Choosing the right sectional sofa is a significant investment for your home. Ensuring it fits perfectly in your space means you need to measure correctly. Proper measurements help avoid common mistakes like purchasing a sofa that’s too large or too small for your living area. In this manual, we’ll walk you through each step needed to measure your room accurately and pick out the perfect sectional sofa for your area.
Why Measuring is Important
It’s easy to fall in love with an elegant sectional, however, if it isn’t in shape, you’ll face more headaches than comfort. By measuring your room efficiently, you’ll make certain the divisional fits without overwhelming your area. This manner additionally allows fixture arrangement, allowing you to hold pathways and avoid obstructing home windows or doors.
Additionally, measuring ensures your sectional is practical in your lifestyle. A massive couch may look fantastic, but if it impedes visitor’s float or creates a cramped environment, it can no longer be the first-class desire.
Step 1: Measure the Room
Start by measuring the entire room. Even if you think you know the size of your space, it’s important to get accurate dimensions.
- Measure the Length and Width: Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of the room. Write down these measurements. If your space isn’t perfectly rectangular, measure each section individually.
- Ceiling Height: Though divisional sofas typically don’t exceed standard room height, it’s good to measure ceiling height to ensure there’s enough room for decorative elements or overhead lighting.
- Windows and Doorways: Make a note of window placements, door swings, and the height of any windowsills. This will help in determining the layout of your sofa and ensuring no essential elements are blocked.
- Traffic Flow: Consider how people move through the space. You’ll want to leave enough room for comfortable movement around the divisional.
Step 2: Identify the Placement of Your Sectional Sofa
Once you’ve measured your room, it’s time to determine the best spot for your divisional sofa. Think about how the sectional will fit within the overall design of your room.
- Corner Placement: If your sectional will go in a corner, make sure to measure both walls so you know how much space each side of the sofa will occupy. An L-shaped or U-shaped sectional works particularly well in corners.
- Floating Sectional: If your divisional will sit in the middle of the room, consider the surrounding furniture. Ensure there’s ample space for coffee tables, side tables, and any other pieces you plan to include.
Step 3: Measure Your Ideal Sectional Area
Once you’ve decided on placement, it’s time to measure the specific area where your sectional will sit. This will ensure the sofa fits perfectly into your chosen spot.
- Measure the Length: Determine how long the space for the divisional is. For an L-shaped sectional, measure the length along both walls where it will sit. For U-shaped or modular sectionals, measure the total space available for the sofa.
- Depth and Width: Measure the depth from the back of the divisional to where the front edge will be. Sectionals with deep seats can take up more space than expected. Also, if the sectional includes a chaise, be sure to measure the extra space it will require.
- Height: Most sectionals aren’t very tall, but it’s still important to check the height, especially if your room has low-hanging light fixtures or shelving that could interfere with the placement.
- Walking Space: Be sure to leave at least 18-24 inches of space around the divisional for walking, especially if the sectional is near a doorway or walkway.
Step 4: Choose the Right Sectional Shape
With your measurements in hand, the next step is selecting the shape of your sectional. Sectionals come in various configurations, and the shape you choose will depend on your room’s layout and the purpose the sofa will serve.
- L-Shaped Sectional: This is the most common type of sectional, ideal for corners and small-to-medium-sized rooms. The L-shape works well for maximizing seating in a confined space without making the room feel cramped.
- U-Shaped Sectional: U-shaped sectionals offer plenty of seating and are great for larger rooms. They create a cozy, enclosed seating area but require more floor space.
- Modular Sectional: A modular divisional consists of individual pieces that can be arranged in different configurations. This flexibility makes it perfect for rooms with unique layouts or for homeowners who enjoy rearranging furniture.
- Curved Sectional: These divisions add an elegant touch to living spaces but can be challenging to place in small or rectangular rooms.
Step 5: Measuring for Additional Features
Some sectionals come with extra features like reclining seats, sleeper beds, or storage compartments. These features enhance functionality but require additional space. Be sure to measure for any features your divisional may include.
- Reclining Sectionals: If your divisional has reclining seats, measure the space needed when the seats are fully reclined. Make sure there’s enough clearance so they don’t hit the wall or other furniture.
- Sleeper Sectionals: For sectionals that double as a bed, you’ll need to measure both the sofa’s dimensions and the space required when the bed is pulled out. Make sure the bed can be extended fully without blocking access to other parts of the room.
- Storage Sectionals: Many sectionals include hidden storage compartments. While this doesn’t usually affect the overall size, be sure the divisional can be opened without obstruction.
Step 6: Take the Overall Room Design into Account
It’s essential to think beyond just fitting the divisional into your room. Consider how it will work with the overall design and proportions of the space.
- Room Balance: Ensure the sectional doesn’t overwhelm the room. A large sectional in a small room can make the space feel cramped, while a small divisional in a large room can look lost and out of place. Striking a balance between the size of the sofa and the proportions of the room is key.
- Existing Furniture: Your sectional should complement the existing furniture. Make sure the sectional won’t overpower smaller pieces or look out of place with larger ones. Consider how coffee tables, side tables, and even rugs will fit with the divisional.
- Decorative Elements: Think about how your divisional will affect the room’s decor. Will it block a fireplace, obstruct views from windows, or hide artwork? It’s important to place your sectional in a way that enhances the room’s overall design.
Step 7: Visualize the Space
After measuring the room and determining the sectional’s placement, visualize how the sofa will fit in your space. This can help you make final adjustments to your layout before purchasing the divisional.
- Use Painter’s Tape: To get a real feel for how much space the divisional will take up, outline its dimensions on the floor using painter’s tape. This gives you a clear visual representation of the sectional’s footprint.
- Furniture Layout Software: If you prefer a digital approach, consider using layout software or apps that allow you to input your room’s measurements and place virtual furniture within the space. These tools can give you a 3D view of your room, making it easier to plan.
Step 8: Final Adjustments and Considerations
After measuring and planning, review your notes and make sure you’ve covered all the bases before making your final purchase.
- Adjust for Comfort: Beyond just measurements, comfort is an important factor. Make sure the seat depth and back height are comfortable for the people who will be using the divisional most often.
- Allow for Flexibility: Leave some room for flexibility in your arrangement. Once the divisional is in place, you might want to shift it slightly for a better fit. Allowing a few extra inches for adjustments can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Measuring for a divisional sofa isn’t pretty much numbers – it’s approximately knowledge of how the divisional will fit into the design, drift, and characteristic of your chamber. By taking the time to degree your area appropriately, considering the layout, and making plans for features, you could find a sectional that fits seamlessly into your property. The proper divisional can beautify your residing space, presenting both comfort and style, as long as you make certain it’s the suitable size for your room.
Careful making plans ensure you’re making a knowledgeable decision that avoids highly-priced mistakes, leaving you with a divisional that’s stunning and practical.