Are you looking to buy new pieces of furniture for your home? If you don’t measure your space properly, you might end up with pieces that are too large or too small. It’ll not only disappoint you but also cost you money. To help avoid that, we’ve curated this practical guide outlining 7 simple steps to measure your room when buying furniture.
You’ll learn exactly how to measure your space accurately, saving you time, money, and the headache of returns. Let’s get started and make your next furniture purchase a perfect fit.
1. Sketch a Simple Floor Plan
You should start with a basic drawing of your room that has a very simple layout. And no, you do not need advanced artistic skills here. A rough sketch on paper works perfectly well.
Remember to include all four walls in your drawing. Mark every constructed piece, like windows, doors, and built-in features, clearly. Also, note the direction in which each door opens.
Then, write down the length and width of the room. Also, measure ceiling height if you want tall furniture pieces. You can use a measuring tape for accurate dimensions.
The more comprehensive the floor plan you make, the easier the next steps get. This floor plan will serve as your visual guide, helping you choose the correct furniture dimensions.
2. Note Fixed Points and Useable Space
Once you have the floor plan, the next step is to identify elements that cannot move or change. These are called fixed points in your room, for example, radiators, air vents, or outlets.
Also, while considering your actual usable space, remember to account for features like baseboards or moldings. They can slightly reduce the true dimensions of the working space. This is why you need to measure carefully around windows and doors, and cupboards too.
Do not forget about functional zones either. Ask questions like: Will you need to access that cupboard several times a day? If the answer is yes, then leave space to fully open drawers or doors. You do not want to block a closet or cabinet. Ensure your furniture allows you to do that.
All these considerations are really important. Yes, it’s important to have beautiful and aesthetic furniture. However, it’s equally important that your furniture complements a practical layout.
3. Check Entryways, Stairs and Hallways
This step here is something most people tend to skip. You could furnish your room well, but it’s useless if you can’t enter the room easily in the first place. Therefore, make sure to measure all doorways, both interior and exterior. Always remember to include frame depths, too.
Additionally, note any tight turns or narrow passages in the way in. Look for angled spaces; they can make or break the deal. They might look spacious, but they will trick you.
Similarly, a diagonal wall reduces actual square footage, and you could easily damage the furniture or electrical fixtures along the way. So, you need to account for every inch of the path inside. You do not want any surprises on the delivery days.
Always have a plan B for tricky items. Sometimes, disassembly is necessary for larger items to enter. So, you need to buy furniture that can be easily reassembled in your given room.
4. Outline Furniture with Tape or Cardboard
Visualization beats imagination every single time. This step is going to help you with that. A practical way of measuring for furniture is to use painter’s tape to mark outlines on the floor. This shows you how much physical space it truly consumes.
Another great trick is using cardboard boxes for more visual guidance. This method will provide you with a 3D projection. You can walk around this makeshift furniture and get a good idea of how the actual piece is going to look.
Measuring this way can help you sense proportions and spacing. It also saves you from dragging your expensive custom pieces, and you won’t have buyer’s remorse later.
5. Allow Walking and Flow Space
You are not buying furniture to turn your room into a maze. A room that’s easy on the eyes but feels cramped fails. Therefore, you should aim for both aesthetic and practical success.
Needless to say, always prioritize functionality by looking for ease of movement and use. Your comfort matters much more than filling every inch of the room.
You don’t want to ask your guest to squeeze every time someone passes by. To maintain the natural flow and make it more welcoming for your guests, chairs and sofas need conversation distance.
You need to design pathways for comfortable movement. Therefore, allow at least 30 inches for main walkways. This way, you could easily walk with a tray, a grocery bag, or a baby in your arms.
6. Know Standard Furniture Sizes Beforehand
Most sofas are 72″ to 96″ wide, with a depth of 36″ to 40″. Similarly, queen beds are usually 60″ × 80″, meanwhile king beds may stretch to 76″ × 80″.
Dining tables generally measure 36″ to 42″ wide and 60″ to 96″ long. Chairs average 18″ square at the seat, with 18″ height. On the other hand, coffee tables are usually 18″ to 24″ deep.
It’s extremely important to understand standard furniture dimensions beforehand. Otherwise, you’ll design layouts that won’t match what’s available.
It’s also important to consider regional variations in sizes. Some furniture suppliers from China or Europe measure dimensions in the metric system, and sizes might differ slightly. Therefore, you should always cross-check before ordering internationally.
7. Fit Anchor Pieces First, Smaller Ones Last
Lastly, begin the furnishing with your largest, bulkiest or most important items. These pieces are usually sofas, beds, or dining tables. Place them in your ideal and desired spots first. They act as anchors for the whole room.
Place them first and then build around them with secondary pieces. Add items like bookshelves, accent chairs, a coffee table or consoles next.
Finally, if everything seems to fit and blend well, only then incorporate decorations and accessories. Do not rush any step; thoughtfulness always pays off.
Final Word: 7 Steps to Measure Your Room When Buying Furniture
By following these seven steps, you can transform your furniture shopping journey from a guessing game into a precise science. One parting advice is that careful planning is the key here. That’s the only thing that will help you create a room that is beautifully aesthetic and perfectly functional.
Now, if you have got your measurements and are ready to order, you can browse some great furniture options here. However, if you need assistance in figuring out what furniture size is right for you, you can contact our experts. They will help you out with measurements.
As your one-stop whole-house customization expert in China, we offer direct-factory pricing, expert design support, and comprehensive logistics. We offer tailor-made furniture that can be delivered worldwide. Our experts make it easy to customize and import high-quality pieces.
Visit our expansive 30,000 m² Foshan showroom to explore thousands of styles and materials, or connect with our team for a furnishing that suits both you and your room.
Let’s craft a room that’s as comfortable and beautiful as you dream.
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