6, 21. 5 by 17. 0, and 43. 0 by 34. 0. Use the pair of multiplied numbers that is closest to 39 by 29 (the graph paper parameters) without going over. In this case, it is 21. 5 by 17. 0 (the multiple of 5). Since the multiple of 5 fit the parameters, draw your plan so that 5 squares equals 1 meter—which also means 1 square equals 20cm, or approximately (but not precisely) a 1:32 ratio.

You can find common architectural symbols for windows, doors, counters, vanities, and other room elements at http://www. the-house-plans-guide. com/blueprint-symbols. html.

For furniture that isn’t square or rectangular, create the smallest square/rectangle into which the piece would fit and use those measurements. For instance, if a wingback chair is 2’ 6” at its widest and 2’ at its deepest, represent it with a ⅝” by ½” rectangle. Then, sketch the general shape of the chair within the rectangle.

If you’re using a scale ruler instead of graph paper, just draw the furniture plans on blank paper to the same scale as the floor plan.

If you haven’t already labeled each piece of furniture, jot down the name in the center of the cutout, or use a number to represent each piece–the tall dresser as #1, for instance.