Interior design, by the numbers
The dimensional standards interior design actually works to, published with the figure, the reason behind it, and where it comes from. These are the same rules Aether checks every design against — not a summary of them, the rules themselves.
Space planning
How much space should you leave around furniture?
Walkways, bed sides, island walk-arounds and accessible turning space, in inches and centimetres.
KitchenWhat is the kitchen work triangle, and what are its dimensions?
Sink, stove and fridge: how far apart they should sit, and how much room to leave around an island.
BedroomHow much space do you need around a bed?
Bed side clearance, walkways, and why the nightstand height is set by the mattress.
AccessibilityHow much space does a wheelchair need to turn?
Turning circle, clear route width and ramp slope — the accessible figures for an interior.
Where these come from
- Neufert, Architects’ Data — The reference for built dimensions and spatial standards.
- Panero & Zelnik, Human Dimension & Interior Space — Anthropometric basis for furniture and clearance figures.
- ADA Standards for Accessible Design — Accessible routes, turning space and reach ranges.
More topics are being written. Local building regulations take precedence over anything here.