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Guide

How to take a room photo that works

Three habits that make every picture better: stand back, show the spot, and turn on the lights.

A whole living room photographed from a corner

Renderior builds every picture on top of your photo, so a good photo is the biggest thing you control. You don't need a good camera. Your phone is fine.

1. Stand in a corner or a doorway

Back up as far as you can and fit as much of the space as possible. Corners and doorways show two or three walls at once, which gives the piece room to sit naturally. Hold the phone upright at chest height and keep it level.

2. Show the spot where the new piece goes

If you're trying a sofa, make sure the whole wall and the floor in front of it are in the frame. A piece can't be placed in a spot the photo doesn't show.

3. Turn on the lights, or shoot in daylight

Dark photos hide the floor and walls, and the new piece will look dark too. Open the curtains or turn on every light.

Whole room
Whole room
Whole yard
Whole yard
Too close
Too close
Too dark
Too dark

Outside works the same way

For a patio, deck or yard, stand at the back door or a corner of the lot and get the whole area in. Daylight is best.

A few more tips

  • Tidy what you can. Clutter on the floor competes with the new piece.
  • Leave the old furniture if you like. You can choose to replace a piece or keep it.
  • Only you can see your photos, and you can delete them at any time.