Furniture that looks perfect online can feel wrong in a real room — or not get through the door at all. A few measurements prevent most problems.
1. Measure the room
Record the length and width, plus the position of doors, windows, radiators and outlets. Sketch a simple floor plan with these on it.
2. Measure the path
Measure every doorway, hallway, stairwell and elevator on the way in, and note any tight turns. A sofa’s depth and height matter as much as its width, because it can often be tilted or turned.
3. Leave breathing room
- About 30–36 inches for main walkways.
- 14–18 inches between a sofa and a coffee table.
- About 36 inches of clearance around a dining table to pull out chairs.
4. Mark it out
Use painter’s tape on the floor at the product’s dimensions. You will see immediately whether the piece crowds the room.
5. Compare with the product page
Check width, depth and height in the specifications and the dimensions image, then compare with your measurements.