Will your new sofa fit?
Ensure your new sofa will fit in a living space with our expert guide. We'll take you through the measuring requirements and other considerations to know.
If you’re shopping for sofas online, a common question you might be asking yourself is if the sofa you like will be able to fit through your front door. 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.
From taking your sofa measurements, room measurements and tips for choosing the right sofa, discover all there is to know about measuring your sofa with our guide. Once you’re done reading, browse our sofas to find the perfect one for your living room.
Things you will need
- Measuring tape
Sofa dimensions
Depending on the type of sofa, these are the average measurements:
- 2-seater sofa: W (140 cm – 180 cm) x H (75 cm – 95 cm) x D (80 cm – 95 cm)
- 3-seater sofa: W (180 cm - 220 cm) x H (80 cm – 95 cm) x D (85 cm – 100 cm)
- Corner sofa: W (240 cm – 300 cm) x H (76 – 92 cm) x D (85 –100 cm)
How to measure a sofa
Just imagine - you’ve found the perfect sofa for your living room. It’s exactly the look that you’re going for and the colour you want. But what if the sofa isn’t the right fit for your living room? To prevent this from happening, here are the key sofa measurements you should be aware of when you’re buying a sofa.
Width
Start by measuring the sofa from arm to arm and take note of the widest point. If your sofa has rolled arms, measure from the widest point of one arm to the other. For corner sofa measurements, measure its two widths from one corner to the other where they meet in the middle.
Average width based on sofa type:
2 seater sofa - 140 cm – 180 cm
3 seater sofa - 180 cm - 220 cm
Corner sofa - 240 cm – 300 cm (depending on the type of corner sofa)
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
When measuring the seat depth, you should also take note of the back cushions, as this will affect your seating.
Average depth based on sofa type:
2 seater sofa - 80 cm – 95 cm
3 seater sofa - 85 cm – 100 cm
Corner sofa - 85 –100 cm
Diagonal depth
Next, measure the diagonal depth. Place your tape measure at the top corner of the sofa frame to the bottom front of the sofa arm.
Height
Measure from the highest point of the sofa (the back) to the floor. The highest point of the sofa may vary depending on the sofa type, so you should also take note of the seat cushion and arm height. Sofa legs are sometimes attached to the sofa, that’s why it’s best to measure from the highest point to the floor.
Average height based on sofa type:
2 seater sofa - 75 cm – 95 cm
3 seater sofa - 80 cm – 95 cm
Corner sofa - 76 – 92 cm
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:
1. Entranceway and doorways
Measure all doors and entranceways that your sofa will be carried through.
Aside from that, here are some other things to consider:
- Take into account the door length, width and diagonal size to make sure the sofa can fit
- Check the diagonal height of the sofa once rotated and tilted
- If you live in an apartment, you should also note the size of your lift or the length and width of your staircase so your sofa can be transported safely.
- For sofas that need to fit through loft stairs, note down the sofa’s diagonal depth and height against the staircase measurements
2. Hallways
Don’t forget to measure the hallway ceiling and be aware of any hazards, such as sharp turns, before your sofa reaches the living room.
Will my sofa fit in my living room?
The depth and length of the sofa are the key points to consider if you’re buying your sofa online. A pro tip would be to aim for the sofa to be two-thirds of the wall length. Think about the layout of your living room and where you will be placing your sofa, such as up against a wall or letting it float in the middle of the room.
Choose a sofa with more depth if you’re tall, as it will allow you to stretch out comfortably with your feet touching the floor. If you are small in size, a smaller sofa should suffice. Here are a few other things you should 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? Recliner and sectional sofas may often take up additional space depending on the style.
- Corner sofas usually take up more floor space than regular two or three seater sofas. Take into account the traffic flow of the room and that it doesn’t block any doors or windows.
- If you like chaise sofas, remember that they extend forward, so it's important to take into account the layout of the living room and that it doesn’t take up too much space.
What if my sofa won’t fit?
- Always make sure to measure doorways, entrances and hallways before purchasing your sofa. Double-checking is essential!
- If your sofa has detachable legs and cushions, it’s a good idea to assemble it fully once it’s all in your living room.
- If it still doesn’t fit after all the steps above, choosing a different sofa is for the best.
FAQs
How to measure if a sofa will fit?
Measure the width, depth, diagonal depth, and height of the sofa. When measuring the height of the sofa, take into account the height with legs and without legs.
What is the 2 3 rule for sofas?
This refers to the rule that the sofa should be two-thirds of the wall length or the rug it is placed against. This is so the sofa looks proportional to the living room.
Is it okay to put a sofa against a wall?
There’s no strict rule for putting a sofa against a wall. However, designers usually advise leaving a small gap between the sofa and the wall to prevent the space from feeling too cramped.
Besides the correct measurements, choosing the right sofa style is an important step towards creating your perfect living room. Discover the different sofa styles available to suit your home. For more advice, browse our living room layout guide for helpful tips.
