Ways to Speed Up Your 3D Furniture Design Process Workflow

Updated on: June 06, 2023

3D Product Design

7 minute read

Speedup furniture 3D design work process
Speed up Furniture 3D Design Work Process

3D furniture design is a great tool when it comes to prototyping, brand promoting , and achieving high e-commerce sales. It keeps you one step ahead of the competition. The process usually involved in virtual furniture prototyping is the creation of a virtual representation with the help of a specialized 3D furniture modeling software. It will result in the development of life-like furniture 3D visuals, thereby acting as the most viable tool for attracting customers.

Stages of Furniture 3D Design Process

  • Stage 1: Work Scope and Quotation

    It is the first stage for the business where it determines how much to quote for the services based on the plan, design sketches, and average time frames.

    Many factors may affect the cost of the project and may include:

    • 100% finished output - Exact finish matches may be possible only with exact textual patterns. In some cases, this has to be developed from the available reference images.
    • Detailed Backgrounds - White background 3D rendering would be much more cost-effective than doing it on complicated decor.
    • Lookalike 3D models - Once again, it is more cost effective to render many furniture pieces from the same collection rather than from several collections.This helps in streamlining the 3D modelling process.
  • Stage 2: Project Details

    Furniture design project details
    Project complete details

    If the customer agrees with the quotation, then the next immediate step would be to reveal the project details which may include plans, interior designs from the existing samples, or even from scratch.

  • Stage 3: Create 3D models

    Create basic furniture model
    Create 3D Models

    3D models act as the core of furniture rendering services company and are completely dependent on polygon faces. Once the skeleton is ready, the next step would be to work on the background.

    Several questions to ask before the development process :

    1. Are the reference files updated?
    Ensure to update the latest design file from which the 3D model will be created.

    2. Are the files free of junk information?
    Delete all the unnecessary information from the files so that unwanted elements can be waived off and time consumption can also be reduced.

    3. Are there any additional requirements that are not included in the source file?
    In some cases, the project files may not have sufficient information. Ensure that it is also included in the final output.

  • Stage 4: Design 3D Scenes

    Create 3D scenes around the furniture
    Designing 3D Scenes

    Once the 3D furniture model is ready, improvise it with different colors, lights, patterns, etc. to make it better, and then initiate the rendering process.

    3 main steps :

    • Import 3D models into scenes and start placing objects to proceed to final 3D rendering.
    • UV mapping and material creation: Through UV mapping, the furniture 3D design software uses the texture to render the final output. It is inclusive of texture scaling, grain directions, and more.
    • Test Rendering: With the help of digital lights and simulated cameras, test rendering will be performed for feedback collection, and low-resolution images will be developed.
  • Stage 5: Animation

    Furniture design animation
    3D Animation

    This is a completely optional stage and is implemented only based on the project and end-user requirements.

  • Stage 6: Post-Production

    This is the final delivery stage where the client receives the fully rendered images or videos for approval.

How to Speed up Your Furniture 3D Design Project Workflow?

Usually the time taken to complete a 3D modeling project is faster than the traditional photography. However, the process of completion may stretch further due to various other factors. It will then cast a negative impression about you or your company in the minds of your potential customers. To overcome this, and make sure that the project is completed within the committed deadline, you can take certain steps to influence the turnaround time of the project.

Here are 10 tried and tested ways you can try implementing to get your 3D product renderings and models at a faster pace.

  1. Develop a Proper Design Concept

    Proper furniture design concept
    Developing a Design Concept

    To make sure that your 3D product rendering garners the desired response from the customers, you must have a clear idea about the type of furniture design you are working on before the project starts. Also, ensure to utilize the best CAD software for your furniture designs.

    You can first start by carrying out thorough research on the different marketing segments, respective competitors and their products, and your targeted audience. Apart from this, you can also refer to the online library of CAD models and various furniture projects showcasing their product images. Based on that, you can design a concept in a fast and constructive way. You don’t even have to start the whole designing process from scratch.

  2. Clearly Understand the Technical Details

    Understanding the design technical details
    Understanding the Technical Details

    Lack of understanding of technical details can also result in extending the completion time of your 3D furniture modeling project. It is crucial to get a proper idea of the technical details, including the product dimension, material, layout, etc. for the smooth running and completion of your project.

    By implementing the correct parameters in the furniture product development software, it is much easier to build CAD models without including any complexities. It will showcase the precise details and features of the object, which will eliminate the need for major corrections and can be used in the later stage of furniture virtual prototyping.

  3. Start with Creating the 3D Furniture Prototype

    Creating the furniture model prototype
    Creating the 3D Furniture Prototype

    After the CAD scale models are ready, the next step is to start developing the 3D prototypes of furniture. These are experimental models that can be utilized to find any overlooked imperfections and fix them before the product reaches final approval.

    However, with the help of CAD modeling, you can make the validation process much faster and smoother. Later, the CAD model can be used either for virtual prototyping or 3D printing process. The former will inspect the product with the help of VR technology while cutting down the manufacturing cost. On the other hand, the latter is a 3D rapid prototyping process which will lead to faster production of models in large quantity and will also help in saving both cost and time.

    Useful Article : How rapid prototyping can enhance furniture design and production

  4. Use References for Decoration and Lighting

    Use proper reference for furniture decoration lighting and shadows
    Use References for Decoration and Lighting

    Another method that CGI specialists use for the faster production of models is using precise references for lighting and decoration objects. The main reason for using it is because imagining and creating details for the projects would take time, and there is no guarantee that you will get the results as per your expectations. It will further result in halting the progress of your project, which will lead to extending the deadlines and dissatisfying the customers.

    On the contrary, if you use relevant modular furniture, i.e., pre-made or ready-made models for the decor, lighting, and scene, then it will help in minimizing the turnaround time. Besides, it is less expensive, saves space, offers a modern look, and can be installed and dismantled within a short span of time.

    Useful Article : Tips to Get the Perfect Image References for 3D Modeling

  5. Avoid Using Too Many POVs

    Avoid too many furniture angle views
    Avoid Using Too Many POVs

    Usually, businesses tend to take pictures of their products from all possible angles. It enables potential buyers to get the complete 3D furniture visualization. However, while creating furniture 3D models for online business, using too many POVs is not a good option as it won’t be necessary. Besides, it would also take more time to create 3D models for each angle.

    To avoid this, you can go with a cost and time-effective option by selecting a few shots, maybe around 3-5 that are showcasing the best angles of the product. In this way, the workload will be reduced, and CGI specialists can work on it to produce outcomes within a few days.

  6. Use Pre-rendered 3D Models for Scenes and Décor

    Use pre-rendered furniture models
    Use Pre-rendered 3D Models

    Using pre-rendered 3D models is one of the best strategies to save time and money for the 3D modelers. Besides, reusing the ready-made digital scenes and decors by incorporating a few tweaks can provide a new look to your interiors and exteriors.

    One way to get the premade sets and props is by outsourcing 3D furniture rendering services. These companies mostly provide free access to their interior furniture design library that consists of various 3D scenes and decorations which can be chosen by the clients. So, choose the desired 3D rendered furniture according to your budget and needs and provide them with the required instructions. They will surely be of help.

  7. Go for Standard Package Options for Premade

    Prefer premade standard model package options
    Using Standard Package Options

    While hiring a 3D modeling studio, it is better to check for the different service options they provide. Also, check with them whether they can provide the premade sets within the discussed timeframe or not.

    While browsing the different package options, go for the standard ones depending on the type of decor, size, image resolution, or complexity you want. Besides, it is easier and faster to redo a preset rather than creating a custom one from scratch. Once you order the packages, you will get to know how long the modeling terms will last.

  8. Create 3D Models With Simple Backgrounds

    Prefer simple backgrounds for furniture
    Use Simple Backgrounds

    If you are running short of time, there is no need to be fancy with the product 3D model and try to keep it plain and simple. Most of the time, these products are used for prototyping or promotional purposes. In that case, you can choose the time-effective option, i.e., going for white backgrounds instead of the complex ones. It won’t even cost you more and will help in speeding up your project completion time.

    Useful Article : Different types of 3D lifestyle images for furniture marketing

  9. Go for a Quick Test Before Launching the Product

    Quick test before launching the new furniture design
    Quick Test Before Launching

    Product testing should be done if you don’t want your effort to be wasted in the later stages. This quick step will help to decide which design option works best for your project and what should be upgraded.

    There are two methods of conducting the test. The first one involves your production team to get a logical review of the product. The second one involves the real users, i.e., the targeted group to learn their emotional point of view about your product.

By implementing the above methods, you can effectively decrease the turnaround time of your project while improving the design quality of your product 3D models.

Try using these techniques to get faster results and satisfy the needs of your customers. It will not just accelerate the speed of your furniture design process, but will also take your business to a whole new level.

Moreover, by employing the 3D furniture modeling services, you will get photorealistic 3D visualizations for your furniture.


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Sushmita Roy

A seasoned 3D professional with a creative focused, and a knack for diverse 3D designs, software and the technology. She's associated with ThePro3DStudio for long enough to prove her mettle and make every 3D projects successful. When she’s not busy working for a new project, she shares valuable insights from her own experience.