Measuring a space
Measure the floor from wall to wall at skirting height, in centimetres: the length of the room and its width. Measure the ceiling height too; it matters for tall backs and shelving.
For every door, window and glass wall, note which wall it is on, how far its edge is from the left corner as you face that wall, and its clear width. Doors that open into the room need room to swing.
Say whether the space is inside the house or a covered terrace. Pieces on a terrace need fabrics and foam that cope with damp air.


