Who has never found themselves squeezed between the table and the chair so that someone else could pass behind?

This is one of the most emblematic situations of poor space planning and the items that compose it.

But one can escape from the problem: before setting up the house, grab the tape measure, measure the furniture and walls, and make sure there is enough space to move around.

"Creativity is necessary because homes are getting smaller," says architect Elisa Gontijo. Thus, it is not possible to strictly follow the ideal ergonomics indicated in architecture books; measurements vary according to particularities.

"However, there are minimum distances to be observed," emphasizes interior designer ROBERTO NEGRETE. To help you organize the tightest corners, we have set up layouts for four compartments, based on standard-sized furniture and appliances, while respecting the minimum required free area.

Attention: the illustrations show doors with a width of 80 cm, as this measurement allows for wheelchair access. However, in finished properties, passages are usually smaller: 70 cm in bedrooms and 60 cm in bathrooms.

Efficient layout in living and dining rooms.

• Doors: The entrance door to the property is usually the widest, typically 80 cm. In this and other areas, it is essential to keep the opening angle unobstructed—only disregard this recommendation for sliding door models.
• Circulation: 60 cm is sufficient for one person to pass without obstruction, so try to maintain this measurement in all passage areas. If you receive a visit from a wheelchair user, you will need to move the furniture.
• Dining: Placing the table almost against the wall frees up more space for movement and even allows for a sideboard to occupy the opposite wall, leaving an available width of 1.35 m. Note that between one pair of chairs and the wall behind them, there is a leftover of 60 cm, which provides comfort when someone sits down or stands up—extend this distance by 20 cm if the chairs have armrests. On the opposite side, the other pair of seats face away from the bedroom access. For this reason, an 80 cm path should be left there to avoid hindering circulation even when someone pushes the chair back.
• Living: To include a coffee table in narrow rooms, you must forego the recommended standard of 60 cm of free space. Between the coffee table and the sofa, and between it and the armchair, the minimum acceptable distance is 40 cm—however, passing by will be required if someone is sitting. If the TV stand has drawers that extend approximately 30 cm when opened, a larger gap of 50 cm will be needed from this piece of furniture to the table.
• Sofa: There should be a 10 cm gap between the arm of the sofa and the adjacent wall, enough space to accommodate the curtain. The side table should also be positioned a few centimeters away.

Kitchen: The workspace determines the intervals.

• Circulation: Establish a corridor of 1 meter width without barriers. This distance exceeds that of other compartments to ensure the mobility of two people—while one uses the countertop, sink, or stove, the other can move safely, as it is often necessary to carry dishes and hot pots.
• Doors: Due to appliances, door openings in this environment typically measure 80 cm. In this layout, the entrance door and the refrigerator door cannot be moved simultaneously. In practice, this usually isn't a problem because, in daily life, it is common for the kitchen to remain open, with the door resting against the side wall. If preferred, opt for a sliding door model, as was done for the laundry room access next to the stove.
• Appliances: Pay close attention to the positions of the refrigerator and stove. Since these appliances generate heat that needs to be dissipated, they cannot be placed against walls or adjacent furniture. The technical manual of each product provides specific clearances, but generally, our consultants recommend a minimum of 10 cm on each side.
• Stove: When the oven is open, it is important to have at least 65 cm of free space so that you can squat, remove the container from the interior, and stand up without risk of collisions.

The bedroom requires 60 cm corridors.

• Bed: On both sides, maintain a minimum clearance of 60 cm. In a layout like this, this width allows the resident to sit down to put on shoes and also accommodates two bedside tables, with space between the mattress and the wall.
• Wardrobe: Also keep 60 cm clear in front of it. Each door of a three-door wardrobe requires about 45 cm when opened, and drawers can be up to 40 cm. If you opt for a model with greater depth, it should have sliding doors.

Small but functional bathroom

• Door: Generally, it measures 60 cm, an opening that is unfeasible for those dependent on wheelchairs. With a narrow and elongated layout—like the example provided, common in new apartments—the bathroom must be closed for the vanity cabinet door to open. The entrance gap determines the depth of the furniture: since we anticipate an accessible door, 80 cm wide, the countertop should be a maximum of 48 cm deep.
• Toilet: The 60 cm between it and the opposite wall ensure access to the shower. Each side of the toilet should be at least 30 cm away from neighboring elements, providing more comfort to the user and allowing space for a trash can and a toilet paper holder on the floor.
• Shower Area: 90 cm is the minimum width for the shower enclosure. This allows the resident to squat and move freely while soaping, washing their hair, and drying off.

References: architects Elisa Gontijo and Roberto Negrete, and the book "Las Dimensiones Humanas en los Espacios Interiores" by Julius Panero and Martín Zelnik.