Buying a new sofa is exciting—but it can quickly turn into a headache if it doesn’t fit through your door, clashes with your room layout, or overwhelms the space. Measuring properly before you buy isn’t just about making sure it fits. It’s about making sure it works with your lifestyle, your layout, and your comfort.
Whether you're eyeing up a compact 2 seater or a sprawling corner sofa, knowing your measurements will save time, stress and returns. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to measure before clicking “add to cart”—so your new sofa is the perfect fit in every way.
Measure the Room Itself
The first step is the simplest: grab a tape measure and note the dimensions of the room where the sofa will live.
- Measure the length and width of the room, wall to wall.
- Note the height of the ceilings—important if you're considering high-backed sofas.
- Sketch a quick floor plan, including doorways, windows, fireplaces and radiators.
- Mark any obstructions like radiators, sockets or shelving that could affect sofa placement.
Once you’ve done this, you’ll have a much clearer idea of how much space you actually have to work with—and where the sofa will realistically go.
Think About How You Use the Room
Sofas are for sitting, stretching, relaxing and living. But what does your living space need to do?
- Is it a family room where kids and pets take over?
- Is it a space for entertaining, where layout and appearance matter most?
- Is it a small flat, where flexibility is key and space-saving matters?
Your answers will shape not just the sofa size—but also the type. For example, a 2 seater might be perfect for couples or smaller homes, while a corner sofa can maximise space for large families.
Choose Your Sofa Style Before Measuring Further
Once you’ve got your room dimensions, it’s time to think about the type of sofa you want. At Ready2Go Furniture, we offer a wide range to suit every space:
- 2 Seaters – Ideal for smaller rooms or as part of a matched set.
- 3 Seaters – Spacious without overwhelming most medium-sized rooms.
- Corner Sofas – Great for open-plan spaces or maximising corners.
- Recliners – Require extra clearance at the back and front.
- Sofabeds – Need space to extend fully when converted to a bed.
- Armchairs – Excellent for filling awkward gaps or creating reading corners.
- Footstools – Functional extras that can double as seating or storage.
Each type will take up space differently, so choosing your style early helps you measure smarter.
Measure Your Ideal Sofa Space
With a sofa style in mind, measure the specific space you plan to place it. Use painter’s tape or string to mark out the footprint on the floor—it helps you visualise the fit.
- Allow at least 30-40cm of clearance around the sofa for walking space.
- Leave space behind if you’re placing it near a wall or window.
- Account for extras like coffee tables, side tables, or TV units.
- Think about access to plugs, shelves or radiators behind or beside the sofa.
This step helps you choose a sofa that fits physically and functionally—so it doesn’t block movement, light or flow.
Check the Doorways and Access Points
One of the most common sofa disasters? It doesn’t fit through the front door. Or the hallway. Or the stairs. Don’t just measure your room—measure the journey the sofa needs to make.
- Measure your front door width and height.
- Check hallways and staircases for narrow spots, tight turns or low ceilings.
- Consider the angle—will the sofa need to turn around corners or be tipped upright?
- Measure any internal doors the sofa needs to pass through.
- Check lift access if you're in a flat or apartment.
For larger pieces like 3 seaters, recliners and corner sofas, this step is especially important. Always compare these measurements with the dimensions of your chosen sofa—including its height and depth.
Understand the Sofa’s Dimensions
Not all sofa dimensions are presented the same way. Always check product descriptions carefully, and understand what each number refers to.
- Width – Usually the total measurement from one arm to the other.
- Depth – The measurement from the front edge of the seat to the back of the sofa.
- Height – From the floor to the top of the backrest.
- Seat depth and height – Important for comfort and usability, especially for shorter or taller people.
- Back height – Useful if the sofa is going in front of a window or low shelf.
At Ready2Go Furniture, we clearly display all relevant dimensions on every product page, so you can plan with precision.
Consider Recliners, Sofabeds and Other Expandables
Some sofas change shape—so you need to measure for both their standard and extended positions.
- Recliners need space to lean back—check the full reclined length.
- Sofabeds need clearance when the mattress is pulled out.
- Footstools and modular pieces might shift around, so plan for flexibility.
Always measure the maximum footprint required for these features. There’s nothing worse than realising your new recliner can’t actually recline.
Don’t Forget Clearance Around the Sofa
Beyond fitting into the space, your sofa also needs breathing room. Make sure you:
- Leave walking space around the sofa—especially in busy or narrow rooms.
- Check the swing space for nearby doors or cupboards.
- Think vertically—tall armrests or backs might block light or hang awkwardly under windowsills.
- Account for extras like side tables, lamps or footstools that need to sit nearby.
This helps the sofa feel like a natural part of the room—not something that was awkwardly wedged in.
Factor in Other Furniture
Measuring for a sofa doesn’t happen in isolation. What else needs to fit in the room?
- Coffee tables usually need 40–45cm clearance from the sofa edge.
- TV stands need to sit at a good viewing distance—check your layout.
- Armchairs and footstools should enhance the space, not crowd it.
- Dining tables or desks might also share the space in open-plan rooms.
Use your floor plan or tape outline to visualise how all these elements will work together. This avoids overfilling the space and helps create a balanced, usable layout.
Use Tape or Cardboard to Mock It Up
One of the best ways to visualise a sofa’s footprint is to lay it out on the floor:
- Use masking tape or painter’s tape to mark the outline of the sofa
- Or cut a cardboard template to the same size and place it in the room
- Move around it to see how much space you’ll have
- Test door swings, walking clearance and nearby furniture spacing
This simple step often reveals issues you wouldn’t notice from measurements alone.
Consider the Look and Feel in the Space
Measurements are crucial, but looks matter too. Think about how the sofa will sit within your space visually.
- Will it overwhelm the room or feel too small?
- Does the style match your existing décor or plans for the room?
- Will the colour help it blend in or stand out as a statement piece?
- Does the shape suit the flow and layout of the room?
At Ready2Go Furniture, you can find sofas in a wide variety of colours, shapes and materials—from subtle neutrals to bold statement shades.
Measure Again Before You Order
Before placing your order, double check:
- Your room dimensions
- Your access points
- The sofa’s full footprint (and recline/sofabed options, if relevant)
- Clearance space around the sofa
- Whether the delivery team will be able to get it into the house
It’s always worth confirming everything to avoid the hassle of returns or tight squeezes on delivery day.
Final Thoughts
Measuring properly before buying a sofa is the smartest thing you can do. It protects your time, your money and your peace of mind. Whether you're shopping for a compact 2 seater or a full corner suite, a little planning makes all the difference.
At Ready2Go Furniture, we want your new sofa to be the perfect fit. That’s why we provide clear, accurate dimensions and helpful advice across every product. So when you measure your space properly, we’ll help you fill it beautifully.