How to Measure Your Space for Furniture and Mattress Deliveries
In this Article:
We’ve all been there: you find your perfect furniture piece, only to find out it looks awkwardly oversized in your room. That gorgeous sectional sofa? Doesn’t fit quite as natively within your living space. Or, worst of all – it would be perfect, if it could just fit through your doorway.
Here is a problem that many-a-shopper has run into, and it’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. Because if you know how to measure, these types of hiccups can be easily avoided.
The Importance of Measuring Your Space
Think of measuring as the foundation of your home design journey. If you skip the first step, everything that follows might be a bit wobbly. It’s about more than avoiding delivery headaches. Taking the time to measure your space helps you create a harmonious, functional room that enhances both your comfort and your wellbeing.
Imagine waking up every morning in a bedroom where everything fits just right, with enough space to move around comfortably and proportions that make your room feel welcoming rather than cramped or empty. That’s the power of proper measurements. A well-measured space ensures:
- Your furniture will fit comfortably in your room
- There’s adequate space for movement and daily activities
- Your new pieces are proportional to the room size
- The delivery process goes smoothly
Essential Measuring Tools
Before diving into your measuring project, let’s make sure you’re properly equipped. Having the right tools on hand makes the process much easier and more accurate – no more guessing or using “the length of your arm” as a measurement (we’ve all done it!). When it comes to measurements, precision is your best friend. Grab these helpful items before you get started:
- Tape measure: The most important tool for accurate measurements
- Notepad and pencil: For recording your measurements (alternatively, your Notes app!)
- Graph paper: Helps create a visual floor plan
- Painter’s tape: Great for marking furniture placement on your floor
- Helper: An extra set of hands makes measuring much easier
Measuring Your Room
Let’s start with the basics – getting accurate measurements of the room itself. This foundation will guide all your furniture decisions moving forward. Remember, a room that looks spacious might feel much smaller once furniture is in place, so these initial measurements are crucial for planning your layout effectively.
Step 1: Measure the Length and Width of the Room
Begin in the top left corner of your room and work your way around methodically. You might be surprised to find that what looks like a perfectly square room actually has slight variations in dimensions! Measure the width along one wall, then the length along the perpendicular wall. Be sure to measure from wall to wall at the widest point, as some rooms have alcoves, bump-outs, or other architectural features that create uneven perimeters.
Note: Ideal Room Sizes for Each Mattress Size
Finding the perfect balance between your mattress size and room dimensions is crucial for creating a comfortable, functional bedroom. A mattress that’s too large can make your room feel cramped, while one that’s too small might look lost in a spacious room.
| Mattress Size | Mattress Dimensions | Minimum Room Size | Ideal Room Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38" × 75" | 7' × 10' | 10' × 10' | Perfect for children's rooms, guest rooms, or small bedrooms |
| Twin XL | 38" × 80" | 7' × 10' | 10' × 10' | Great for taller individuals in compact spaces |
| Full/Double | 54" × 75" | 9' × 10' | 10' × 12' | Works for single adults or couples in smaller spaces |
| Queen | 60" × 80" | 10' × 10' | 10' × 14' | The most popular size, balancing space and comfort |
| King | 76" × 80" | 12' × 12' | 13' × 13' | Ideal for couples who want maximum personal space |
| California King | 72" × 84" | 12' × 12' | 12' × 14' | Perfect for taller individuals needing extra length |
Remember that these room dimensions account for the mattress, bed frame, and essential bedroom furniture like nightstands and dressers, plus the necessary clearance space for comfortable movement. When planning your bedroom layout, consider these additional factors:
- Allow at least 2 feet of space on each side of the bed for easy access
- Ensure a minimum of 2-3 feet at the foot of the bed for walking space
- If your bedroom has a door that swings inward, account for the door’s clearance
- Consider the placement of windows, closets, and en-suite bathroom doors when positioning your bed
By matching your mattress size to your room dimensions, you’ll create a bedroom that feels balanced and provides the space you need for restful sleep and easy movement.
Step 2: Note Architectural Features
Your room isn’t just four blank walls – it has character and functionality built into it! Take time to document all the elements that might impact furniture placement. Record the location and dimensions of:
- Windows
- Doors and doorways
- Alcoves or built-in shelving
- Fireplaces
- Electrical outlets
- Vents and registers
Step 3: Create a Floor Plan
Now comes the fun part – turning your measurements into a visual representation. Using your graph paper, draw your room to scale. For example, one square could equal one foot. Mark all architectural features and existing furniture that will remain in the room. This visual representation helps tremendously with planning your new layout and prevents the “it looked bigger in my head” syndrome you might run into when furniture shopping.
Measuring for Your Furniture Piece
Now that you understand your space, it’s time to focus on the star of the show: your new furniture. Whether you’re eyeing a dreamy Nectar mattress or a stylish bedroom set, these steps will ensure your new pieces fit perfectly in your home.
Step 1: Determine Your Ideal Placement
Before clicking that “buy now” button, take a moment to really envision how the piece will live in your space. Is your new mattress going against the wall between two windows? Will your dresser fit in that cozy alcove? Play around with different possibilities to find what works best when it comes to both functionality and aesthetics. Mark this area on your floor plan or use painter’s tape to outline the space on your actual floor – this physical representation can be eye-opening!
Step 2: Check Furniture Dimensions
When browsing furniture online or in showrooms, those dimension numbers might seem abstract, but they’re about to become your best friends. Look beyond just the basic width and length to understand how the piece will truly fit in your space. When considering a new furniture piece, make note of these key measurements:
- Width (the widest point)
- Length
- Height
- Diagonal depth (especially important for sofas and recliners)
Step 3: Ensure Adequate Clearance
A piece that technically “fits” in a space might still make the room feel cramped if you don’t account for how you’ll move around and use it. Think about your daily routines – do you need space to make the bed from both sides? Do you like to recline fully in your lounge chair? Remember to allow space for:
- Walking paths (at least 2-3 feet)
- Opening drawers and doors
- Fully extending recliners
- Getting in and out of bed comfortably
Measuring Your Space for Furniture Delivery
Even the perfect furniture for your perfectly measured room won’t matter if it can’t make it through your front door! This often-overlooked aspect of furniture buying has led to many a delivery day disaster. Let’s make sure your new pieces make it safely to their intended spots.
Step 1: Measure All Entry Points
Think of this as mapping the journey your furniture will take from the delivery truck to its final destination. That gorgeous king-size mattress needs to navigate several obstacles before providing you with rest-filled nights! Every doorway, hallway, and turn is a potential bottleneck. Measure:
- Front door width and height
- Hallway widths
- Staircase width, height, and any turns
- Interior doorways along the delivery path
- Elevator dimensions (if applicable)
Step 2: Check Furniture Dimensions
When browsing furniture online or in showrooms, those dimension numbers might seem abstract, but they’re about to become your best friends. Look beyond just the basic width and length to understand how the piece will truly fit in your space. When considering a new furniture piece, make note of these key measurements:
- Width (the widest point)
- Length
- Height
- Diagonal depth (especially important for sofas and recliners)
Step 3: Measure the Diagonal Dimension
Sometimes furniture seems too large for a doorway until you realize the magic of angles! For tight spaces, the diagonal measurement of your furniture piece becomes extremely important. Measure from the top back corner to the bottom front corner to determine if the piece can be tilted to fit through doorways. This simple trick has saved many furniture deliveries that initially seemed impossible.
Confirm Your Measurements: Better Safe Than Sorry
We’ve all heard the carpenter’s adage: “Measure twice, cut once.” The same wisdom applies to furniture shopping! Taking time for verification can save you from disappointment, returns, and potential fees. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the confidence of knowing your new purchase will fit perfectly.
Always measure twice before making your purchase. A few minutes of double checking can save hours of frustration and potential return fees. Sometimes our eyes play tricks on us, or we transpose numbers when writing them down. These simple verification strategies can catch those errors:
- Have a second person verify your measurements
- Check your math if calculating square footage
- Compare your floor plan to the actual room
- Consider furniture height in relation to windows and light fixtures
Final Tips for Furniture Shopping
You’re now armed with all the measuring knowledge you need, but let’s take it one step further with some insider tips that can make your furniture shopping experience even smoother. These little extras can make a big difference in finding pieces that truly transform your space into the home of your dreams.
When you’re ready to shop, keep these helpful strategies in mind:
- Take photos: Pictures of your space can help when shopping online or in-store, giving you a quick reference for colors, existing pieces, and overall room feel
- Use online tools: Many platforms offer virtual room planners that let you visualize furniture in your space before buying
- Consider modular options: Sectional sofas and modular furniture are easier to navigate through tight spaces and can be reconfigured if your needs change
There’s something deeply satisfying about bringing home the perfect piece of furniture – one that fits your space, your style, and your lifestyle. Taking the time to properly measure your space before purchasing furniture or a new mattress pays off in comfort, aesthetics, and peace of mind. No more returns due to sizing issues, no more awkward furniture arrangements to accommodate pieces that are too large, and no more delivery day surprises!
With this guide, you’re well-equipped to find pieces that fit perfectly in your home, creating spaces that feel intentional and harmonious.
Ready to find your perfect mattress or furniture piece? Browse Nectar’s selection of premium mattresses and stylish bedroom sets designed for ultimate comfort and quality sleep. Your best night’s rest is just a few measurements away.
