When choosing the right sofa for your home, take the saying ‘by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail’ to heart. Measuring your sofa size, how it fits in proportion to your other furniture, and considering your living room layout will save you a lot of stress and disappointment when your sofa arrives. Our sofa measurement guide shows you exactly how to measure your sofa before you buy.
Things You Will Need
- Measuring tape
- Notebook or phone to record your notes
How to Measure a Sofa
Lexi 2-seater sofa, Grey house plush fabric
Just imagine you’ve found the perfect sofa for your living room. It has the exact look and colour you want, only for the dream to turn into a nightmare when the sofa doesn’t fit your space. To prevent this, here are the key sofa dimensions you should be aware of when buying a sofa.
1. Width
Start by measuring the sofa from arm to arm and take note of the widest point.
If the sofa has rolled arms, you must measure from the widest point of one arm to the other.
For L-shaped or sectional sofas, measure the two widths from one corner to the other where they meet in the middle to determine the overall couch dimensions.
2. Depth
Take note of the overall sofa depth and seat depth:
- The overall sofa depth refers to the measurement of the outside edge of the back seat to the front of the sofa
- Seat depth is the measurement of the sitting space
A deeper seat is ideal for lounging and relaxing, as it allows you to sit back comfortably. In smaller living rooms, a shallower seat helps maintain an open feel and prevents the space from feeling cramped.
3. Diagonal Depth
Next, measure the diagonal depth. Place your tape measure from the top back corner of the sofa frame down to the front bottom edge of the sofa arm. This helps determine whether the sofa can fit through doorways, staircases, or lifts.
4. Height
Measure from the highest point of the sofa, usually the backrest, down to the floor. The highest point can vary depending on the sofa type, so take note of the seat cushion and arm height as well. Since sofa legs are sometimes fixed to the frame, measuring from the highest point to the floor gives the most accurate overall height.
Measuring Your Sofa for Delivery
Aside from your sofa measurements, it’s also important to check your home measurements. Here are some common area measurements to take note of before it arrives:
Entrance and Doorways
Measure all doors and entranceways that your sofa will be carried through. Take into account the door height, width, and diagonal clearance to ensure the sofa can fit. If you live in an apartment, also note the size of the lift or the width and length of the staircase so the sofa can be transported safely.
Hallways
Don’t forget to measure the ceiling of the hallway and be aware of any hazards such as sharp turns before your sofa reaches the living room.
Living Room Layout
The depth and length of the sofa are key factors to consider when buying a sofa online. Always check the sofa dimensions to make sure it fits your space comfortably. A useful rule of thumb is to choose a sofa that’s around two-thirds the length of your wall. Think about your living room layout and where the sofa will be placed, whether it sits against a wall or floats in the middle of the room.
If you are considering a 2 seater sofa size, it’s a great choice for smaller apartments or cosy living areas. Larger households may prefer an L-shaped sofa, which offers extra seating while keeping the layout neat and balanced.
Choose a sofa with more depth if you’re taller, as it allows you to stretch out comfortably. If you’re smaller in size, a more compact sofa should suffice. Here are a few other things to take into account before buying:
- Will you be placing any furniture next to it? If so, will it fit?
- Is the sofa the right size for you and the rest of your household members?
- Does the style of the sofa suit your living room? Sectional sofas may often take up additional space depending on the style.
FAQs About Sofa Measurements
What are the standard sofa dimensions?
A standard three-seater sofa usually measures around 200–230 cm in width, 85–100 cm in depth, and 80–90 cm in height. Actual dimensions may vary depending on the design, style, and brand.
What sofa size is the most popular?
The three-seater sofa remains the most common choice for most households, as it offers ample seating without taking up too much space.
How much space should I leave between the sofa and the wall?
Leave around 10–15 cm of space between your sofa and the wall. This helps improve air circulation, prevents scuff marks on the wall, and makes the room feel more spacious.
