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In the interior design business, there are a number of questions that come up again and again. Paint colors seem to present the most difficulty for clients, followed closely by today’s topic: space planning and room layout.

Furniture layout is a key element to the success of a space. To create a cohesive space plan, there are no strict rules, but there are guidelines to help determine where furniture should fit your space for greater comfort and ease of use.

Whether your personal style is traditional or contemporary, the trend is to simplify the décor. This refreshed, clean look in design emphasizes space. A well-thought-out floor plan has always been essential, but as we pare down accessories and simplify and streamline our interiors, well-planned spaces are more functional.

With proper planning, a room makeover can be accomplished without making any new purchases. Consider the current traffic flow from room to room. Is there enough space to move easily through a room? Can you get to the closets and doors easily? Is there a comfortable place to relax and have a conversation?

Here are some measurements to keep in mind when organizing a space for a variety of uses.

Sitting or living room

• A comfortable conversation grouping has 4 to 10 feet between the sofa and chairs, allowing ample space for traffic flow.

• Situate your coffee table about 15 to 18 inches from your sofa or chair; more space isn’t necessarily better because the table would not be easily accessible.

Television

• As a rule, you should be seated at a distance of at least two times the diagonal screen size from your TV; three times the distance away from the screen is optimal. Using this measurement, if you have a 50-inch TV, you should be seated about 12 feet away. By the way, many people ignore this guideline, and, yes, they are sitting too close to the TV.

Walkways

• To create an easy flow in any space, plan for at least 36 inches for traffic.

Dining room

• A seated adult at a table usually occupies a depth of about 25 inches, with at least 16 inches more to pull out a chair and about 32 to 42 inches of clearance between the table and walls.

Doors

• There should be about 36 inches to move around a door when it is opened.

Dragging out the tape measure can seem like a chore, but these measurements help make space planning much easier in the long run. Measuring is especially important if you are considering a big purchase, because the coffee table or hutch you fell in love with in the showroom just might overwhelm your space.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington. Visit her Web site at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com. Have questions for Jessica? E-mail her at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.