Introduction

Finding the perfect sofa is exciting, but there is one important question many shoppers forget to ask:

Will the sofa actually fit into my home?

A sofa may fit perfectly in your living room but still be too large to get through a doorway, hallway, staircase, or elevator.

Taking a few measurements before purchasing can help prevent delivery problems and make the entire process much easier.

In this guide, we'll explain how to measure for a sofa, what areas of your home you should check, and how to determine whether your new sofa or sectional can make it safely to its final location.

Why Measuring for a Sofa Is So Important

When shopping for furniture, most people measure the space where the sofa will eventually sit.

That's important, but it's only part of the process.

You also need to consider the entire delivery path from the entrance of your home to the final room.

This means checking exterior doors, front entrances, hallways, interior doors, corners, staircases, elevators, and condo corridors.

A sofa that fits perfectly in your living room doesn't necessarily fit the route into your living room.

Step 1: Measure the Sofa

Start by checking the complete dimensions of the sofa you're considering.

Sofa Width

Measure from the outside of one arm to the outside of the other arm.

Sofa Depth

Measure from the front of the sofa to the furthest point at the back.

Sofa Height

Measure from the floor to the highest point of the sofa.

You should also find out whether the sofa's legs, cushions, backs, or other components can be removed during delivery. Removable components can sometimes make it considerably easier to move a sofa through a tight entrance.

Step 2: Measure Your Front Door

Next, measure the entrance to your home.

You'll want to know the usable width and height of the doorway rather than simply the dimensions of the door itself.

Pay attention to the door frame, handles, hinges, storm doors, and anything else that reduces the available opening.

You should also examine the area immediately outside and inside the doorway. Even if the sofa fits through the opening, the delivery team may need additional room to rotate or angle it.

Step 3: Measure Hallways and Corners

Hallways can create problems even when a sofa fits through the front door.

Measure the width and height of your hallways and identify the narrowest points along the delivery route.

Pay particular attention to tight corners and 90-degree turns.

A long sofa may fit through a hallway based on width alone but still be difficult to maneuver around a corner. Ceiling height can also become important when a sofa needs to be tilted or positioned vertically.

Step 4: Measure Your Staircase

If your sofa needs to travel upstairs or downstairs, the staircase requires careful measurement.

Check the staircase width, ceiling height and available space at each landing.

Look for obstacles such as railings, light fixtures, low ceilings and tight turns.

The space at the top and bottom of the staircase is also important because the sofa may need to be rotated before entering another hallway or room.

Step 5: Measure the Elevator

This is particularly important for condos and apartments.

Measure the elevator door opening as well as the interior width, depth and height of the elevator.

Don't assume a large elevator automatically means your sofa will fit. The elevator door itself can sometimes be the limiting factor.

You should also contact your building management before delivery. Many condominiums require residents to reserve a service elevator or schedule furniture deliveries during specific hours.

Step 6: Measure the Final Room

Once you've confirmed that the sofa can enter your home, make sure it works comfortably in the room itself.

Measure the available wall space as well as the overall length and width of the room.

Consider windows, doors, heating vents, walkways and existing furniture.

One simple trick is to use painter's tape to mark the sofa's dimensions directly on your floor. This gives you a much better idea of how much space the sofa will actually occupy.

Don't Forget Sofa Depth

Width gets most of the attention when people shop for sofas, but depth can be just as important.

A deep sofa may fit perfectly along your wall while extending too far into the room.

This can reduce walking space, make your coffee table feel crowded and interfere with doors or other furniture.

Sofa depth is especially important when furnishing apartments, condos and smaller living rooms.

How Much Space Should You Leave Around a Sofa?

Your sofa shouldn't simply fit. Your room should still be comfortable to use after the sofa is installed.

Leave enough room for people to move around the furniture comfortably.

If you're placing a coffee table in front of the sofa, make sure there is sufficient space between the sofa and table for comfortable movement.

You should also avoid blocking frequently used doorways, heating vents and major traffic paths.

How to Measure for a Sectional

Sectionals require additional planning because they occupy considerably more floor space than traditional sofas.

Start by checking the sectional's overall width and depth.

Then check the length of the chaise and determine whether you're purchasing a left-facing or right-facing configuration.

You should also obtain the dimensions of the individual sectional pieces.

Many sectionals are delivered in separate pieces, which can make them easier to move through entrances than a similarly sized one-piece sofa.

However, every individual section still needs to fit through the delivery path.

Will a Sofa Fit Through a Standard Door?

There isn't one measurement that guarantees every sofa will fit through a standard doorway.

The answer depends on the sofa's width, height, depth, shape and construction, as well as the amount of space available around the doorway.

Some sofas can be tilted or rotated through an entrance. Others may have removable legs or backs that reduce their dimensions.

This is why measuring both the sofa and the delivery route is so important.

What If the Sofa Is Very Close to the Doorway Size?

If the measurements are extremely close, don't assume the sofa will fit.

A difference of only an inch or two can become important when the sofa needs to be tilted or rotated.

Walls, ceilings, door frames, railings and corners can all limit the amount of movement available to the delivery team.

If you're unsure, provide your measurements to the furniture retailer before ordering.

Common Sofa Measuring Mistakes

Only Measuring the Living Room

The sofa also needs to reach the living room. Measure the entire delivery path.

Forgetting Tight Corners

A hallway may be wide enough for the sofa while the turn at the end of the hallway isn't.

Ignoring Stair Railings

Railings can significantly reduce the usable width of a staircase.

Forgetting the Elevator

Condo and apartment shoppers should always confirm elevator dimensions before purchasing large furniture.

Ignoring Sofa Depth

An overly deep sofa can make a smaller living room feel crowded even when its overall width fits.

Measuring the Door Instead of the Opening

Measure the actual usable opening between the door frame and any obstacles.

A Simple Sofa Measuring Checklist

Before purchasing your sofa, record the sofa's width, height and depth.

Next, measure the width and height of your front entrance.

Continue through the delivery path and record the dimensions of hallways, corners, staircases, landings and interior doors.

For condos and apartments, confirm both the elevator opening and interior elevator dimensions.

Finally, measure the living room and the exact location where the sofa will be placed.

Keeping these measurements with you while shopping can make choosing the right sofa considerably easier.

The Three Measurements to Remember

If you remember only one thing from this guide, remember this:

Measure the sofa.

Measure the room.

Measure the entire path between them.

All three matter.

Final Thoughts

Measuring before buying a sofa takes only a few minutes, but it can prevent a major headache on delivery day.

Don't focus only on whether the sofa looks good or whether it fits against your living room wall.

Consider how the furniture will enter your home, move through hallways and corners, navigate stairs or elevators, and ultimately fit into your living space.

At AMRO Furniture, our team can help you compare sofa and sectional dimensions and choose furniture that works with your space.

Visit AMRO Furniture

Visit our showroom at 1420 Kennedy Road, Scarborough to explore sofas and sectionals in a variety of sizes, styles and configurations.

Browse online at AmroFurniture.com