How to Design Your Own Computer Furniture

Designing your own computer furniture can be done with design software that can be purchased or downloaded online. Visiting furniture stores to look at existing computer desks, tables and chairs is helpful in determining the design and function of the furniture you want. Plan out the design first and then use a computerized design software to execute the design. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Search for and review existing computer desks. Look at local newspapers, visit furniture stores and look online for design examples.

2

Measure the physical space that will house the computer desk and chair. Also, include a comfortable distance between the chair and the desk when extending the chair out from the desk.

3

Sketch out the desired computer desk, taking into account the space available and storage needs. Make sure to include width, height and depth measurements for the desk, shelving, keyboard area, media storage area and drawers (if any). Also, plan out where cords will be placed and whether they will be attached adjacent or underneath the desk.

4

Download a vector-based illustration program, such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw, or a computerized furniture design program, such as SketchList or CADPro. Most software programs have 30-day functioning trial version that can be downloaded free. Also, use basic online tutorials or obtain a step-by-step book on using the software.

5

Scan the sketch into the computer using a photo scanner. Choose a high resolution (at least 300 dots per inch) and name the file using a vector-compatible file format, such as bitmap (.BMP) or .TIFF, for high-resolution scans.

6

Open a blank file in the software program and import the scanned document file into the program. Execute a Trace command in the software to outline the major parts of the drawing. Use your mouse to outline each part of your drawing from large to small. For example, outline the desk surface, legs, drawers, shelves and chair. For clarity, use the New Layer command to place each outline on a different colored layer in the document file. Use the Text command to add the dimensions of each piece onto the specific layer. Place the dimensions inside the outlined piece so that when all layers are printed together, the dimensions will not overlap each other. If necessary, reduce the size of the text to fit inside each piece.

7

Turn on all layers (check "Visibility" in the "Layer Properties" menu) of the document so that each piece shows along with each layer's dimensions. Print the file with all layers visible. Next, turn on one layer at a time and, using the Zoom View in the "Print" menu, print the layer. When done, turn off the current layer and turn on the next layer, then zoom and print. Print out all layers using this method.