Corner sofas are a popular choice for modern homes—offering style, generous seating, and space-efficient layouts. But before you commit to one, there’s one essential task you can’t afford to skip: measuring. A sofa that’s too big (or too small) can throw off your whole room. Accurate measurements help you buy with confidence and avoid the stress of awkward delivery or disappointing fit.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to measure before buying a corner sofa—so you can choose the perfect piece for your space.
Measure Your Floor Space
The first step is to understand how much floor space you actually have to work with. A corner sofa uses two dimensions—length and depth—so you'll need to take clear measurements of both walls or zones it will sit against.
- Measure along both walls where the sofa will go, noting any features like skirting boards, plug sockets, or radiators
- Account for doorways, windows, or walkways nearby that may affect placement
- Leave 60–100 cm of clearance around the sofa for easy movement, especially near coffee tables or doors
- Mark out the footprint using masking tape or furniture templates to visualise the scale
Know the Overall Sofa Dimensions
Once you’ve measured your room, compare it to the overall size of the sofa you're considering. This includes both arms and backrests—don’t just look at the seat area. Most product listings provide full width and depth, and these should match your available space.
- Check the length of each side of the corner sofa, especially if it’s an L or U shape
- Take note of the height of the backrest, particularly if placing under a window
- If your sofa has a chaise or footstool section, account for the extra space it takes up
- Don’t forget to measure corner depth, which can be wider than you expect
Check Your Room Entry Points
A corner sofa might fit your living room perfectly—but only if it can get in the front door. Before placing your order, make sure your entry points and internal routes can accommodate delivery of the item, especially if it arrives pre-assembled.
- Measure the width and height of your front door, hallway, and stairwells
- Check for tight corners, bannisters, or low ceilings on the way to the intended room
- Note any elevators, turns, or narrow doorframes in apartment buildings
- Compare these measurements to the packaged or assembled size of the sofa
Account for Configuration: Left-Hand vs Right-Hand
Corner sofas are available in both left-hand and right-hand configurations. Choosing the wrong one is a common mistake—especially if you’re ordering online. To avoid issues, plan your layout first and understand how each side will sit in your room.
- Determine where you want the longer side (chaise or return) to go
- Visualise the corner: a left-hand sofa has the longer section on your left when facing it
- Consider which configuration works best for natural light, TV viewing, and traffic flow
- Some models are universal or reversible, but many are fixed—so double-check the listing
Measure Around Fixed Features
Your room may include permanent features that need to be worked around. These include radiators, fireplaces, door swings, or windows. Knowing where these are in relation to your sofa will help you position it properly.
- Keep at least 20 cm of clearance from radiators to prevent overheating
- If placing near a fireplace, ensure the sofa is at a safe distance from heat and flames
- Make sure doors can open fully without hitting the sofa, especially patio or internal doors
- Consider window height and sill depth if placing the back of the sofa underneath
Plan for Movement and Flow
A corner sofa should enhance your living space—not disrupt how you use it. Make sure the sofa doesn’t block walkways, trip people up, or crowd out other furniture like side tables or TV units.
- Leave at least 60–70 cm of clearance in front of the sofa for a coffee table or footstool
- Ensure you can walk freely around the room, even when seated
- Place the sofa so that you can see the TV, fireplace, or focal point comfortably
- Think about where people naturally walk, and avoid interrupting that path
Allow for Reclining or Sofabed Mechanisms (If Applicable)
If you’re buying a corner recliner or corner sofabed, you’ll need to consider how the additional functions will affect the space. Recliners need space behind and in front. Sofabeds need clear floor area when open.
- Measure the full length when reclined or extended, including footrest and back movement
- Make sure there’s enough clearance between sofa and wall or furniture for reclining
- Leave sufficient floor space for a pull-out bed, including walking room around it
- Check product specs for mechanism size and clearance requirements
Note the Height of Other Furniture
To ensure a cohesive and comfortable layout, compare the height of your new corner sofa with your existing furniture. Mismatched proportions can affect how the space feels—and how easy it is to use tables, lamps, or accessories.
- Check the seat height relative to coffee tables or footstools
- Make sure side tables are level or just below the arm height for practical use
- Compare backrest height to shelving or windowsills for alignment
- If your sofa is low-slung, avoid pairing with very tall furniture that overpowers it
Consider Visual Weight and Room Balance
Measuring isn’t only about size—it’s also about proportion and presence. A sofa that technically fits may still overwhelm a room if it looks too heavy for the space. Likewise, a sofa that’s too small can feel lost.
- Choose lighter tones and raised legs for small rooms to reduce visual bulk
- Match the sofa’s scale and shape to your room layout and ceiling height
- Avoid placing large, high-backed sofas in very tight or narrow areas
- Use mirrors, rugs, and lighting to balance out the sofa visually in the room
Check for Additional Components
Some corner sofas come with extras like matching footstools, ottomans, or detachable arms. These add flexibility, but they also take up space. Be sure to include these in your overall planning and measurements.
- Account for any moveable footstools that extend beyond the sofa footprint
- Measure separately for clip-on arms or modular components
- If your sofa comes in sections, measure each part individually for access planning
- Factor in storage or recliner consoles when measuring width and depth
Final Thoughts
Buying a corner sofa is a major investment in your comfort and your space. But even the best-looking sofa can feel like a mistake if it doesn’t fit your home. By carefully measuring your room, checking key dimensions, and planning your layout in advance, you’ll avoid common pitfalls—and make sure your new sofa feels right at home from day one.
At Ready2Go Furniture, we make it easy to find corner sofas that suit your layout and lifestyle. With detailed dimensions, clear product info, and fast UK delivery on in-stock models, you can shop confidently—knowing your perfect fit is just a few clicks away.
Browse our collection of corner sofas today and make sure your next sofa fits your space as beautifully as it fits your style.