The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Theory Of Decoration

Measuring and Estimating

Measuring for Estimates

As a large portion of an Interior Decorator's work has to do with alterations or additions to existing rooms, it is always necessary to obtain full information concerning the details and dimensions of the rooms to be treated. Where the Architect's working plans are available, they may be used for preliminary work, but slight changes always occur in execution, so that all measurements should be checked with the building before the actual execution of the decorations. In many cases no architect's plans are to be had, atid in this case measurements must be made before any work is done, except perhaps a very rough preliminary estimate.

In measuring rooms, either a metal tape or a wooden rule may be used. The tape gives most accurate measurement, but requires two persons to handle it. With a rule one can take measurements alone, which is very often necessary. The tape may be either linen or steel. The former costs less and is usually used for indoor work. Twenty-five feet is a good length.

In measuring with a tape, begin at one corner, having your assistant hold the end of the tape against the wall. Care must be taken to hold at the zero point. This is sometimes at the end of the ring, sometimes the end of the tape itself, and sometimes several inches upon the tape. Carelessness in this matter may cause serious errors. Measure along one side, noting the points on the tape where sides of opening and breaks in the wall occur.

With a rule the measurements are taken from point to point, as shown in Fig. 1, Page 62. This method is often the only one possible. A four-foot rule is the best, and it should be as stiff as possible. The so-called "Master Slide Rule" is a particularly good one, as it is stiffer than any of the ordinary jointed rules.

In addition to these measurements, one must take the ceiling height, heights of doors, windows and other openings, width of trim if it is already in place, and details of woodwork and other features that may affect the design. These will ordinarily include mantels, lighting fixtures, built-in furniture, and any ornamental details that already exist. Even if they are to he eliminated it is well to note their general form and location, as the owner may later change his plans and decide to retain features he originally intended to remove.