How To Measure Your Space
We all know that dreaded feeling - will my new furniture actually fit through the front door? To avoid ruining the big delivery day, Make It Homely have put together a short guide on measuring up your humble abode. From coffee tables to mirrors, and bookcases to armchairs, we cover everything you need to know to ensure your new furniture is right at home.
What do I need to measure?
Make It Homely recommends that all the below information is checked prior to checkout.
1. Prior to purchase
Before you checkout, we recommend taking into account:
- Low ceilings
- Narrow hallways
- Stair bannisters
- Tight corners
- Doorway size(s)
- Whether the item will arrive flat-packed or pre-assembled
2. Check the dimensions
Before your item arrives, double-check the dimensions of the product. This information can be found on the product page, so make a note of this. Also consider whether the product will be considerably larger when in packaging.
3. Measure the chosen room
Now you know the size of your item, where is it going to live? Measure the intended space in the chosen room, taking into account the maximum size the object may be, for example, an item with drawers open or extending dining tables at full length. If you are placing the furniture in an alcove, we recommend measuring from skirting board to skirting board instead of wall to wall for better accuracy. Ensure there is enough room around the item - we recommend approximately 60cm.
4. Check your surroundings
Take all doors, windows, storage units, and other furniture into consideration to ensure nothing is blocked and the relevant access is still available. Remember that all cupboards and drawers - whether included with new or old furniture - need to be opened.
5. Measure up your home
Check your chosen route. This includes entryways, hallways, and staircases - will the item fit through without causing damage?
Start with either the front or back door, whichever you have chosen as your point of entry. Check that the item will fit through, in line with either the height or width.
Next, measure hallways and any internal doors en route. Please take into consideration any radiators, shelves, or other fixed furniture that may act as an obstruction during the delivery process.
Finally, measure any staircases or lifts that will need to be used. To measure the staircase, we recommend measuring the shortest straight-line distance from the bulkhead to the nearest step. Measure the width to make sure the item can be transported upstairs and take into account the size of landings, bannisters, handrails, or light fittings along the way.
Our top tips:
- If you’re not the best at visualisation nor a furniture measuring pro, try using masking tape or newspaper to map out where the item is going to be and whether it is in proportion with the rest of the room
- Make It Homely’s measuring guide also suggests comparing old furniture to the dimensions of your new items for a more precise idea
- Leave yourself enough room to walk around and enjoy your home comfortably - nobody wants to take on the Total Wipeout course after a hard day’s work…
- For taller furniture, ensure there is sufficient space to assemble the item on the floor and then lift it upright if required
- For dining tables, leave yourself enough space for when you are sat at the table, including the appropriate distance between chairs and walls
- The rule of thumb in furniture measuring is to leave approximately 50cm between pieces of furniture, and around 20-30cm between taller items and the ceiling
Frequently asked questions
How is furniture measured?
Furniture dimensions are measured using W x H x D. This stands for width, height, and depth respectively. The width (W) refers to the total furniture width in its widest part, the height (H) is measured from the floor to the highest point of the item, and the depth (D) is measured from the item front to the back.
What happens if my furniture won’t fit through my door?
We strongly advise that you check furniture can fit through your door before placing an order; this measuring guide should help to provide a better understanding of specifics. Our delivery policy states that our couriers can only deliver to the ground floor of your home, so it is essential you prepare for the delivery.
Can the delivery team remove windows or doors to fit furniture in?
Unfortunately, our team are not qualified to remove any windows or doors in order to get furniture into your home. Our delivery policy states that our couriers can only deliver to the ground floor of your home, so this would therefore have to be pre-arranged with a private company.
How do I know if my furniture will arrive flat-packed or pre-assembled?
Some furniture will arrive pre-assembled for quick and easy interior design. However, most items come flat-packed with detailed instructions for simple self-assembly. If it is pre-assembled, the product may be in a much larger box which you need to take into consideration prior to purchase. The item’s product page and description should specify whether an item will arrive pre-assembled or not, so check this prior to purchasing.
How are sofas measured?
The sofa's height and width should be measured, alongside a diagonal measurement from top left to bottom right. If you have a brand new sofa on the way to you, make sure to get the measurements for inside the door frames, as these are the most accurate measurements. Also, measure the length from the entrance to the far wall, and - don’t forget - always allow a little wiggle room on either side.
What are the standard table dimensions?
Due to the nature of our products, there are no standard dimensions. The product size largely depends on the table style; for example, coffee tables are generally much smaller than dining tables. Please also note that some of our products are extendable; therefore, the item's dimensions will depend on whether it is at maximum length.
What are the standard sofa dimensions?
Due to the various styles of sofas we stock, there are no standard dimensions. Each sofa and armchair differs, for example, corner sofas and love seats are two different shapes and sizes, and will therefore have varying measurements. Similarly, two-seater and three-seater models will vary in length.