10 Best Free Online Virtual Room Programs and Tools

Freshome

Best OfApartmentsArchitectureBedroomFurnitureHotels & ResortsIdeasKitchenLiving RoomBathroom

FreshomeBest OfApartmentsArchitectureBedroomFurnitureHotels & ResortsIdeasKitchenLiving RoomBathroom

Home Best Of 10 Best Free Online Virtual Room Programs and Tools

10 Best Free Online Virtual Room Programs andTools

Tweet 150 54Recommend 925 692

let's connect!

Keep up with the news here

807k

Like

Follow

10 Best Free Online Virtual Room Programs and Tools http://freshome.com/2010/08/18/10-best-free-online-virtual-room-prog...

1 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

In our modern day of looking at home improvements shows, surfing architecture and interior design websites,and spending countless hours on planning our spaces we live each day, wouldnt you love to plan them virtuallyfirst? There are computer programs that you can purchase, books and tutorials you can buy, or you can look atthis list of the best free online virtual programs for planning and designing your home. In this case, bestmeans user friendly without prior knowledge of using space planning software. Best also refers to ease ofaccomplishing more than one task, i.e. choosing from a gallery of decor and finishes and laying out rooms andspaces. Most importantly, they are all free and ready for you to try out paint color, move walls, all withoutbuying a thing!

1.) MY DECO 3D ROOM PLANNER

If you want to upload your own floor plan, or play around with pre-loaded floor plans, this program is for you. The My Deco 3D Planner allows you to insert walls, doors, windows and select from a gallery of interior

finishes. The interface is relatively simple to use, and allows you to view your plan and 3D image at the sametime. You can move the camera around the plan to see different views, and even paint the walls and ceilings

from an extensive color selection.

Planning to buy Flats?Property.Sulekha.com/Chennai

2/3 BR Apartments For Sale Across Chennai.Respond To Ads Now!

Mobility Made EasyDownload Free PC SuiteSiemens Washing Machines

let's connect!



2 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

Plan view and 3D view allow you to move camera to different angles.

To make this program realistic, real products are used for inserting into your model. You can choose from smallkitchen appliances to garden tools in your garage! If you love the decor you put into your rendered model, clickon the Available for purchase button and you can find out the price, and where to buy the real objects for yourown home. You can use the software without joining, or join and upload your model to your Facebook wall foryour friends to see! For all of you iPhone users, My Deco also has as a free app to download 3D furniture inyour rooms.

let's connect!



3 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

2.) IKEA HOME PLANNER

Ikea has free software that allows you to plan your furniture, decor to the specifications of your home! Whenyou flip through the IKEA catalog, do you ever wish you could take the exact bookshelf and desk and see how itwould look in your space? The easy to use planning tool allows you to configure your floor plan, choose from theIKEA gallery of furniture and decor components, and then calculate the cost, and then print out and carry intoyour local Ikea store.

let's connect!



4 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

3.) IKEA KITCHEN PLANNER

Ikea has also designed a kitchen planner tool that allows you to layout your kitchen, change models ofappliances, cabinetry, and other Ikea kitchen components all without leaving your computer. This programmingtool also allows you to itemize a shopping list of the Ikea components so you can add up how much your kitchenwill cost in advance. Ikea has been the leader for years for affordable home dcor, furniture, and now fabulous

let's connect!



5 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

kitchens. By entering your current dimensions, openings (doors and windows) you can plan how the space willwork and if cabinetry, appliances, and organizational Ikea products will meet your needs.

let's connect!



6 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

let's connect!



7 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

4.) DESIGN A ROOM

Do you hate having to grab dozens of material samples at several stores and come back home and try out all thecombinations in your space? Problem solved! Armstrong has a nice 3D virtual program that allows you to seedifferent color combinations of flooring, cabinetry, ceilings, walls and even countertops while staying in thecomfort of your home.

let's connect!



8 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

Design a Room allows you to try out choose a room in your home, then pick a style (ranging from contemporary,traditional to global fusion) and play around with colors, textures and finishes. Choosing finishes in a room canbe a daunting task but Armstrong allows you to choose from their already installed inventory of finishes, andeven allows you to choose coordinating paint manufacturer wall color! Choose from Sherwin Williams, PPG, andBenjamin Moore colors to get exact matches to go with your cherry hardwood or onyx ceramic tile floor.

This design tool is for those of you that are in the market for designing a room and want to see the result beforeexecution, or before paying a dime! The best thing about this free online 3D tool is the ability to learn about theproducts before you buy them. Armstrongs library of flooring and ceiling selections give you an education about

let's connect!



9 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

the product. For example when choosing the bathroom as seen above, a note to the side said hardwood flooringis not recommended for bathroom applications. This allows the user to get the realistic look, and not just puttogether a room that looks cool, but isnt functional!

5.) HOMESTYLER

Autodesk, creator of AutoCAD, REVIT, and 3ds Studio Max is known for its professional design programs fordesigning buildings, 3D building information modeling and 3d rendering capabilities. They also have a greatprogram for planning out home/office/apartment spaces called Homestyler. This program is user friendly anddoesnt require formal training like the other professional programs they offer.

To make floor plans, simple drag and drop commands allow you to create, dimension, and even make angle wallswithin your design. Doors and windows come in a variety of choices and require no prior knowledge of types,clearances, etc.. What is nice about Homestyler is that it can be used for a first timer or purchase theprofessional version (Homestyler PRO).

The furnish and decorate tool allows you to drag and drop cabinetry, appliances, furniture, and every decor itemyou can think of. Then personalize your space with area rugs and finish items by true manufacturers. Choosefrom FLOR, SHERWIN WILLIAMS, KOHLER, and a list of others to allow you to achieve the true look andfeel of how your space will visualize and feel.

let's connect!



10 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

Once your design is complete you can print out the shopping list to take to the store, or print it out and take to ahome improvement store to visualize your intent.

Want to share your idea with friends around the globe? Homestyler allows you to post to a myriad of social sites. Facebook, Stumble upon, Email and share your ideas or collaborate about areas to change and improve!

6.) DRYWALL ESTIMATOR

For those that want to do it yourself (DIY), the next few programs are for you. After you have planned out howthe spaces will look, you are ready to start buying the materials and getting started, right? Bob Vila.com has asuite of free online tools that help you estimate how much material you need, and will help you learn how tosketch out, and measure the space to prevent you from wasting time, costly materials, and countless trip back toyour local hardware or home improvement store!

The Drywall estimator uses sketch sheets and diagrams to show you how to take off the measurements neededto go purchase drywall with.

let's connect!



11 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

The first step is to use the free provided worksheets to sketch out your room with dimensions and number eachwall on your diagram. Once you do this answer the questions below about that particular wall. Answers to thesequestions will help in the estimating portion at the end of the exercise.

let's connect!



12 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

The next step is to layout the ceiling shape and answer the questions regarding the characteristics. Notice theDrywall Estimator shows you how the sheets would be laid out when you install it. This is helpful for theestimation of the quantity, but also in understanding your project before you implement it.

let's connect!



13 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

The last steps involve measuring around obstructions, windows and doors. These areas will help you subtractfrom the overall wall spaces that were measured in the previous steps. For those of you that love to do your ownhome renovations, this free online tool will take the guess work out of purchasing and laying out drywall.

let's connect!



14 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

The Drywall Estimator has other companions that will help with your next renovation. Paint, ceramic tile, battinsulation, and acoustic ceiling tile estimators are also available.

7.) SWEET HOME 3D

This 3D visual software is ideal for those that want more customization options to the average room and decorspace planning program. The online software is free with a log in required and some brief information to getstarted. For a more advanced version of Sweet Home 3D it can also be downloaded on to your computer forsaving, exporting and manipulation of your home plans at a later time.

let's connect!



15 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

The interface is laid out into 4 sections: 1.) The furniture catalog in the upper left hand corner allows you tochoose components by name in a quick fashion. Similar to a Windows Explorer format, the tree layoutnavigation allows the user to drag and drop components directly into the floor plan. 2.) The floor plan shows youin a 2D format where the walls, windows, doors, and furniture are placed. 3.) The 3D pane shows your plan in a3D fashion immediately after placing in the floor plan. This view will help users that need help visualizing theplan as they design. 4.) Lastly, the home furniture list displays the dimensions, size, etc.. of each of thecomponents. This helps in laying out furniture to the exact size that you need.

let's connect!



16 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

The added bonus of this program allows you to customize 3D furniture models, if you cant find what you needin the provided catalog. Import your own models directly into your plans. To bring in your floor plan, import itinto Sweet Home 3D, scale it, and trace over your plan so you dont have any guess work. For those interested inwalking through the designed space, a camera feature can placed along a path through the floor plan and a videofeature visualizes how you would interact within all areas of the room. This program can be simple, but it has

let's connect!



17 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

the advanced features for those that want more from their 3D virtual planning experience.

8.) SMARTDRAW:

Smartdraw is a suite of programs for visual graphics and presentations. Graphic choices include charts andgraphs such as: project charts, timelines, marketing charts and flow charts. Under the flowchart application arefloor plans and individual room plans.

Choose from a gallery of pre-made floor plans and then customize to your own liking

This program allows you to design, customize and present drawings on a beginner and professional level. Use thisprogram to plan out office space, apartments, individual rooms, and even building elevations. Smartdraw is idealfor individuals or a business that doesnt need to spend a lot for design software. It has a free trial period, and ifyoure satisfied you can purchase the full program for yourself.

let's connect!



18 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

Smartdraw is great for a small business too!

There is very little you cant do with the Smartdraw program

With its almost infinite selection of furniture, cars, building materials, and preloaded plans, Smartdraw has a lotof bang for the buck. If you are computer program savvy, and enjoy adding a multitude of content andspecifications to your design, this program is a perfect fit for you.

*These next programs are for those individuals that dont want to spend a lot of time at the computer, andwant to sketch a drawing to provide to a contractor, home improvement associate, or to have hard linesrather than a hand drawn sketch.

9.) SMALL BLUE PRINTER: FLOOR PLANNER

Flooplanner online program is a simple but effective way to make floor plans. Often times you have an idea and

let's connect!



19 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

need a floor plan made, right? This program provides you the ability to make a floor plan with drag and dropwalls, windows, and doors. What is great about this program is it doesnt require prior knowledge about design,or decor. Simply load, drop, and print!

10.) SMALL BLUE PRINTER: GARDEN PLANNER:

Weve discussed nine of the best free online visual programs for laying out floor plans, furniture and decor what about the garden? From the creator Floor Planner comes Garden Planner, a online design tool that allowsyou to pick landscaping and design its layout.

Similar to sketching out a floor plan, the garden planner allows you to design and place walls, furniture, andplants all in one work space. Click on a piece of furniture to see its dimensions, and color and easily change itscolor with a menu of colors and shades to customize your design to the decor of your outdoor space.

let's connect!



20 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

Place walkways, fences, water features and planters in a layout that will you explain your vision, or just use it tobrainstorm and have fun. Once youre happy with the design the program will tally your quantity of plants andlandscape components to estimate pricing. and take to your garden center.

There are plenty of free online 3D virtual programs that will allow you to plan, design, draw and view yourspace. Depending on your skill level, what your objective is, and how you want to present your final drawings,there is a program perfect for you. The next time you want to play around and daydream or you have a homethat you want to build to your personal specifications, review this list of top 10 best free online virtual programsand tools.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it on:

Tweet

150 54

Get Updates (it's free) Enter your email to get FREE blog updates

Posted in Best Of By RoniqueGibson

Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below!

925

Like

1K+

let's connect!



21 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

What was the last product youve bought online for your home ?

Outstanding Handmade Fitness Furniture with Electronic Virtual Coach

Virtual Tour of the New Versace Home Collection, Milan 2010

Win 1000 Free Business Cards from Freshome and UPrinting

Virgin Atlantics New Upper Class Bar And Cabin Virtual Design Tour

let's connect!



22 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

Browse the New IKEA 2011 Catalog Online

Comments: 30

Add a Comment with FacebookAdd a Comment

let's connect!


Add a comment30 comments

Zai Zam Asssitant operation manager hotel division at Scenic prima sdn bhdu can create before u build it...its great application.

Reply Like April 23 at 3:00am1

Mohammad Raihan Mazumder Freelancer at Broadcast Designer 1,391 subscribersWhich one and what is the name of that apps?

Reply Like April 28 at 4:22am

MineralTiles.comHere is a good visualization tool for kitchen backsplashes using mosaic tiles. It was just launched butsoon it will be possible to play with cabinets' styles and colors as well as knobs and different tiles: http://www.mineraltiles.com/interactive-gallery/.

Reply Like January 14 at 10:01am3

Peter Winterburn Northumbria UniversityGoogle Sketch Up?

Reply Like May 15, 2012 at 9:42am5

Hal Motley Top Commenter DerbyUnreal Engine? There is nothing that says you can't use that if you have bags of patienceand skill.

Reply Like October 24, 2012 at 3:18am

Steven Leora Epstein Ostrovski High Schoolhttp://www.roomsketcher.com/en

Reply Like May 1, 2012 at 6:37am4

Lien NguyenValuable information. willtry to use them to design my...hut.

Reply Like July 15, 2012 at 4:46am1

High Country Rugs - Custom Area RugsHighCountryRugs.com has a free online design studio that you can use to design your own customarea rugs. Images can be saved and imported into any of the above programs.

Reply Like April 11, 2012 at 7:32am2

Megan Range Infrastructure Specialist II at Ameren MissouriSweet! EXACTLY what I was searching for! Thank you!

Reply Like December 8, 2011 at 11:30am1

Camrick Clark Iowa StateGreat post! Just what I was looking for. Thanks.

Reply Like September 21, 2011 at 4:17pm2

Jakub Loka Student at Z bruselsk 18


23 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

let's connect!



24 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

let's connect!



25 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

Get Updates (it's free) Enter your email to get FREE blog updates

Submit your design

Most viewed: FeaturedDayWeek

30 Spectacular Modern Glass Facades Presented on Freshome

About usAdvertiseContact us

About Freshome

let's connectTwitterFacebookRSS

Launched in 2007, Freshome isa weblog devoted to uncovering(and sharing) the latest andgreatest products inArchitecture and Design.Freshome was launched inMarch 2007 and has grownrapidly to become one of themost popular and influentialarchitecture and design blogs onthe internet. We now get morethan 3,8 million visits a month,and traffic is growing everymonth.

let's connect!



26 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

10 Simple Ways To Awaken Your Interiors With Luxe Details

31 Inspiring Mezzanines to Uplift Your Spirit and Increase Square Footage

Fabulous Prefabs: 13 Luxury Portable Abodes Thatll Move You

10 Colorful Ways to Use Pastels in your Modern Interiors

10 Ways to Correct Your Interior Design Color Myths

10 Creative Ways to Use Columns as Design Features in your Home

The primary focus of this designpublication is to give youinspiration to make your homemore beautiful, organized andhealthy. We believe that a calm,healthy, beautiful home is anecessary foundation forhappiness and success in theworld.

For more check our about page.

2007 - 2013 - All RightsReserved : Freshome - InteriorDesign & ArchitectureMagazine

AdvertiseAboutPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseSitemapGet in touchContact Us

let's connect!



27 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

10 Easy Ways to Mix and Match Patterns in your Home

11776 Views Modern Residence Seamlessly Integra

10641 Views Fabulous Prefabs: 13 Luxury Portabl

10233 Views Nature-Invaded Dwelling in Sydney,

7114 Views Striking $30,000,000 Estate With Be

6726 Views 30 Spectacular Modern Glass Facades

let's connect!



28 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

5035 Views 10 Easy Tips For Brightening The Da

4944 Views Reinventing the Light Switch: Futur

4055 Views 30 Best Small Apartment Designs Ide

20447 Views 30 Best Small Apartment Designs Ide

19653 Views 10 Best Free Online Virtual Room Pr

17994 Views 30 Small and Functional Bathroom De

let's connect!



29 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

17255 Views 40 Small Bedrooms Ideas To Make You

16104 Views 33 Christmas Decorations Ideas Brin

13482 Views Fabulous Prefabs: 13 Luxury Portabl

13404 Views Contemporary Home Evoking a Warm Ru

13355 Views 10 Rustic Barn Ideas To Use In Your

Latest articles

Minimalist Table&Vase Fus...

let's connect!



30 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

10 Easy Tips For Brightening T...

Modern Residence Seamlessly In...

Striking $30,000,000 Estate Wi...

Nature-Invaded Dwelling in Syd...

30 Spectacular Modern Glass Fa...

Reinventing the Light Switch: ...

let's connect!



31 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

Your Space for Conversation an...

let's connect!



32 of 32 24-11-2013 17:13

Documents

10 Best Free Online Virtual Room Programs and Tools