Sectional sofas are a popular choice for many homeowners. It is due to their versatility, comfort, and style. Whether you are moving into a new home or simply updating your living space, accurate measurement of your sectional sofa is crucial. Proper measurements ensure that your sofa fits well in your room. It allows for comfortable seating for you and your family. In this blog post, we’ll explore why measuring your sectional sofa is important. We’ll also learn the tools you’ll need for measuring, a step-by-step guide for measuring your sectional sofa and tips for accurate measuring.
What is a sectional sofa?
A sectional sofa is a type of sofa that is composed of multiple sections or pieces. It can be arranged in different configurations to fit the available space or to achieve a desired aesthetic. Typically, a sectional sofa consists of two or more sections that are joined together, such as a left-hand-facing or right-hand-facing chaise, a loveseat, and a corner piece. Some sectional sofas have additional sections, such as an armless chair or a recliner. Sectional sofas are often larger than traditional sofas. It makes them a popular choice for larger living spaces or for those who entertain frequently. They come in a variety of styles and materials, including leather, fabric, and microfiber.
Why measuring your sectional sofa is important?
Measuring your sectional sofa is important for several reasons.
Measuring will help you ensure that the sofa will fit comfortably in your living space. You don’t want to end up with a sofa that is either too big or too small for your room. It’ll help you beforehand to avoid this problem and make sure you have enough space for other furniture, such as a coffee table or an entertainment center.
Secondly, accurate measurements can also help you decide on the best configuration for your sectional sofa. Sectional sofas come in different configurations, such as L-shaped, U-shaped, and curved. Knowing the dimensions of your space can help you choose the right configuration that maximizes your available space while providing optimal seating comfort.
Measuring your sectional sofa can also help you make informed purchasing decisions. Accurate measurements will allow you to compare different sectional sofa models and sizes to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. By measuring your sectional sofa, you can be sure that you are buying a sofa that is perfect for your needs and your living space.
Instruments you’ll need for measuring
Measuring your sectional sofa requires a few tools to ensure that you get accurate measurements. Here are the tools you’ll need:
Measuring tape:
A measuring tape is the most important tool you’ll need for measuring your sectional sofa. Make sure the tape measure is at least 25 feet long so that you can measure the length, width, and height of the sofa.
Paper and pen:
You’ll need paper and a pen to write down the measurements as you take them.
Phone or camera:
It’s a good idea to take pictures of your living space and the area where you plan to place your sectional sofa. This can help you visualize how the sofa will look in your space and make it easier to choose the right configuration.
Step-by-step guide for measuring your sectional sofa
Here is a step-by-step guide for measuring your sectional sofa:
Clear the area:
Clear the area where you plan to place your sectional sofa. Remove any furniture, decor, or clutter that may obstruct your measurements.
Take overall measurements:
Measure the length, width, and height of the entire sectional sofa. To measure the length, stretch the tape measure from one end of the sofa to the other. To measure the width, stretch the tape measure from the back of the sofa to the front. To measure the height, measure from the floor to the top of the sofa back.
Measure individual pieces:
If your sectional sofa comes in individual pieces, measure each piece separately. Measure the length, width, and height of each piece.
Measure doorways and hallways:
Measure the doorways and hallways that the sofa will need to pass through to get to the room where you plan to place it. Make sure the sofa can fit through these spaces.
Consider placement:
Consider where you plan to place the sectional sofa in your living space. Measure the area where you plan to place the sofa to ensure that it fits well.
Take pictures:
Take pictures of your living space and the area where you plan to place the sofa. This can help you visualize how the sofa will look in your space.
Write down measurements:
Write down all the measurements you’ve taken, including the overall dimensions, individual piece dimensions, and doorway and hallway measurements.
With these steps, you’ll have accurate measurements for your sectional sofa and can confidently choose the right size and configuration for your living space.
Measuring different types of sectional sofa
Measuring different sectional sofa configurations requires slightly different techniques. Here are some tips for measuring different sectional sofa configurations:
L-shaped sectional sofa:
For an L-shaped sectional sofa, measure the length and width of each section separately. Measure the length of the longer section and the shorter section, and measure the width of both sections. Additionally, measure the height of each section, especially if they have different heights.
U-shaped sectional sofa:
Measuring a U-shaped sectional sofa is similar to measuring an L-shaped sectional sofa. Measure the length and width of each section separately, and also measure the height of each section. You also need to measure the length and width of the corner piece separately.
Curved sectional sofa:
Measuring a curved sectional sofa requires measuring the length and width of each section of the sofa. Measure the distance from one end of the curve to the other end to get the length, and measure the width at the widest point of each section. If the curved sectional sofa has a chaise or ottoman, measure these pieces separately.
Modular sectional sofa:
Measuring a modular sectional sofa requires measuring each individual piece separately. Measure the length, width, and height of each piece, and consider how the pieces can be configured to fit your living space.
When measuring different sectional sofa configurations, it’s important to be as precise as possible. Take your time and measure each section carefully to ensure that the sofa fits perfectly in your living space.
Common mistakes to avoid when measuring
Measuring your sectional sofa accurately is crucial to ensure that it fits perfectly in your living space. However, there are some common mistakes to avoid when measuring your sectional sofa. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Not measuring the frame:
Measuring only the cushions or the upholstery is a common mistake. You should measure the frame of the sectional sofa to get the most accurate measurements.
Not measuring all sections:
Some sectional sofas have multiple sections, so it’s essential to measure each section separately to ensure that they fit together properly.
Forgetting to account for clearance space:
Forgetting to account for clearance space is a common mistake. Leave at least 12-18 inches of space around the sofa for easy movement and cleaning.
Measuring too quickly:
Measuring too quickly can lead to inaccurate measurements. Take your time and measure each section carefully to ensure that you get accurate measurements.
Rounding measurements:
Rounding measurements can lead to inaccurate dimensions. Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch to ensure precision.
Not measuring doorways and hallways:
Not measuring doorways and hallways is a common mistake. Make sure to measure the doorways and hallways that the sofa will need to pass through to get to the room where you plan to place it.
Not double-checking measurements:
It’s essential to double-check your measurements to ensure that they are accurate. Write down each measurement and compare them to ensure consistency.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be able to measure your sectional sofa accurately and confidently choose the right size and configuration for your living space.
Conclusion:
Measuring your sectional sofa is an essential step to ensure that it fits perfectly in your living space. By using the right tools, measuring accurately, and avoiding common mistakes, you can be confident that you have the right dimensions to choose the best sectional sofa for your needs. Remember to measure the frame of the sofa, consider clearance space, and measure each section separately, especially for complex configurations. With these tips, you’ll be able to choose a sectional sofa that not only looks great but also fits comfortably and efficiently in your living space.
FAQs
What’s the best tool for measuring a sectional sofa?
A tape measure is the best tool for measuring a sectional sofa. Make sure to use a tape measure that is at least 25 feet long so that you can measure the length, width, and height of the sofa accurately.
How do I measure a sectional sofa with a curved or angled section?
For a curved or angled sectional sofa, measure the distance between the two farthest points along the curve or angle. This will give you the overall length of that section.
Can I measure the cushions instead of the frame of the sofa?
It’s best to measure the frame of the sectional sofa instead of the cushions. Measuring the frame will give you the most accurate measurements for the overall dimensions of the sofa.
How do I account for clearance space when measuring my sectional sofa?
Leave at least 12-18 inches of space around the sofa for easy movement and cleaning. Consider the doorways and hallways that the sofa will need to pass through to get to the room where you plan to place it.
What’s the most common mistake when measuring a sectional sofa?
The most common mistake is not measuring all sections of the sofa or forgetting to measure the frame of the sofa. Another common mistake is rounding measurements or not measuring to the nearest 1/8 inch.