How to Measure for a Sofa:
The Oliver Matthews Guide
Here at Oliver Matthews,
our sofas are custom-made, offering the benefit of tailored design and size specifications. And to make the perfect sofa, we rely on precise measurements from our customers to deliver precisely what you envision.
Accurate measurements are crucial when ordering a sofa to ensure a perfect fit in your home, so it’s essential to measure two key factors – the size of the sofa for your home and the size needed for delivery. Firstly, determining the floorspace your sofa will occupy allows you to select the appropriate size. You need to know just how much space you are working with so you can figure out how large (or small) a sofa you need! Secondly, measuring for delivery ensures that your chosen sofa can be seamlessly manoeuvred from the street to its designated space within your home.
In this article, we’ll provide essential guidance on how to measure effectively for your new sofa, highlighting the importance of precise measurements for both space planning and delivery logistics.
Understanding Key Measurements
For the purposes of this guide, we are concerned with three main measurements: width, depth, and height.
WIDTH:
Measured from corner to corner along the longest line of the sofa, width helps determine the sofa's overall size. The endpoints of this measurement are typically referred to as points A and B.
DEPTH:
The depth of a sofa is measured from the front-most surface of the seat to the rear-most surface of the backrest. It indicates how far into the room the sofa will extend.
HEIGHT:
Height refers to the distance from the floor to the highest point of the sofa, usually the top of the backrest. This measurement is crucial for assessing the sofa's overall scale and proportion within the space.
Measuring for Different Sofa Types
How to Measure for a Standard Sofa
A standard sofa is the easiest sofa to measure for. Just assess all three dimensions in a straight line: width, depth, and height. Remember to ensure the width and depth align with the room's layout and any other furniture. Masking tape can help visualise the sofa's footprint.
How to Measure for a Corner Sofa
A corner sofa is delivered in 3 sections, a corner box and 2 sofa sections with 1 arm. For a corner sofa, gather measurements for both sections. Measure from point A to point B for the first section and from point B to point C for the second section.
If one side is longer than the other, note which side it is as you face it. For example, point A to point B would be classed as left-hand facing and point B to point C would be right-hand facing. Depth and height are measured the same as a standard sofa.
How to Measure for a U-Shape Sofa
Measuring a U-shape sofa involves adding a fourth point. Measure from points A to B, then from B to C, and finally from A to D. You should now have three width measurements. Depth and height are measured the same way as with corner and standard sofas.
How to Measure for a Curved Sofa
The easiest way to measure for a curved sofa is to assess the entire area as a rectangle. Use masking tape to outline the sofa's entire length and width. We can then use that measurement to determine what size curved sofa will fit in that space. If you want to get into more accurate detail, you can map out the precise shape of a curved unit on your floor using masking tape. To do that, you will need a flexible measuring tape.
Key measurements include back width (the entire width of the back curve), curved front width (each section's face), straight front width (outer edges), depth (from the back's centre point to the straight front line), and height (from the floor to the top of the back).Here’s how to get the four measurements for your bespoke curved sofa:
Back Width
Measure the entire width of the curve section of the back. Imagine running a flexible tape measure along the entire back as it curves from corner to corner, and take that measurement.
Front Width (Curved)
Take a similar measurement as the back width but take it on the front of the sofa, on the face of each section.
Front Width (Straight)
Measure a straight line from the outer edge of one end of the sofa to the outer edge of the other. This is the total width the unit will occupy in the rectangular area measured earlier.
Depth
Measure from the centre point of the back out to the straight line measured for the front of the sofa. This is the total depth the unit will take up in the rectangular area.
Height
Measure the distance from the floor to the top of the back.
Read Our Guide to Choosing Your Sofa ShapeMeasuring for Delivery
Now let's dive into measuring for delivery to ensure seamless transportation of your new sofa into your home.
Measuring Your Front Door
Ideally, your sofa should fit through your front door effortlessly. Measure the width of the door frame. If it exceeds the height of your sofa, it should pass through without issues. Note that modern sofas often come with removable feet to accommodate door frames of varying heights. You simply unscrew the feet if the extra height they add will not let the sofa through the door.
If your front door is too narrow, try rotating the sofa to manoeuvre it through the door frame. Ensure the door frame's height exceeds the sofa's width, and you should be able to get it through. There are times when a door frame is wide enough to accommodate the sofa but there is an obstruction preventing the door from being opened fully. In this case, there may be no other option but to remove the door from its hinges.
Measuring Internal Doors And Stairways
Delivery to small flats or upper floors with a flight or two of stairs can be complex. Start by measuring the main door, ensuring it's wide enough for the sofa. This is generally not a problem in modern buildings as they are designed to accommodate furniture deliveries. Older buildings may be problematic. Measure the main door the same way you would the front door to a house.
Next, measure the width of stairways, leaving enough space between the wall and handrail for comfortable carrying. If there isn't rom, you might be forced to carry the sofa above your head, which is both uncomfortable and dangerous. Consider the width of any landings, especially if the staircase turns, as narrow landings may require standing the sofa on end for manoeuvring around corners, as long as the ceiling is high enough. You’ll need to carry it up the first section, stand it on end, rotate it, then carry it up the second section.
Finally, measure the width of any hallways you will be moving through. Remember to account for any obstructions like radiators, to ensure clearance. Ideally, you want to measure the narrowest points along the path, as this is the amount of space you will have to work with. If you cannot get the sofa through that space, the rest of your measurements are not going to matter.
Why We Love Bespoke Sofas
Investing in a bespoke sofa offers a range of advantages that cater to your specific needs and preferences. With bespoke sofas, you enjoy unparalleled flexibility in design, allowing you to customise every aspect to suit your style and space requirements! At Oliver Matthews, our bespoke sofas are tailored to your exact specifications, ensuring a perfect fit for your home.
Another key benefit of bespoke sofas is the flexibility they offer in delivery options. Unlike standard sofas, bespoke pieces can be designed with features such as removable arms and sectional assembly, making delivery into tight spaces easier and more convenient. This means you can enjoy the luxury of a custom-made sofa without worrying about accessibility issues. Whether you're dealing with narrow doorways, tight staircases, or challenging layouts, our bespoke sofas are designed to adapt to your home environment seamlessly.
Shop Bespoke Sofas at Oliver Matthews
Hopefully, you now understand how to measure for a sofa. Remember to measure the space the sofa will occupy in your home. Whatever you order should be able to fit in that space nicely, with enough room to safely walk around the unit. When you're measuring for delivery, you are measuring to make sure you can lift, turn, and manoeuvre each section from the street to its intended location.
When it comes to finding the perfect sofa for your home, consider the benefits of bespoke options from Oliver Matthews. With our expertise in custom-made furniture, we can help you create a sofa that not only fits your space perfectly but also reflects your unique style and preferences.
Shop our range of
bespoke sofas online today, or get in touch with our friendly team to find out more about buying a bespoke sofa from us!
