In the shop or online, it’s easy to fall in love with a sofa or table without thinking realistically about your room. Drawing a quick layout – even a rough one with approximate measurements – forces you to check whether the pieces you want actually fit.
You can play with positions on paper: “If the sofa goes here, can I still open the door? Is there space to walk? Where will the TV go?” This costs nothing and can stop you from buying furniture that’s too big, too small, or just awkward in your layout.
It’s much easier to erase a line than to return a heavy item or live with something that doesn’t quite work.
A simple sketch and a tape measure can save you money, time and back pain.