Tips for Making a Home Look Its Best for a 3D Scan

Preparing your home for a 3D scan is key to capturing it in the best possible light. Whether you’re showcasing a property for sale, creating a virtual tour for interior design, or documenting a renovation project, these tips will ensure your space looks clean, clear, and inviting on camera.

1. Declutter Every Room

The first step is to tidy up. Remove any unnecessary items such as toys, cables, laundry baskets, or paperwork. A clean, minimal space photographs better and helps create an accurate sense of flow between rooms.

2. Clean Surfaces and Floors

Dust, fingerprints, and smudges can be easily visible in high-resolution scans. Make sure to:

• Wipe down countertops, mirrors, and other glass surfaces.
  
• Vacuum or sweep floors.
  
• Make beds and fluff cushions.

A well-kept space appears more polished and inviting.

3. Let in Natural Light

Natural light enhances depth and warmth in a 3D scan.

• Open curtains or blinds fully.
  
• Turn on all indoor lights, especially in rooms with low natural light.

This helps avoid shadows and ensures consistent lighting throughout the scan.

4. Hide Personal Items

Remove personal photos, documents, or anything with identifying information. Not only does this protect privacy, but it also helps viewers imagine themselves in the space.

5. Stage the Space for Its Purpose

Each room should clearly show its intended function.

• Set the dining table.
  
• Arrange books on shelves neatly.
  
• Place a towel on the bathroom racks.

Simple touches help the viewer intuitively understand the space.

6. Close Closet Doors and Cabinets

Unless you’re specifically highlighting storage space, keep closet doors, drawers, and kitchen cabinets closed. Open elements can look messy or distract from the room’s layout.

7. Hide Pets and Pet Items

Temporarily remove pet beds, food bowls, toys, and litter boxes. Also, ensure pets are not present in the home during the scan to avoid disruptions or movement that can compromise scan quality.

8. Mind Exterior Spaces Too

If you’re scanning gardens, patios, or balconies:

• Sweep away leaves or debris.
  
• Arrange furniture neatly.
  
• Tidy up tools or toys.

These areas often add value and should look just as polished as indoor rooms.

9. Plan Around the Scan Path

Walk through the space as if you’re a visitor and identify any obstructions that might block the scanner’s view. A clear pathway ensures seamless scanning from one room to the next.

10. Final Check Before the Scan

Do a walkthrough before the scan begins. Look out for:

• Open toilet lids.
  
• Crooked picture frames.
  
• Reflections in mirrors show the photographer or the equipment.

Fixing these in advance avoids the need for reshooting.

At Scene3D, we specialise in high-quality 3D virtual tours for homes, businesses, and construction projects across the UK. Our expert team ensures every scan captures your space in the best possible light, with minimal hassle and maximum impact. Get in touch with Scene3D today to book your professional 3D scan.