Will It Fit? Our Furniture Buying Guide

It’s always a thrill choosing a new piece of furniture - whether it’s part of a whole room refresh or a replacement for an existing item. But ahead of style and colour and finally clicking add to basket, it’s essential to make sure that the new item, especially something on a grand scale like a sofa or wardrobe will fit – both physically and aesthetically. Read on for our guide to measuring and choosing the most suitable furniture for your space.


How do I know my new sofa will fit?

Measure your room first – width and length - and don’t forget to factor in radiators, plug sockets, alcoves, fireplaces and, for taller items, any coving or picture rails. A metal measuring tape can make things easier as does roping in a friend to help. 

Make a scale sketch on a big piece of paper – then create scale outlines of your furniture which you can move around. Tech fans will enjoy the many apps that help you do this. If you are still struggling to visualise how your new furniture will look, get the measurements and mark out the footprint on the floor with masking tape or make a template from newspaper.

This allows you to physically navigate around the piece and get a sense of the impact on the room as a whole and how it works with existing items. Width and depth will be enough in most cases, but if the item is to stand in front of a window or under eaves, add the height too. 


How much space do I need to leave around furniture?

FURNITURE LAYOUT IN THE LIVING ROOM

Young families in particular may favour a higher percentage of floor space for playing on the carpet during the Lego years. For seating earmarked for movie nights, consider the distance between your sofa and screen. It is advised that to get the most from a high-definition screen, you should be sitting a distance that is three times the size of the screen away. For example, for a 32-inch screen, leave a space of 1.2m and for a 60-inch screen allow 2.3 metres. For a standard television, allow six times the size of the screen. 

‌“We suggest leaving a minimum of 50cm between each item of furniture – the exception being side tables which make neighbours with your sofa or armchair. Allow 80cm in hallways or walkways to avoid a cramped feel.”

 

SUZANNE BAKER-KING, BUYING MANAGER

MEASURING FURNITURE IN THE BEDROOM

A minimum of 50cm between furniture items also applies to the bedroom and to beds; bedside tables being the only exception as they sit happily against the bed. In the bedroom it can feel a little stifling if tall pieces like a wardrobe sit too close to the ceiling – aim for clearance of about 20-30cm if possible; in country cottages where low ceilings and beams restrict the height consider a lower, wider unit or clothes rail.

‌“If you are left with limited space alongside a double or kingsize bedframe consider a bed base that lifts to provide additional storage, minimising the need for other large furniture items.”

 

SUZANNE BARKER-KING, BUYING MANAGER

THE RIGHT SIZE TABLE FOR THE DINING ROOM

Allow for 60cm between the backs of dining chairs and the wall (or the nearest piece of furniture around dining tables) for comfortable mealtimes. An extending dining table might help you achieve this daily with the versatility for seating more on special occasions when most are content to scooch up a little.

 

Take Note!  For any room in the house it is generally recommended that freestanding furniture over 60cm high should be anchored to a wall for safety, so bear this in mind too - for every room in the house.

FITTING FURNITURE AROUND WINDOWS AND RADIATORS

Factors to consider other than if it fits is where it fits – sunlight from windows and heat from radiators both have the potential to cause warping in wooden furniture and fade upholstery over time. Nestle furniture between windows or only in front of windows of darker north-facing rooms that don't receive direct sunlight. Make sure all your plug points will be reasonably accessible when the room is furnished. It’s no good having them buried behind a tall bookcase or out of reach if you wish to showcase a new statement table lamp.


It’s fit for the room, but will it fit through the front door?

Once you’ve established if your desired piece will fit in your space, it’s time to work out how to get it into the room. To avoid a failed delivery, make all these checks before you order. Measure your front door and any other doorways, gates or entryways your delivery will need to be moved through. 

Open the door as wide as possible and measure from inside the doorframe to the edge of the door. Make sure you take the narrowest point of opening on doors that have a radiator behind them or some other feature that precludes them from being fully pushed back.

Next, take the measurements from the furniture; you’ll find detailed dimensions for all our ranges in the Size and Info section on our product pages. If the door width is greater than the height or depth of your item, it will fit just fine. If it’s not wide enough, check the doorway height and compare it with the length of your desired piece. If the doorway measures greater than your chosen piece, it should be possible to get the furniture through - on its end.

As well as doors, factor in low ceiling lights and staircases. Consider the limitations of the bannister if an item is destined for an upstairs room. If you live in a multi-storey building check the item will fit in the lift. Measure alleyways and any corridors created by external walls which may also affect access.

Don’t despair if your first choice doesn’t fit at first glance. It may be possible to remove feet or plinths to give you essential extra inches. Most of our made to order ranges come with a choice of sofa sizes as well as roomy loveseats and armchairs so we are confident you’ll find a cosy seat to suit every room and all the family! 

2023-09-12 14:10:00
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