How to Create a Living Room using Basic Shapes in 3D CAD Software (Part 1)
Juliana Misiko
How to Create a Living Room using Basic Shapes in 3D CAD Software (Part 1)
3D modeling is not only about creating highly detailed and complex objects; sometimes the most effective designs begin with the simplest building blocks. By learning how to combine basic shapes such as cubes, cylinders, and spheres, designers can construct realistic scenes that capture both function and style. SelfCAD, a user-friendly online CAD program, is especially well-suited for this purpose, offering accessible tools that allow beginners and experienced users alike to experiment with digital design.
In this article, we will explore how to create a living room scene in SelfCAD using only basic shapes. This project demonstrates how everyday furniture and interior elements, such as sofas, tables and shelves, can be modeled from simple geometric forms. Through step-by-step instructions, you will discover how scaling, aligning, and grouping shapes can transform simple objects into a cohesive and realistic room layout. The goal is not only to practice fundamental modeling techniques but also to show how imagination and creativity can turn basic geometry into a complete and visually appealing environment.
To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/71i6c3m54vk05j2xp2e1m6p71352r325c5y6
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 700, height to 700, depth to 700
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
Click to activate face selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
Click delete button to delete selected objects
From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness.
Tick the checkmark to finalize add thickness
From the modify category on the toolbar choose edit details; Drag highlighted edge to highlighted line to add edge
Type in 280 value into the length measurement to adjust position of the new added detail and press enter to confirm
Click to finalize edit details
Click on highlighted region to select it
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 100.
Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion
Click on highlighted region to deselect it
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 200, height to 18, depth to 65, position x to -195, position y to 50, position z to -81, rotation y to 45
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet; Set intensity to 7
Tick the checkmark to finalize fillet
From the modify category on the toolbar choose round object; Set smoothness to 2.
Tick the checkmark to finalize round object
From the deform category on the toolbar choose inflate; Set y to 12, y to -13 using highlighted gizmo.
Click ‘’x’ to close transformation panel
Click isolate button to isolate selected object
Click on highlighted region to select it
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 50.
Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion
Click hide button to hide selected object
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 280, height to 700, depth to 54, position x to -205, position y to 1, position z to -324.
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
From the modify category on the toolbar choose edit details; Drag highlighted edge to highlighted line to add edge
Repeat the same action (Drag highlighted edge to highlighted line to add edge) for all the lines as shown below
Click to finalize edit details
Click to activate face selection
Click on highlighted region to select it; From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion.
Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion
Click on highlighted region to deselect it
Click on highlighted region to select it; From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 3.
Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion
Click on highlighted region to deselect it
Click on highlighted region to select it; From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to -30.
Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion
Click show button to show the hidden mesh 8 and mesh 4
Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection
Check out for Part 2 of this article
As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.
More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace
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