How to Model a Small Space in SketchUp: Tips for Interior Designers

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When it comes to interior design, small spaces often present unique challenges—and SketchUp can be the perfect tool to tackle those tight corners, clever storage solutions, and multifunctional layouts. But modeling a small space effectively requires some strategic thinking to avoid a headache. Let’s dive into a few essential tips that will make your SketchUp workflow faster, more organized, and much less stressful.

1. Use Components for Repetitive and Detailed Elements

Yes, components are fantastic for repetitive elements like furniture and fixtures, but they’re also powerful when it comes to modeling detailed elements outside the main model for better visibility and control. For example, imagine you’re designing a bespoke cupboard under the stairs. Since it’s difficult to see or work on the cupboard directly within the small space, you can create a component of the entire space, then make a copy of this component outside the main model.

Now, you can add intricate details—such as shelving, dividers, and hardware—on this external version of the component. The best part? Every update you make to the external component automatically reflects inside the main space. This technique not only saves time but also ensures your small space model remains clean and easy to navigate.

2. Master Tags for Detailed Visibility Control

Tags are essential for managing visibility in any SketchUp model, but when working in small spaces, a more granular approach can make all the difference. Instead of just assigning broad tags like “walls” or “furniture,” consider breaking them down further. For example, create separate tags for west walls, south walls, etc.

This level of detail allows you to toggle specific elements on and off depending on what you need to focus on at any given time. Let’s say you’re fine-tuning the layout of a small bathroom—you can hide just the west wall while keeping the rest visible, giving you easier access to model intricate details like plumbing or cabinetry without obstruction.

Pro tip: Pair detailed tagging with saved scenes to quickly switch between different working views, further improving your workflow.

3. Save and Organize Working Scenes for Specific Areas

When working in a small space, navigating tight corners and getting precise views can quickly become frustrating. That’s where saving working scenes comes in handy. Instead of constantly zooming and panning, save scenes that focus on particular areas of the design. For example, if you’re working on a shower enclosure, save a scene with an optimized view of that area, making it easier to edit tile patterns, grout lines, and fixtures.

Additionally, setting up scenes as interior elevations is especially valuable in small spaces. These scenes provide clear, orthographic views of individual walls—perfect for tasks like checking alignment, refining cabinetry details, or finalizing material placements. Whether it’s a kitchen backsplash or a feature wall in a living room, having pre-saved elevation scenes will save time and reduce modeling errors.

By combining saved scenes with well-organized tags, you can quickly switch between different working perspectives and presentation views, keeping your workflow smooth and efficient.

4. Toggle Back Edges On and Off for Better Geometry Visibility

In small spaces, elements can be tightly packed, making it tricky to see and adjust overlapping geometry. SketchUp’s Back Edges feature, represented by dashed lines, reveals hidden edges, allowing you to view the full shape of components without hiding other parts of your model.

You can toggle back edges by going to View > Edge Style > Back Edges or simply pressing K on your keyboard. This feature is especially useful when fine-tuning tight areas, such as built-ins or countertops that fit snugly between walls. Once adjustments are complete, turn back edges off to declutter your workspace and focus on the overall design.

5. Lock Geometry to Avoid Unintentional Edits

When working on small spaces in SketchUp, precision is key, and nothing derails your workflow faster than accidentally moving or editing an element you didn’t mean to touch. To avoid this, use SketchUp’s Lock feature. Simply right-click on a group or component and select Lock to prevent any accidental changes.

This is particularly useful when you’ve finalized key structural elements like walls, floors, or ceilings. By locking them, you can focus on refining other parts of the design—like furniture or décor—without worrying about disrupting the overall structure. Whenever you need to make changes, just right-click and unlock the geometry.

6. Adjust Field of View for Better Interior Perspective

In small spaces, working with a default camera angle can feel cramped and unnatural. That’s why adjusting the Field of View (FOV) is often essential. A wider field of view helps simulate how the human eye perceives space, making it easier to navigate and design within tight areas.

To adjust the FOV, activate the Zoom tool, then press Shift and drag your mouse to widen or narrow the angle. You can also type a specific FOV value (e.g., 35 degrees for a natural perspective) in the Measurements box.

This technique is especially helpful when creating interior scenes or client presentations, as it enhances the spatial experience by showing more of the room in a single view. Just be careful not to overdo it—a very wide FOV can cause distortion, making the space look unrealistically stretched.

Final thoughts

Modeling a small space in SketchUp doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using strategic techniques—such as components for detailed external modeling, detailed tagging for better visibility control, and saved scenes for specific areas—you can streamline your workflow and make tight spaces easier to manage. Features like toggling back edges, locking geometry, and adjusting the field of view ensure that even the most intricate areas are easy to access, edit, and present professionally. With these tips in your arsenal, you’ll be able to tackle small-space designs efficiently and with confidence.


Next steps?

Ready to take your SketchUp skills to the next level? Enroll in my SketchUp for Interior Designers Course and learn essential techniques like these to improve your workflow, enhance your designs, and deliver stunning presentations. Sign up today and start modeling like a pro!

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