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Measurements. Numbers. Feet and inches. Not what you want to think about when you’re excited about choosing that brand new sofa. All you’re worried about is how it’ll look in your space and whether you need built in chargers for your devices (very important).
The dimensions of a sofa can vary, depending on the style and brand. For example, a 2-seater Chesterfield may take up more space than a typical fabric 2-seater with its fancy arms and roll back.
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Corner sofas are great for maximising living space, but they can be difficult to place due to their shape.
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It’s not just the size of your living room you’ll need to account for, you’ll also need to think about how you’ll get that brand new sofa inside your home and ready to enjoy. You’ll need to make sure your new sofa can fit through your doors, entryways and up the stairs.
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Sofa Measurement Guide
Words by Emma Hughes
July 27, 2023
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7m
Measurements. Numbers. Feet and inches. Not what you want to think about when you’re excited about choosing that brand new sofa. All you’re worried about is how it’ll look in your space and whether you need built in chargers for your devices (very important).
But knowing the dimensions of a sofa before you buy should be your number one priority.
Why? Picture this: you’ve found the perfect sofa that ticks all the boxes. It’s the style and colour that suits you and it’s got enough seats to accommodate the whole family – even at Christmas. But when you try to factor it into your space, you realise it won’t even fit through the door.
Trust us, you’re not the first person this has happened to. But the last thing you want to do is order a sofa only to realise you can’t get it into the house or it doesn’t fit your desired space.
To help you save any stress and hassle, we’ve pulled together our top tips and tricks on how to measure for a new sofa. We’ll take you through everything you need to know, from how to get the precise dimensions of a sofa, to how to prepare for delivery day.
Contents
What measurements to take for a new sofa
The dimensions of a sofa can vary, depending on the style and brand. For example, a 2-seater Chesterfield may take up more space than a typical fabric 2-seater with its fancy arms and roll back.
If you’re considering buying a new sofa, it’s always best to check it out in the showroom first, if possible. That way, you’ll have an accurate idea of its scale, and you’ll also be able to check the sofa measurements in person before adding it to your basket.
It’s also worth noting that recliner sofas, sofa beds and corner sofas have slightly different dimensions to standard sofas, so you’ll also need to factor this in.
How to measure a standard sofa
Most of the time, when shopping for a brand-new sofa, the dimensions will be listed. But, if you want to sense check the measurements in store, here’s how to measure a sofa correctly, to get that perfect fit. Grab that measuring tape, and follow these steps:
1. Measure the width
To get the width of the sofa, you’ll need to measure the widest points – this tends to be from arm to arm.
2. Measure the height
The next step is to measure the height. Make sure you measure from the back of the sofa at the highest point.
3. Measure the depth
The depth of the sofa is perhaps the most important measurement to take, yet it often gets overlooked. It can impact how much precious floor space you lose – and have sway on the size of rug you get to choose for your space. The best way to measure sofa depth is from the outside edge, all the way to the back.
Tips for measuring for a sofa
When measuring for a new sofa, it can also help to consider the following factors:
Measure your space
Once you’ve picked out the perfect sofa, it’s important to measure the area you want it to sit in. For most people, this will be in the living room. Try to pick out a spot where the sofa won’t get in the way of any doors, radiators – or the TV.
Tape measure in hand, be sure to note the width, depth and height of the sofa in relation to the rest of the room. Remember, the depth is just as important as the width.
Measure any existing furniture
It’s important to choose a sofa that will seamlessly fit your space and work well with the existing layout of your room. This is especially important for smaller spaces – filling up with oversized or heavy furniture can eat up space and make the room look smaller. Start by measuring any existing furniture. This will give you an estimate of what you’re working with. If you have a small living space with a TV cabinet and a coffee table, then you may need to downsize to a smaller sofa to work around these existing pieces.
There’s cosy, then there’s overcrowded.
Add a little extra to your measurements
While we like to think of ourselves as DIY masters, taking your own measurements isn’t always 100% dependable. So, it may help to give yourself a little wiggle room and add an extra cm or inch to your sofa dimensions. This can give you the extra room you may need to account for the sofa arms etc. You’ll thank us later.
Consider how far a recliner will stretch out
If you’re buying a recliner sofa, it’s important to factor in its depth once it’s fully reclined. For example, if you’re thinking about placing the sofa behind your coffee table, then this could be problematic. To maximise space, aim to place the sofa in a spot where it won’t disturb the layout of your room. You should also make sure you leave enough space to walk freely around it.
Use masking tape to map out where the sofa will go
Once you’ve taken all the necessary measurements, place masking tape on the floor to outline where your new sofa will sit. This will give you an idea whether you can accommodate the shape and size.
How to measure for a corner sofa
Corner sofas are great for maximising living space, but they can be difficult to place due to their shape.
Corner sofas come in a variety of shapes, from standard to modular. They’re also available in a variety of styles and seating options, including left and right-handed. So, it’s important to make sure you find the perfect fit for your home.
Check out our corner sofa buying guide for more inspiration and guidance on how to select the right one for your home.
To measure for a corner sofa, make sure you match up the measurements on the left and right hand side. You’ll also need to get the width, height and depth too. Again, you can always map out the area on the floor with masking tape if you need to.
How to measure a sofa for delivery
It’s not just the size of your living room you’ll need to account for, you’ll also need to think about how you’ll get that brand new sofa inside your home and ready to enjoy. You’ll need to make sure your new sofa can fit through your doors, entryways and up the stairs.
It’s mostly the depth of the sofa that you’ll need to worry about, so it’s best to measure the diagonal depth first to see if it can fit through your doorway when turned slightly.
Will the sofa fit through the door?
The big question. No one wants to have to remove the windows to get a sofa inside, so it’s a good idea to check if your doorways are large enough to fit it through.
The solution? Measure the height and width of your doors. You may even want to consider removing the doors from their hinges on the day, to allow more room for turning.
Will the sofa fit up the stairs?
Bungalow-dwellers, you can skip this one. If you’re moving your sofa upstairs check how wide your staircase is, and if there’s any turning space. Get that measuring tape out again and measure the width of the stairs and the height of the ceiling. This will help determine how easy it will be for you to get the sofa to the next floor.
If you have bannisters, you’ll also need to take these into consideration if the sofa needs to be turned.
Will the sofa fit in the lift?
Lifts can be handy if you live in a flat but, typically, they tend to be quite small. Again, it’s a good idea to measure the inside of the lift to determine if the sofa will fit. Don’t forget about the entranceway around it and factor in how much the lift doors open too.
Other things to consider when measuring a sofa for delivery
• Are there any low-hanging ceiling lights or fans?
• Is there any artwork or mirrors on the walls that may need to be taken down?
• Are there any awkwardly shaped walls, radiators, ceiling beams or pillars?
Frequently asked questions
What are the measurements of a 2-seater sofa?
The exact dimensions of a 2-seater sofa can vary depending on the brand and style. If you’re buying one, it’s always best to refer to the product description for exact measurements.
How do you know if a sofa will fit?
The best way to determine if a sofa will fit is to measure the space you intend to place it in. You’ll want to measure the width, depth and height of the sofa in relation to the room. You’ll also want to make sure you measure any doors and hallways to ensure you can transport it to its new location.
Can a sofa be too small for a room?
This all depends on the size of the room. For example, while 2-seater sofas are perfect for small spaces, such as studios and flats, they may not be an ideal choice for larger homes, as they can make the space appear empty. Instead, you may want to consider a 4-seater or 5-seater sofa for bigger rooms, as they can utilise any dead space.
How do you know if a couch is too big for a room?
If the sofa takes up too much room and doesn’t leave any space for additional furniture, such as coffee tables, side tables or accent chairs, then it’s likely too big for the space. Although a big, comfy sofa is tempting, you may want to consider downsizing to help you maximise your space more appropriately.
Want some more sofa inspiration?
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our related guides:
Browse our fantastic range of sofas to find the perfect fit for your living space.
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