Before you buy a new sofa, you need to make sure that it will fit in your space and that you can get it through your door and hallway without any hassle. Measuring your sofa and space accurately can save you time, money, and frustration. You don’t want to end up with a sofa that is too big or too small for your room, or that you can’t even get inside your home. Here are some tips on how to measure your sofa and space properly.
Why You Need to Measure Your Sofa and Space Accurately
To measure your sofa, you need to know four dimensions: width, height, depth, and diagonal depth. These are the measurements of the sofa itself, not including any cushions or pillows. Here’s how to measure each dimension:
- Width: Measure the sofa from arm to arm, or from the outer edge of one arm to the outer edge of the other arm. This is the widest part of the sofa.
- Height: Measure the sofa from the floor to the highest point of the back, or the top of the back cushion. For a camelback sofa, measure from the center of the back, where it is the highest, to the floor.
- Depth: Measure the sofa from the front edge of the seat to the back of the sofa. You can measure from the side of the sofa for more accuracy.
- Diagonal Depth: Measure the sofa from the back of the frame to the front of the arm, along a diagonal line. This is the measurement that determines if the sofa can fit through your door or hallway. You can use a tape measure or a string to measure the diagonal depth.
How to Measure Your Space
To measure your space, you need to know the dimensions of the room where you want to place the sofa, as well as the dimensions of the entryway, hallway, and stairway that the sofa will have to pass through. Here’s how to measure each dimension:
- Room: Measure the length and width of the room, and the height of the ceiling. You also need to measure the distance from the wall where you want to place the sofa to the nearest door, window, or other furniture. This will help you determine how much space you have for the sofa and how it will fit with the rest of the room.
- Entryway: Measure the width and height of the door that the sofa will enter through, as well as the depth of the door frame. You also need to measure the clearance of the door, or how much space you have to maneuver the sofa once it is inside.
- Hallway: Measure the width and height of the hallway that the sofa will go through, as well as the length of the hallway. You also need to measure the narrowest point of the hallway, and any turns or angles that the sofa will have to make.
- Stairway: Measure the width and height of the stairway that the sofa will go up or down, as well as the number of steps and the depth of each step. You also need to measure the clearance of the stairway, or how much space you have to maneuver the sofa on the stairs.
How to Compare Dimensions
Once you have measured your sofa and space, you need to compare the dimensions to see if the sofa can fit in your space and through your entryway, hallway, and stairway. Here are some rules of thumb to follow:
- The width of the sofa should be less than the width of the door, the hallway, and the stairway.
- The height of the sofa should be less than the height of the door, the hallway, the stairway, and the ceiling.
- The depth of the sofa should be less than the depth of the door frame and the depth of each step.
- The diagonal depth of the sofa should be less than the height of the door and the height of the stairway.
If the sofa is too big for any of these dimensions, you may need to look for a smaller sofa, or a sofa that can be disassembled or folded for delivery. Some sofas have removable legs or arms that can make them easier to fit through tight spaces. You can also ask the furniture store or the delivery service if they can help you with the delivery, or if they have any special tools or techniques to get the sofa inside your home.
How to Choose the Right Sofa Size for Your Room
Besides measuring your sofa and space for delivery, you also need to consider how the sofa will look and feel in your room. You want to choose a sofa that is proportional to your room size and that matches your style and comfort preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right sofa size for your room:
- Scale: The sofa should be in scale with the rest of the room and the other furniture. A general rule is that the sofa should be about two-thirds the size of the room. You can also use the floor plan of your room to see how the sofa will fit with the other elements.
- Function: The sofa should suit the function of the room and your needs. For example, if you want to use the sofa for lounging, watching TV, or entertaining guests, you may want a larger sofa that can accommodate more people and offer more comfort. If you want to use the sofa for reading, working, or sleeping, you may want a smaller sofa that can fit in a corner or a niche.
- Style: The sofa should match the style of the room and your personal taste. For example, if you have a modern or minimalist room, you may want a sleek and simple sofa that has clean lines and neutral colors. If you have a traditional or cozy room, you may want a plush and ornate sofa that has curves and patterns.
- Color: The sofa should complement the color scheme of the room and create the mood you want. For example, if you want to create a bright and cheerful room, you may want a sofa that has a vibrant and warm color, such as red, orange, or yellow. If you want to create a calm and relaxing room, you may want a sofa that has a cool and soothing color, such as blue, green, or purple.
How Far Should Your Sofa Be From the TV?
Another factor to consider when choosing the right sofa size for your room is the distance from the TV. You want to place your sofa at a distance that allows you to enjoy the TV without straining your eyes or missing any details. The ideal distance from the TV to the sofa depends on the size and resolution of your TV, as well as your personal preference. A general guideline is to multiply the diagonal size of your TV by 1.5 to 2.5 to get the optimal distance in inches. For example, if you have a 50-inch TV, you should place your sofa between 75 and 125 inches away from the TV. However, this guideline may vary depending on the type and quality of your TV. For example, if you have a 4K or HD TV, you can sit closer to the TV without losing any clarity, because the TV has more pixels and higher resolution. According to Sony, the recommended distance for watching a 4K TV is 1.5 times the TV’s vertical screen size. For example, if you have a 55-inch 4K TV, you should place your sofa about 68 inches away from the TV. Ultimately, the best distance from the TV to the sofa is the one that makes you comfortable and happy. You can experiment with different distances and angles until you find the one that works for you.
Conclusion
Measuring your sofa and space for a smooth delivery is not hard, but it requires some planning and preparation. You need to measure the dimensions of your sofa and your space, and compare them to see if the sofa can fit in your room and through your entryway, hallway, and stairway. You also need to choose the right sofa size for your room, considering the scale, function, style, color, and distance from the TV. By following these tips, you can avoid any delivery problems and enjoy your new sofa in your home.
