10 Best Free Online Virtual Room Programs and Tools (part2)

6. Autodesk Homestyler

Autodesk, creator of AutoCAD, REVIT and 3ds Studio Max, is known for its professional design programs for designing buildings, 3D building information modeling and 3D rendering capabilities. It also has a great program for planning home/office/apartment spaces called Homestyler.

This user-friendly program doesn’t require formal training like the other professional programs the company offers. To make floor plans, simple drag-and-drop functions allow you to create dimension and even make angled walls within your design.

Doors and windows come in a variety of choices and require no prior knowledge of types, clearances, etc. Homestyler’s 3D floor planner and 3D room designer tools can be used by a first timer; professionals can purchase the Homestyler PRO version.

The furnish and decorate tool allows you to choose cabinetry, appliances, furniture and nearly every decor item you can think of. Then personalize your space with area rugs and finish items by several manufacturers. Once your design is complete, you can print it out.

7. The Home Renovator

For those who want to do it yourself, the next few programs are for you. After you have planned out how the spaces will look, you are ready to start buying the materials and getting started, right? The Home Renovator lets you choose from among insulation, drywall, paint, ceramic tile, ceiling tile and deck (design/build) projects.

You can use the site’s free worksheets to measure your space, enter your measurements and review your tool requirements. You’ll then get a report that tells you how much material is required for your project; a budget price that can be used to negotiate with local dealers; and illustrated instructions that show cutting and placement of materials.

8. Sweet Home 3D

This 3D software is ideal for those who want more customization options to the average room and decor space planning program. The online software is free (login and some information is required). A more advanced version of Sweet Home 3D can also be downloaded for saving, exporting and manipulation of your home plans.

The interface has four sections. The furniture catalog allows you to choose components by name, then drag and drop components directly into the floor plan. The home furniture list displays the dimensions of each piece by name and size.

The home plan shows you in a 2D format where the walls, windows, doors and furniture are placed (as viewed from above). The home 3D view shows your plan in three dimensions so you can visualize the plan as you design.

To bring in your floor plan, import it into Sweet Home 3D, scale it and trace over your plan so you don’t have any guesswork. This program can be simple, but it has advanced features for those who want more from their 3D virtual planning experience.

9. SmartDraw

Smartdraw is a suite of programs for visual graphics and presentations, including project charts, timelines, marketing charts and flow charts. Under the flow-chart application are floor plans and individual room plans.

This program allows you to design, customize and present drawings on a beginner and professional level. Use it to plan office space, apartments, individual rooms and even building elevations. SmartDraw is ideal for individuals or a business that doesn’t want to spend a lot for design software. It has a free trial period, and if you’re satisfied you can purchase the full program.

With an almost infinite selection of furniture, cars, building materials and preloaded plans, SmartDraw offers a lot of bang for the buck. If you are computer-savvy and enjoy adding a multitude of content and specifications to your design, this program is ideal for you.

10. HomeByMe

HomeByMe is a downloadable free room-planning tool. Start in 2D and build your room from the ground up, finishing with furniture and accessories. Once you’re ready, convert it to 3D, where the walls fall away and you can look inside the interior design plan you created.

There are plenty of free online 3D virtual programs that will allow you to plan, design, draw and view your space. Depending on your skill level, objective and how you want to present your final drawings, there is a program perfect for you.

Whether you want to play around or start building a home to your personal specifications, this list of top 10 best free online virtual programs and tools will help you get started.