Have you ever bought a piece of furniture online, only to find it doesn't quite fit in your living room the way you imagined? Sectional sofas, in particular, can be tricky to size up. These versatile pieces of furniture come in various shapes and sizes, and accurate measurements are crucial for ensuring a perfect fit in your space and a smooth delivery process. Avoiding measurement mishaps will save you time, money, and the frustration of dealing with oversized or undersized furniture.
Knowing how to properly measure your sectional couch is important whether you are planning to rearrange your living room, shopping for a new sectional, or selling your current one. Accurate measurements are essential for creating a comfortable and functional living space. It also helps make sure your furniture fits through doorways, hallways, and stairwells during delivery.
What tools do I need and what parts of the sectional do I measure?
How do I measure a sectional with a curved or rounded back?
Measuring a sectional with a curved or rounded back requires a bit more finesse than a straight-backed sofa. The key is to focus on the *maximum* dimensions to ensure accurate space planning. Measure the overall depth by finding the deepest point of the curve from the front of the seat. For the overall width, use a flexible measuring tape and follow the curve of the back from one outer arm to the other, keeping the tape taut but conforming to the shape. Note that you are measuring the space the sectional *occupies*, not necessarily the length of the fabric used to create the curve.
To elaborate, envision placing the sectional against a wall. The depth you need to measure is the largest distance it protrudes from that imaginary wall, which will be the deepest part of the curve or arc of the back. For the width, it's helpful to have someone assist you. One person holds the end of the measuring tape against one arm's outermost point, while you gently guide the tape along the curve of the back to the opposite arm's outermost point, ensuring the tape follows the contour closely. Don't pull the tape straight across, as this will give you a shorter measurement than what the sectional actually occupies. Finally, remember to measure the height at the highest point of the back, even if that's only in the center of the curve. This is especially important for ensuring the sectional will fit under any architectural features like low-hanging shelves or windowsills. Always record the width, depth, and height, and clearly indicate that these are the *maximum* dimensions, accounting for the curvature of the back.What's the best way to measure the depth of a sectional?
The best way to measure the depth of a sectional is to measure from the outermost back edge of the frame to the outermost front edge of the frame, including any cushions that extend beyond the frame. Ensure the tape measure follows a straight line parallel to the floor for the most accurate reading.
To elaborate, "depth" refers to how far the sectional extends into the room from the wall. Cushions can significantly impact this measurement, so it's vital to include them. If your sectional has a curved back, identify the point that sticks out the furthest and measure from there. Similarly, account for any rolled arms or decorative elements that might add to the overall depth. Don't compress or distort the cushions while measuring, as this will skew the results.
Accuracy is crucial when determining if a sectional will fit in your space. Consider measuring at multiple points along the depth if the back isn't perfectly straight or uniform. Note down the largest measurement to ensure a comfortable fit, leaving ample space for walking around the furniture and opening doors or drawers. Remember to also consider the depth of any accompanying pieces, like ottomans or tables, when planning your room layout.
How do I measure a sectional if the pieces aren't perfectly square?
When dealing with sectional pieces that aren't perfectly square, measure each section individually at its widest and deepest points, paying close attention to any curves or angles. Add these individual measurements together to determine the overall dimensions of the assembled sectional.
To get the most accurate measurements, first, sketch a rough outline of each sectional piece on a piece of paper. This visual aid will help you keep track of your measurements. Then, use a flexible measuring tape to follow the contours of each section. For the width, measure from the outermost point on one side to the outermost point on the other, even if this isn't a straight line. Repeat this process for the depth, measuring from the frontmost point to the rearmost point. Note any protruding arms, cushions, or backrests, as these can significantly affect the overall dimensions. Always measure twice to ensure accuracy.
Finally, once you have the individual measurements, adding them together requires a little careful consideration. If the sectional is an "L" shape, you'll have two primary dimensions: the length of one side of the "L" and the length of the other. Remember to account for any overlap where the sections connect. If the sectional has a rounded or curved configuration, visualize the largest rectangular or square space it would occupy and measure accordingly. This will provide a good estimate for planning your space. Consider that online floor planning tools or furniture store designers will often work with CAD files of sectional furniture. When in doubt, professional help is always an option.
Should I measure a sectional before or after it's assembled?
You should always measure a sectional *after* it's fully assembled. Measuring individual pieces before assembly will not account for the space the connecting hardware and slight overlaps take up, leading to inaccurate overall dimensions.
Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure the sectional fits comfortably in your desired space. Sectionals often come in multiple pieces that connect. While you might think measuring each piece individually and adding those measurements together will give you the final size, this is not the case. The connecting mechanisms, whether they are brackets, clips, or interlocking pieces, contribute to the overall length and width. Moreover, the cushions may shift or compress slightly differently once the sectional is assembled, further impacting the dimensions.
Waiting until assembly also lets you account for the 'true' footprint of the sectional. This is especially important if your sectional has a chaise lounge or other extended features. The final assembled form is the only way to get a precise measurement. Make sure to have a long tape measure readily available when your sectional is fully put together. Measure the length, width (including the chaise if applicable), and height. It's even helpful to sketch a rough layout and record the dimensions on the sketch for future reference.
How do I account for cushions when measuring a sectional's height?
To accurately measure a sectional's height including cushions, measure from the floor to the highest point of the back cushions when they are naturally settled and in their usual position. Do not compress or unnaturally fluff the cushions during measurement; the goal is to reflect the actual height the sectional occupies in your space.
Accounting for cushions is crucial because they often contribute significantly to the overall height, and their loft can vary depending on the style and fill material. If you measure only to the top of the frame, you'll underestimate the space the sectional occupies, which can lead to issues when considering doorway clearances, window heights, or the overall aesthetic of your room. Consider that some back cushions are attached, while others are loose. For attached cushions, the measurement is straightforward. For loose cushions, gently push them back into their normal position against the frame before measuring, ensuring they aren't dramatically slouched forward or overly puffed up. It's also wise to note the range of height variation caused by the cushions. For example, you might measure the highest point of the cushions, but also note the height of the frame behind the cushions. This gives you a better understanding of the sectional's profile. This extra information is especially useful if you are planning on placing the sectional under a window or against a wall with molding. If the cushions are removable and are frequently removed, measuring the height without cushions is also a good practice.What's the difference between measuring the overall width vs. individual section widths?
Measuring the overall width provides the total space the sectional will occupy, crucial for ensuring it fits in your room. Measuring individual section widths allows you to understand the dimensions of each piece, which is vital for navigating doorways, fitting the sectional through tight spaces during delivery, and reconfiguring the sectional layout in the future.
Think of it this way: the overall width is the "big picture," giving you the total footprint. If your living room is 12 feet wide, you need to know the overall width of the sectional won't exceed that. Individual section widths, on the other hand, are the "details." Knowing that one section is 36 inches wide helps you determine if it can fit through a 32-inch doorway. Without these individual measurements, delivery day could turn into a logistical nightmare.
Furthermore, if you ever decide to rearrange your sectional or move it to a new location, understanding the dimensions of each individual section becomes invaluable. You might want to separate a chaise lounge to create more floor space, or perhaps you are moving to a place with narrower stairs. Having the individual measurements readily available prevents guesswork and potential damage to your sectional or home during the moving process.
How precise do my sectional measurements need to be for furniture shopping?
Your sectional measurements should be accurate to within an inch or two, especially concerning overall width, depth, and height, as well as the dimensions of individual components. Minor discrepancies (less than an inch) are often manageable, but larger errors can result in a sectional that doesn't fit your space, blocks doorways, or overwhelms the room.
For a large piece of furniture like a sectional, even a seemingly small measurement error can lead to significant problems. Imagine misjudging the depth by 3 inches – that could mean the difference between comfortably walking around the sectional and constantly bumping into it. Precision is also crucial for navigating through doorways or fitting the sectional through narrow hallways during delivery. Pay close attention to the sectional's overall dimensions, the length and depth of each section (including arms), and the height of the back and seat. To achieve accurate measurements, use a good quality measuring tape (preferably metal, not fabric) and a helper to hold the other end. Measure at the widest and deepest points of each section, accounting for any curves or angles. Don't just rely on online dimensions provided by the retailer; they can sometimes be inaccurate. If possible, visit a showroom to physically measure the sectional yourself, ensuring you get the exact dimensions you need for your space. Finally, always factor in extra space (a few inches) for comfortable movement around the sectional.And there you have it! Measuring a sectional might seem daunting at first, but with these steps, you should be well on your way to finding the perfect fit for your space. Thanks for reading, and we hope this helped! Feel free to come back anytime you need a little extra guidance for your next home project.