How to Measure for a Sectional Sofa in 6 Simple Steps
Picture this. Your brand-new, cloud-like sectional sofa arrives and gets jammed in the stairwell. It’s the stuff of nightmares. But don’t worry. Understanding how to measure for a sectional properly can save you from this disaster.
We’ve devised a foolproof game plan to ensure that your sectional slides into its new home smoother than your morning coffee. Let’s get you measured up.
Contents
Key Takeaways
Consider your room's vibe first. A cozy Netflix nook requires furniture different from that of an entertaining space, which impacts the size and shape you’ll need.
Always accurately measure your room’s size. This single step prevents those nightmare delivery-day dramas we all want to avoid.
Before buying new furniture for your living room, mark out the sofa's footprint on your floor using masking tape to see how much space it takes up.
Choose a modular design like Koala's range that adapts as your needs change. What starts as a cozy two-seater can transform into a sprawling L-shaped sectional.
With Koala's 120-day trial, you can choose your perfect sofa and give it a real test in your own home.
Step 1 – Size Up Your Space
Before you even think about room dimensions, think about vibes. Is this your personal Netflix nook, a party space for entertaining your friends, or a double-duty Wi-Fi zone? How you use the room dictates the sofa’s size and shape.
A good rule of thumb is to leave enough breathing room for comfortable traffic flow. You don't want to squeeze past the coffee table whenever you need to grab a drink.
At Koala, we’re big fans of modular sofa designs because they can grow and adapt as your life changes. What starts as a cozy two-seater can become a sprawling living space down the road when additional seating needs arise.
Now for the details, here's how much space you actually need:
|
Element |
Recommended Clearance (inches)
|
|---|---|
|
Coffee Table to Sofa |
14-18 inches |
|
Main Walkways |
30-36 inches |
|
Sofa to Walls |
6 inches |
Step 2 – Measure the Room
Bangalow Modular Sofa - U Shape
Time to get the core dimensions. These are the absolute maximums your new sofa can be without turning into a game of furniture Tetris.
We recommend sketching a quick floor plan using masking tape to jot these down on. It makes visualizing everything so much easier. And here's a lifesaver. Snap a quick photo of the tape measure showing each dimension you record. No more "Did I write that down right?" panic attacks when you're shopping online at midnight.
Here's what to measure:
Overall Width
Measure the main wall where the sofa will sit, from one wall to the other. Do this at a couple of different heights to check for variations and ensure the right fit. Don't forget to include the left corner if you're planning an L-shaped configuration.
Overall Depth
Measure from that same wall out into the room to where you want the front edge of the sofa to be. The depth determines how much floor space it will occupy.
Overall Height
Measure from the floor to the ceiling. This is crucial for clearance but also helps you check if the sofa will block any windowsills or art.
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Pro Tip: Always measure your room from the narrowest points. Baseboards, window frames, and radiators can sabotage a perfect fit. When in doubt, use the smaller measurement to be safe. The best sofas fit comfortably like they were made for your room. |
Step 3 – Measure Doorways, Entrances & Stairs
This is where most delivery day dramas happen. But not for you, because you're thinking ahead like a pro.
Measure every single point the furniture will need to pass through, from the front door to its final destination. Take exact measurements of the width and height of all doorways and the overall length of any hallways you'll travel down.
Got a tricky corner or a tight stairwell? Measure its width, overall length, and that essential diagonal turning space. This is where Koala’s clever design really saves the day. Our modular sectionals, such as the Bangalow Modular Sofa, arrive in easy-to-manage, flat-pack boxes that are designed to navigate tight homes. No pivoting required!
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Key Insight: Measuring doorways, hallways, and stairs is non-negotiable. This single step prevents the most common and frustrating delivery day failures. Getting the dimensions right means your sofa will fit comfortably. Don’t skip it! |
Step 4 – Match Sectional Dimensions to Your Room
Bangalow Modular Sofa - Chaise
Now you can play matchmaker between your space and your dream sofa. Compare your room and access measurements against the dimensions listed on the product page.
For a sectional, you’ll need to consider the width, the overall depth of the regular seats, and the overall length of the chaise lounge or corner piece. Remember to account for the front edge placement when calculating depth.
Here's a reality check. Let's say you're eyeing an L-shaped sofa with a width of 98 inches and a 63-inch chaise lounge. Use painter's tape to mark out that exact footprint on your floor. Trust us on this one. Nothing beats seeing whether your new sofa will look perfectly proportioned or like you've somehow wedged a cruise ship into your living spaces.
Step 5 – Check Room Functionality
A sofa that fits is great, but a sofa that works with your life is even better. Time to do a final reality check with your painter’s tape outline on the floor.
Can you still comfortably watch TV without turning into a human pretzel? Can you reach your outlets to charge your phone? Will other furniture like that cabinet door still open, or have you just created permanent storage?
Think about the messy stuff, too. If you’ve got pets or kids, you’ll want a sofa that can take a beating and bounce back. That's where our Bangalow Modular Sofa really shines. With removable, machine-washable covers, it handles whatever life throws at it. Wine spill? Dog fur? Mystery stain from last week's movie night? Throw the covers in the wash and they're good as new.
Step 6 – Spotlight Koala’s Modular Range
If all this measuring spins your head, let us make it easy for you. Our modular sofas are designed for modern American living, allowing you to create the perfect size sectional for your space.
They arrive in flat boxes that actually fit through your door. Assembly takes minutes with zero tools required. Configure them any way you like to achieve the perfect fit. Add a chaise lounge for extra comfort or keep it simple.
All our sofas are built with FSC® certified wood frames, so you can feel good about your choice while feeling good on your sofa. Best of all? Try it out in your own home with our 120-day trial. If it's not the perfect fit, we'll arrange a return and full refund. No hassles, no drama.
Common Measuring Mishaps and How to Dodge Them
Measuring for new furniture delivery seems simple until your perfect sectional sofa won't fit through the door. Those additional details you overlooked can turn an open doorway into a nightmare. Here are the sneaky culprits that trip up even careful planners.
Forgetting Baseboards
Always measure wall-to-wall at floor level (baseboard-to-baseboard) and higher up. Use the smallest number as your true width.
Measuring on an Angle
Make sure your tape measure is perfectly parallel to the walls for width and depth dimensions. An angled measurement can add precious inches to your living space that don't actually exist.
Ignoring Hallway Light Fittings
A low-hanging pendant light or a bulky ceiling fixture can be a delivery-day dealbreaker. Measure the vertical dimensions in your room’s hallways, not just the width.
Get Your Dream Sectional Through Any Doorway
There you have it. An easy plan to measure for your sectional sofa without any of the drama. By taking a bit of time to plan your living room, measure correctly, and check your access points, you’ve guaranteed a smooth delivery and an excellent fit.
While other furniture brands are still playing furniture Tetris with your doorways, we've cracked the code. Our sectionals arrive in smart flat-pack boxes designed specifically for the American home. No more calling six friends to help pivot your couch up three flights of stairs. Tool-free assembly means you'll be Netflix-ready in minutes, not hours.
And with our 120-day trial, all this measuring becomes a safety net, not a stressful guessing game. Ready to skip the furniture drama? Browse our modular range and see why Americans are sleeping and sitting better with Koala.