How to Measure for New Furniture
Buying a new sofa or a dining table is exciting, until it doesn't fit through the door. Here is how to measure like a professional decorator.
1. Measure Twice, Buy Once
Always measure the space where the furniture will live. Don't just measure the floor space; consider "reach" (e.g., how far a recliner extends or how far a drawer pulls out).
2. The "Path of Entry"
This is the mistake most people make. Your room might be huge, but if your hallway has a tight corner or your elevator is small, you're in trouble. Measure:
- Doorway widths and heights
- Hallway widths
- Clearance at corners/turns
- Ceiling heights (for tall wardrobes)
3. Tape it Out
A great pro tip is to use painter's tape to "draw" the footprint of the new furniture on your floor. This helps you visualize the flow of the room and ensures you aren't blocking any walkways or vents.
If the delivery guy says the box is "34 and 5/16 inches wide," you can use our TapeVisualizer search to see exactly how tight that fit will be on your 35-inch doorframe!