How to Measure for a Sofa: Room, Doorways and Stairs

Most sofa problems are measuring problems. The sofa is the right style, the right fabric and the right price, and then it will not go through the front door, or it fits the wall but blocks the radiator. Ten minutes with a tape measure before you order saves a great deal of hassle. Here is the whole process.

What you will need

A tape measure, masking tape, a pen and paper (or your phone's notes), and ideally a second person to hold the other end.

Measure the space

1. Measure the wall the sofa will sit against, from corner to corner or to the nearest obstacle such as a radiator, a window or a door swing.
2. Decide the maximum width. A sofa should not touch both walls, as it will look squeezed. Leave at least a few centimetres at each end if you can.
3. Measure the depth you can give up. Most sofas are between about 85cm and 105cm deep. Leave around 60cm of walkway in front of the sofa, or 45cm at the very least.
4. Check the height. If the sofa sits under a window, check the back height against the sill, and against shelves or pictures.

Tape it out on the floor

Use masking tape to mark the sofa's width and depth on the floor. This does more than any plan on paper. Walk around it, open the doors and sit on a chair next to it. Does it feel right? If the room feels cramped, you have saved yourself a return.

Measure the route

This is the step most people skip. Measure the narrowest point on every part of the route:

• The front door, width and height, noting any hinges that stick out.
• The hallway, including radiators, shoe racks and console tables.
• Turns. A tight L-turn in a hallway is harder than a wide doorway.
• Stairs, if the sofa is going upstairs: width, headroom and any turns or banisters.
• The room door, which is often narrower than the front door.

Compare these with the listed dimensions on the product page. Allow a few centimetres either side so it does not scrape the paintwork.

Corner sofas: measure both walls

For a corner sofa, measure both walls, and remember the longer chaise section as well as the main body. Stand facing the sofa to work out whether you need a left-hand or right-hand configuration.

Modular and compressed sofas

Modular and cloud sofas usually arrive compressed in boxes, which makes the route in easier than for a fully built sofa. You still need space in the room to unpack and let the cushions expand.

What if it is tight?

• Take doors off their hinges. It adds a few centimetres.
• Remove the legs or arms where the sofa is designed to allow it.
• Choose a sectional or modular design, which arrives in pieces.
• Consider a smaller sofa. A two-seater often fits where a three-seater does not.

Your quick checklist

• Wall width and maximum sofa width noted.
• Walkway of 60cm in front.
• Radiators, sockets and windows checked.
• Front door, hallway, stairs and room door measured.
• Listed sofa dimensions compared with all of the above.

Once you know your numbers, browse the sofas and filter by the sizes that fit. Our buying guide covers the rest of the decision.