Buying new furniture is always exciting—until it arrives at your home, and it won’t fit through the door, up the stairs, in the elevator, down to the basement or it’s too big for the room. To avoid the frustration of last-minute problem-solving and lose time and money, it’s crucial to measure your space properly before making a purchase. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your new furniture fits perfectly into your home and space

1. Measure Entry Points

Before focusing on the room, start with the path your furniture will take to get to its final space.

Front Door & Hallways

• Measure the width and height of your main entry door.
• If your door has a narrow opening, check if removing the door from its hinges would provide extra clearance.
• Measure the width of any hallway that the furniture needs to pass through.

Stairways

• Measure the width of the staircase and the height from the steps to the ceiling.
• If there’s a landing, ensure that large pieces have enough clearance to turn.

Elevators (condos and apartments)

• If you live in a building with an elevator, measure the interior height, width, and depth of the elevator.
• Don’t forget to check the door width when it opens!
• Check the height of the hallways in the condo/apartment.

2. Measure the Room Itself

Room Dimensions

• Measure the length and width of the room.
• Note any architectural details, such as built-in shelves, radiators, or fireplaces, that may affect placement. Ensure that vents have proper vent covers to allow for proper furniture placement.

Ceiling Height

• If you’re considering tall furniture, such as armoires or bookshelves, measure the ceiling height and the wall's length.

Walkways

• Allow at least 30 to 36 inches for comfortable movement around furniture.

3. Measure Your Existing Furniture for Reference

If you're replacing a piece of furniture, compare the dimensions with the new item(s) to ensure it will fit similarly in the space.

4. Use Painter's Tape

Before buying, you can outline the furniture's dimensions on the floor using painter's tape. This will help you visualize how much space the piece will occupy.

5. Understand Furniture Measurements

When shopping, pay attention to three key dimensions:

• Width (side to side)
• Depth (front to back)
• Height (floor to top)

Also, check if items can be disassembled or have removable legs, as this can make a big difference in getting furniture into tight spaces. Be sure to ask your Design Associate.

Final Check: Compare your measurements with the items you want to purchase.

Before purchasing, compare your measurements with the product dimensions of the new item(s). When in doubt, ask for help—our Design Associate will provide guidance on maneuvering large pieces into your home and working in tighter spaces. As long as your home measurements are done correctly, our Design Associate will work with you to find the perfect items for your space.