Step-by-Step Bezier Curve Furniture Modeling in SketchUp (Beginner Tutorial)

Step-by-Step Bezier Curve Furniture Modeling in SketchUp Tutorial

Introduction

Creating organic, stylish furniture in SketchUp doesn’t have to be difficult. One of the most powerful ways to design smooth, curved seating or furniture elements is by using the Bezier curve plugin. Unlike SketchUp’s native line and arc tools, Bezier curves allow you to create fluid, freeform profiles that mimic real-world furniture shapes.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn step-by-step Bezier curve furniture modeling in SketchUp, along with how to apply the Follow Me tool and a few additional plugins. By the end, you’ll be able to turn a simple curve into a 3D furniture component ready for presentation, rendering, or even fabrication.

Why Use Bezier Curves for Furniture Modeling in SketchUp?

Most beginners in SketchUp rely heavily on lines, arcs, and rectangles. While these work for basic forms, furniture often requires smooth, organic shapes that standard tools struggle to create. Bezier curves offer:

Flexibility – draw fluid, organic forms.
Precision – adjust handles and control points for ergonomic proportions.
Realism – create professional-looking furniture designs that look handcrafted.
Workflow efficiency – once mastered, Bezier curves reduce trial-and-error.

Bezier curve

Getting Started with the Bezier Curve Plugin

Before you begin modeling:

Install the Bezier Curve Plugin

Available from SketchUcation or bundled in Fredo6’s Bezier Spline extension.
Add the tool to your toolbar for quick access.

Set Up Your Workspace

Switch to Architectural Millimeters/Centimeters (or inches, depending on your region).
Adjust the camera to Parallel Projection for better control of profiles.
Organize layers/tags to keep profiles, paths, and components separate.

👉 Pro Tip: Save a workspace template for furniture projects, so you don’t have to set up each time.

Step-by-Step Bezier Curve Furniture Modeling in SketchUp

Let’s go through the workflow step by step.

Step 1 – Draw the Base Plane

Start by drawing a rectangle on the ground plane.
This rectangle will act as the canvas where your Bezier curve profile is drawn.

Step 2 – Create the Bezier Curve Profile

From the Draw > Bezier Curve tool, sketch a curved profile on the rectangle.
Use control points to bend and shape the curve.
If needed, finish the curve using arcs for additional refinement.

Delete unnecessary edges and keep only the clean profile line.

Step 3 – Define the Path with a Circle

Draw a circle perpendicular to the profile.
This circle acts as the path along which the profile will be extruded.
Make sure the circle aligns with the profile’s plane for a smooth result.

Step 4 – Use the Follow Me Tool

Go to Tools > Follow Me.
Select the circle path first.
Then click the profile curve.
The profile will now follow the path to create a 3D solid form — your furniture base!

Now the profile is followed along the the circle to create a solid object.

Step 5 – Organize as a Component

Select the new solid.
Right-click → Make Component.
Name it clearly (e.g., “Seater Base”).
This helps reuse and keep your model organized.

Tips for Realistic Bezier Curve Furniture Modeling in SketchUp

At this stage, you have a basic seat form. Now let’s refine it:

Use the Slicer 5 Plugin (from SketchUcation)

Slice your model at set angles (e.g., 30° or 15°).
Useful for visualizing fabrication layers or for architectural presentations.

Apply AMS Smooth / Soften Edges

Go to Window > Soften Edges.
Smooth the transitions between faces for a realistic finish.

Add Details

Draw additional Bezier curves for legs, backrests, or armrests.
Extrude them using the same Follow Me workflow.

Input's given

Slicer Spaces - Angle 30

Slicer Spaces - Angle 15

To Soften Edges of the seater can use JHS Power house - AMS smooth

JHS Power house - AMS smooth

End Result!

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Bezier Curve Modeling

Overcomplicated curves – Leads to messy geometry.
Forgetting to group – Makes editing harder later.
Ignoring scale – Results in unrealistic furniture.
Not aligning paths – Causes Follow Me tool to fail.

Advanced Techniques – Going Beyond Basic Furniture

Once comfortable, explore:

Curviloft Plugin (by Fredo6): Great for lofting complex organic forms like armrests.
Bezier Surface Plugin: Turn curves into flowing surfaces.
Combination Modeling: Use Bezier curves + Follow Me + Push/Pull for hybrid designs.

These plugins unlock more creative possibilities for chairs, benches, and organic furniture.

Exporting and Presenting Your Furniture Model

When your furniture is ready:

Export Models: Save as .SKP or export as .OBJ / .DWG for CAD/CAM.
Rendering: Use V-Ray, Enscape, or Lumion for photorealistic images.
Portfolio Presentation: Arrange views on Layout (SketchUp’s presentation tool) to create sheets.

Conclusion – Mastering Step-by-Step Bezier Curve Furniture Modeling in SketchUp

The Bezier curve plugin in SketchUp is a game-changer for anyone interested in organic, professional furniture design. By following this step-by-step Bezier curve furniture modeling in SketchUp process — from drawing the profile to extruding, smoothing, and exporting — you can create realistic seating and furniture components that elevate your portfolio or client presentations.

👉 Want to take your design skills further? Join our online architecture learning hub for more tutorials, courses, and consultancy support in digital design workflows.

FAQ – Bezier Curve Furniture Modeling in SketchUp

Q1: Can I design any type of furniture using Bezier curves in SketchUp?
Yes, from seating and tables to decorative pieces — Bezier curves give you freedom to design fluid forms.

Q2: Do I need extra plugins besides Bezier Spline?
No, but tools like Curviloft and Slicer 5 expand your modeling capabilities.

Q3: Is rendering necessary for SketchUp furniture models?
Not required, but rendering in V-Ray or Enscape makes your furniture look photorealistic for clients.

Q4: Which SketchUp version supports Bezier plugins?
Most plugins work from SketchUp 2017 onwards, but always check compatibility on SketchUcation.