Choosing the perfect piece of furniture is just the beginning of creating your dream space. Whether you’re moving into a new home or upgrading a room, ensuring that your new furniture will fit is essential. Nothing dampens the excitement of a new purchase more than realizing it won’t fit through the door or is too big for your living room. So, let’s discuss how to measure your furniture and space correctly to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Last Updated: September 18, 2024
Step 1: Measure the Space in Your Room
Before you even think about bringing in new furniture, take a good look at the room you’re furnishing. Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of the space. You’ll want to know the width, length, and height of the room, as well as the size of any doorways, windows, or architectural elements like fireplaces or built-in shelving.
Having a detailed floor plan of your room is always a good idea. It helps you visualize where everything will go and ensures you don’t end up with a piece that’s too large or awkward for the space.
Step 2: Know the Traffic Flow
Furniture isn’t just about fitting it into a room; it’s also about functionality. Consider the traffic flow within the space. How do you and your family move around the room? Make sure there’s enough space to walk comfortably around your new furniture. A good rule of thumb is to leave about 2-3 feet of walking space between pieces to keep the feeling open and easy to navigate.
Step 3: Measure Your Furniture
Once you have the room dimensions, it’s time to measure the furniture itself. Measure the width, depth, and height of the item you’re considering. Don’t forget to account for any additional space that may be needed if the piece reclines, has drawers, or extends in any way.
For example, when purchasing a sectional, make sure to measure both sections and consider how much space you need for the corner. For recliners, be mindful of the distance required between the wall and the back of the chair when fully reclined.
Step 4: Measure the Entryways and Hallways
One of the biggest challenges when bringing new furniture home is getting it through the door. Take the time to measure your entryways, hallways, and staircases. Measure the width and height of every doorway the furniture will need to pass through. Be sure to account for any tight corners or low ceilings along the way.
Keep in mind that you can sometimes turn furniture on its side or at an angle to fit it through the front door. Oftentimes this trick will work when the furniture will not fit straight through. Another idea is to remove the door from its hinges if it might still be a tight fit. All you need in most cases is a flat head screwdriver and a hammer!
Don’t forget the elevator or stairwell if you live in an apartment or multi-story home. A lot of people overlook these areas, and trust me, getting stuck in the stairwell with a bulky piece of furniture isn’t fun! (PIVOT!)
Step 5: Consider Angles and Assembly
Some larger furniture pieces, like sectionals or bed frames, may come in multiple parts. In those cases, it’s easier to maneuver them through tight spaces. If you’re worried about fitting a large piece, check whether it can be disassembled for easier transport.
It’s also helpful to plan ahead for assembling your furniture in the room. Make sure you’ve measured enough clearance to comfortably work on the assembly without having to move the piece around too much.
Step 6: Use Tools to Visualize
Now that you’ve gathered your measurements, there are plenty of tools you can use to help visualize the layout. Online room planners and augmented reality apps allow you to map out where the furniture will go before making any final decisions. These tools can help you avoid surprises and let you play around with different layouts.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, try using painter’s tape on the floor to outline where each piece will sit. This will give you a sense of how much space the furniture will occupy and how it fits with the rest of your decor.
Common Household Items
Many of the items that most households have throughout their homes have common sizes. For example, an 8.5″ x 11″ (21.5 x 28 cm) piece of paper is universal everywhere. Most standard yoga mats measure 68″ (172.75 cm) long. A 2-liter bottle of soda measures 12.4” (31.5 cm) tall. The average cell phone measures about 6.5″ (16.5 cm). You can use one of these items or another common item in your house to measure and do the math from there.
Final Thoughts
Measuring your furniture and space may seem like a daunting task, but it’s worth every minute. By taking the time to measure properly, you’ll avoid the headache of returns and ensure that your new furniture fits perfectly into your home.
Need More Help?
You can contact one of Gardner White’s experts at (248) 481-2208, chat with one online, or visit one of our local Michigan stores.
