As the cornerstone of every living room, choosing the right sofa – from color to style – can be a daunting task. One of the most important considerations is its size. Whether you live in a city apartment or a country house, understanding how to measure for a new sofa is integral to a smooth installation process. In our expert guide, we’ll cover useful tips for measuring your home effectively, as well as how best to prepare for a hassle-free delivery.
KNOW YOUR DIMENSIONS
Before you have decided on a particular sofa, use a measuring tape to work out three key dimensions: width, depth and height. For the width, measure from arm to arm at the widest point of the sofa, then measure from the front of the seat to the back to determine the depth. Finally, measure from the floor to the top of the backrest to calculate the height, making sure to account for the legs if your sofa has them.
MAP OUT YOUR SPACE
Once you know the sofa dimensions, check the fit with your space. Take care not to overwhelm the room but also not to miss the opportunity for a larger sofa if your space can accommodate it.
Identify where you want your sofa and outline its dimensions on the floor and walls with masking tape. If you’re opting for a sofa bed, like the Huxley Track Arm Sofa Bed or the Ashley Sofa Bed, ensure the extendable shape is factored as well. This will help you visualize the space it will occupy and determine if you are happy with the size. Functionality is key, too, so check for any obstructions. Your sofa should not restrict access to essential features of the room, like electrical outlets, light switches or vents.
MEASURE DOORWAYS FOR SEAMLESS DELIVERY
When it comes to a seamless delivery, measuring doorways and hallways is essential. Larger or taller sofas, such as the Dune Square Arm Sofa and Ashley Sofa 3.5 Seat, require careful measurement to ensure they can be angled through passageways. Measure the width, height and diagonal of all doorways and hallways along the delivery path, paying close attention to the narrowest points. The widths at the narrowest points should be greater than the height of your sofa as this is typically the smallest dimension. Consider removing doors from their hinges if the fit is tight – even a couple of extra inches can help make the delivery process much easier.
NAVIGATING STAIRWAYS AND ELEMENTS
For apartments or multi-level homes, it is essential to check the measurements of stairways and elevators. Stairway width and height should be measured at multiple points, accounting for any turns or landings that might narrow the path. Your sofa should fit if the width of the stairway is greater than the height of the sofa. Light fixtures and handrails should be considered too.
For elevators, measure the width and height of the open door, as well its interior width, depth and height – this is important as your sofa may need to fit upright or on its side. You might also need to tilt your sofa into an angled position (especially if it has features like wide arms), so make sure to measure the diagonal distance from one corner of the elevator to the opposite corner.
CLEAR THE PATH
Ensure a smooth delivery day by clearing a direct, unobstructed path to your sofa’s chosen destination. Consider removing any nearby furniture or fragile objects from the delivery path to avoid accidents, and protect your floors with a covering to prevent scratches or marks.
If your space is proving difficult to accommodate, consider a modular sofa. Whether you’re working with a compact apartment or spacious living room, Coco Republic’s customizable, modular designs can be effortlessly adapted to suit your space. Plus, they’re made up of several individual pieces, making them ideal to maneuver through doorways and into your space. We love the Willow Modular Sofa for an effortlessly cool, modern look, while the Malone Modular Sofa has a timeless, tailored feel.
Elevate your space with the perfect sofa – shop our premium collection of classic sofas and sumptuous modulars today.
