Explore how architects and researchers design bird-centric apartments and research centres that harmonise human use with avian conservation. Discover case studies, design principles, and lessons in creating spaces where science, architecture, and ecology intersect.

Designing for Birds: Case Studies of Ornithologist Apartments and Research Centres

3. Elevate your SketchUp bedroom with V-Ray! Learn crucial steps for model cleanup and scene setup to achieve realistic lighting and textures in your render.

From Sketch to Warm Retreat: A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering a Bedroom with SketchUp and VRay

Elevate your SketchUp bedroom with Vray! Learn crucial steps for model cleanup and scene setup to achieve realistic lighting and textures in your render.

You’ve modelled a cosy bedroom in SketchUp. Now it’s time to turn those lines into ambience—warm lamp glow, soft textures, realistic shadows. That’s where the V‑Ray extension steps in. But here’s the catch: Rendering won’t fix broken models—it highlights them. Missed faces, wrong normals, sloppy grouping—it all shows. This guide takes you step by step: from SketchUp cleanup to a final polished render. You’ll learn how to align basic modelling principles with V‑Ray’s interface to create a professional-looking interior.

1. Before You Render: The Foundations of a Clean SketchUp Model&nbsp;

With these foundations solid, your file is ready to work with.

New to the design field and struggling to model quickly and efficiently? Learn powerful shortcuts and time-saving SketchUp plugins, especially when rendering in Lumion, through our <a href="https://www.kaarwan.com/course/4-week-sketchup-modelling-lumion-rendering-visualisation?id=147&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog-rendering-bedroom-with-sketchup-and-vray&amp;utm_term=seo">Advanced SketchUp Modelling and Lumion Visualisation</a>&nbsp;4 4-week course.&nbsp;See how others have levelled up their <a href="https://www.kaarwan.com/case-studies/4-week-sketchup-modelling-lumion-rendering-visualisation?id=147&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog-rendering-bedroom-with-sketchup-and-vray&amp;utm_term=seo">portfolios </a>with us!

2. Setting Up Your Scene in SketchUp&nbsp;

Racing against a deadline? Quickly get up to speed with our 2-Day Self-Paced <a href="https://www.kaarwan.com/masterclass/master-v-ray-rendering?id=55&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog-rendering-bedroom-with-sketchup-and-vray&amp;utm_term=seo">V‑Ray Masterclass</a>.

Once your SketchUp file is clean and scene‑packed:

- Use a V-Ray Sun-sky sustem. Drag the sun icon, rotate until window-light floods the room.&nbsp;

- In the Directional Light (Sun Light) settings, increase Multiplier to 2-4 to brighten the interior.&nbsp;

2.&nbsp; Artificial Lighting&nbsp;

- Place a V-Ray Rectangle Light inside the lamp shade.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; + Size it to match the shade.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; + Colour temperature: 3000 K for a warm feel.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; + Multiplier: start with 5, then adjust later.&nbsp;

&nbsp;- A low-intensity Sphere Light in the ceiling can add soft ambient fill.&nbsp;

&nbsp;- Keep it subtle (Multiplier around 1) to avoid flattening the mood.&nbsp;

In V-Ray, lighting adjustments are iterative-render previews, tweak, repeat.&nbsp;

Unsure where to begin? Try a Masterclass, take a quick <a href="https://www.kaarwan.com/skill-test?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog-rendering-bedroom-with-sketchup-and-vray&amp;utm_term=seo">skill test</a>, or <a href="https://www.kaarwan.com/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog-rendering-bedroom-with-sketchup-and-vray&amp;utm_term=seo">talk to us</a> — all with minimal time and effort.

Open the Material section in V‑Ray Asset Editor:

1.&nbsp;

Create a Custom Wood Material (Floor)

2.&nbsp;
Soft Textile (Duvet &amp; Pillows)

4.&nbsp;
Transparent Glass (Windows)

5.&nbsp;
Ceramic or Metal Lamp Base

Tip: Use SketchUp tags to toggle visibility of specific materials while designing render variations.

Looking to build a strong portfolio while learning alongside a lively community? Join our upcoming <a href="https://www.kaarwan.com/course/online-architecture-visualisation-rendering-course?id=38&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog-rendering-bedroom-with-sketchup-and-vray&amp;utm_term=seo">Visualisation &amp; Rendering Course</a> and get hands-on with SketchUp, Lumion, V‑Ray, Adobe After Effects, and more. Make learning easy, accessible, and affordable.&nbsp;Explore the full course curriculum and browse through our <a href="https://www.kaarwan.com/case-studies/online-architecture-visualisation-rendering-course?id=38&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog-rendering-bedroom-with-sketchup-and-vray&amp;utm_term=seo">alumni portfolios</a>.&nbsp;

6. Camera Settings and Render Output&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -&nbsp;

Activate in V‑Ray Camera tab.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -&nbsp; Use f‑stop around 4–5 and focus distance on a key element (the duvet or bedside table) to get a pleasing blur in depth.

7. Rendering Iteratively: Test &gt; Tweak &gt; Finalise

9. Final Checklist Before You Hit Publish&nbsp;

And there you have it, your SketchUp model transformed into a softly lit, inviting bedroom using V‑Ray. 

Remember: renders amplify both your wins and your mistakes. So spend time refining your geometry and organising your scene—it pays off exponentially. With these foundational skills, you’re now set for portfolio‑ready visuals, walkthroughs, or even VR staging. If you’d like to go deeper—exploring animations, complex materials, or AI‑denoising—Kaarwan’s SketchUp + V‑Ray course walks you through every step.

Happy rendering! and here’s to models that aren’t just photographic, but felt.

From Sketch to Warm Retreat: A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering a Bedroom in SketchUp and VRay

Skill Test

Ar. Pragya Laungani

Subscribe to Our Newsletter For Weekly Update 🚀

Find your fit

Useful Links

Contact Info