How to Measure for a Sofa (Doors, Hallways and Stairs)

Fewer than 6% of our deliveries have a sizing or space issue. Here is how to make sure yours is not one of them.

You need a tape measure, five minutes and someone to hold the other end.

1. Measure the room

Measure the wall or corner it is going in. Leave room to walk past, and for a recliner, room behind and in front for it to move. Masking tape on the floor in the sofa shape shows you exactly how much space it takes.

2. Measure the sofa

Get the width, depth and height from us. The number that matters most for doors is the depth or the height, whichever is smaller. That is the side that goes through first.

3. Measure the way in

• Front door: width with the door fully open, and height.
• Hallway: width, and any tight turns into rooms.
• Inside doors: width and height, open fully.
• Stairs: width, the height of any low ceiling or landing, and whether there is a turn.

If the smallest gap on the way in is bigger than the sofa depth or height, you are usually fine. Lots of inside doors are only about 76 cm wide, and tight turns are where it gets tricky.

Quick tip: the newspaper test

Tape sheets of newspaper together in the sofa footprint and lay them on the floor. You will see straight away whether you can still walk round it and open the doors.

4. Bring the numbers in

Not sure? Bring your numbers and a few photos of the door, hall and stairs into the showroom. Quick question? WhatsApp us on 01253 352396. We have been getting sofas into Fylde Coast homes since 1977.

What helps on delivery day

Recliner sofa backs come off, which makes a big difference in tight spaces. Delivered and installed by our own team, free locally, and a removal service is available for the old sofa.