How to correctly measure a sofa?

The sofa is the centerpiece and has become a reference in home decoration. It’s the most used piece of furniture and one of the most comfortable places in the room: it’s where you entertain guests, it’s where your children spend most of their time, and if you have pets, it’s likely to be a territorial area of its own. How to correctly measure a sofa?

Once you have found the perfect sofa design and style, you need to consider and make sure that the sofa you have chosen fits your space and is of the same scale as your other furniture. Some measurements are essential and should be taken into consideration when getting the dimensions of the sofa. In this article we will tell you what size you need and how to measure your sofa.

Why are accurate measurements so important?

Furniture delivery drivers sometimes have to deal with carrying a couch into a home through windows or dismantling a couch to bring it inside. Sometimes sofas are returned to stores because they don’t fit through doors or are too large or too small for the rooms they were intended for.

Measurement is necessary to place the sofa inside and make sure it fits the room. Whether placed against a wall or sitting in an open space, it should fit. You also want it to be the same scale as the other furniture and the room. For example, measure the space for coffee tables or any other structural elements you think you’ll want to include. A rule of thumb for a large sofa is that it should be about 2/3 the size of the room.

When selecting a sofa, it’s equally important to make sure it’s right for you (and your family members). If you are taller, it makes sense to have a sofa with more depth so that your legs extend comfortably while still touching the floor. If you are smaller or have a smaller family, a smaller sofa may be sufficient.

Measurement method suitable for sofa

Measure the width of the sofa

When measuring a sofa, determine the width from arm to arm as this is the widest part of the sofa. If your sofa armrest happens to have rolled arms, measure the widest part of the armrest relative to the other armrest. A standard-sized sofa has a width that is typically 6 to 8 feet long, and a standard loveseat is typically 4 to 6 feet long. Learn more about sofa armrest styles here.

Measure the height of the sofa

To get the sofa height dimension, measure the highest point of the sofa’s back. For a camelback sofa, be sure to measure from the center of the back, where the highest point is, to the floor.

Measure the depth of the sofa

One of the most important measurements to take is the depth of the sofa. Measure from the outside or front edge of the seat to the backrest. Measuring it from the sides will be best. The full-size sofa typically has a depth of 32 to 40 inches, while a loveseat has a depth of 28 to 30 inches.

Measure the width of the seat

When measuring the width of the sofa seat, keep in mind that this is the distance between the armrests. Then you need to get the measurement from one side of the seating area to the other. For the sofa without armrests the width of the seat corresponds to the length of the sofa.

Measure the seat height

To get your sofa seat height dimension, measure from the floor to the top edge of the seat cushion.

Measure the seat depth

To get your sofa seat depth, measure from the front edge of the seat cushion to where the back cushion begins.

How to correctly measure a sectional sofa?

There are three types of sectional sofas of different sizes that you can choose from to find the one that best suits your space.

The small two-piece sectional sofa that is usually L-shaped and combines two layers or a loveseat and a chaise lounge. A sectional sofa with chaise lounge has a length of between 195 and 215 inches and an average depth of between 37 and 40 inches.

The medium-sized three-piece sectional sofa that is usually U-shaped and combines a sofa, loveseat and chaise lounge. The average length of a three-seat sectional sofa is between 78 and 88 inches with an average overall depth of 70 inches.

The large sectional sofa that is usually four-piece/five-piece and six-piece. An equal-sided five-piece sectional sofa has an average size of 95 x 95 inches.

When measuring a corner-length sectional sofa, measure the distance from the left-most rear leg to the right-most rear leg. To measure the depth, start from the front edge toward the back of the sectional.

How do you know if a sofa/sectional is right?

To make sure your sofa or sectional will fit, you should also measure the size of your living space by noting the height, length, and width of the room where you want to place your sofa or sectional.

Consider the measurements of all passages such as the front door, corridors and stairs. If your sofa is placed in front of a window, measure the height of the window from the floor, making sure the sofa is no higher than the windowsill.

How to measure a sofa cover

When you want to update and cover an outdated upholstery pattern or simply protect your sofa, the easiest way is to put on a sofa slipcover or slipcover. We’ll give you some tips to help you measure and make sure your sofa cover fits perfectly.

Measure the length of the blanket

To determine the longest sofa cover length, measure your sofa from the outside of one armrest to the outside of the other armrest.

Measure the seat cushion

Measure the length from one side of the sofa to the other, making sure to measure at the widest part. Just under the arm of the sofa, measure the depth of the cushion.

Measure the width of the sofa

Measure the outside edge and depth, starting by measuring the front and outside edge of a sofa armrest; continue to the back corner and around the back of the sofa. Add your measurement after measuring the front and outside edge of the opposite armrest of the sofa.

Measure the height of the pillow

To determine your sofa cushion height, obtain the cushion’s seat height measurements, measuring from the floor to the top of the seat cushion.

Measure the total height of the sofa

Measure the sofa from the floor to the top back edge.

Having a sofa not only in the living room, but also in other rooms of the house aims to provide not only comfort and convenience; but also functionality and practicality such as offering additional storage space. So here are some ways to measure your sofas.