The centerpiece of any living room, the sofa is an essential piece that you will have for many years. Finding the perfect one for your space and lifestyle can take a bit of digging, but it’s worth it to be able to relax at the end of a busy day on your gorgeous sofa. From the measurements to the upholstery, here are our top tips for selecting a sofa for your home.

How to Measure Your Sofa

Before choosing a sofa, keep in mind these key dimensions:

Width: Measure the distance from one armrest to the other. Width is important to determine how many people you can seat at one time. If you have a big family or entertain frequently, a large sofa width is ideal.

Depth: The depth is a measurement of the distance from the front edge of the sofa to the back of the cushion. It affects how much room you have to sit back and relax.

Height: The height should be from the floor to the top of the backrest. The height will impact how comfortable your sofa is as well as how it looks in a room.

How to Measure Your Space

You may already have an idea of how big you would like your sofa to be, but it’s really important to measure your exact space before going any further in this process. Using a tape measure in your space will help you decide on the best width, height, and depth dimensions. We recommend using painter’s tape to create outlines on the floor where you would ideally like your sofa to be. Repeat this process for other furniture pieces, like a coffee table, side table, and rug. Make sure there is still plenty of space to walk in between the furniture. There should be an organic flow through the room.
Then, compare your measurements with actual sofa dimensions, trying to get as close as possible to what you have envisioned. Don’t forget to measure your doorways to make sure that the sofa will be able to fit through!

What is Your Sofa’s Purpose?

Some sofas will be used everyday by kids and pets. Others will be in a more formal living room where they only get used a few times a month. Still, others might be used as a bed-alternative when guests stay over. Determining the purpose of your sofa can help you choose the correct size, as well as guide your upholstery decisions. If your sofa will serve dual purposes, such as including a sleeper function, remember to measure it at its full extension.

Common Sofa Measurements

Loveseat (2-Seater): A loveseat usually measures around 52 inches in width, 33 inches in depth, and has a height of 33 inches. This small sofa is ideal in an apartment or sitting area in a bedroom.

Standard (3-Seater): A typical three-seater sofa measures approximately 82 inches in width, 36 inches in depth, and stands 32 inches tall.

Sectionals: Sectional sofas are extremely popular in households today. They are available in many different configurations, spanning 94 to 156 inches in width, with depths ranging from 34 to 40 inches and heights between 30 and 35 inches. Sectionals are perfect if you have a large family or entertain frequently.

Additional Factors to Consider

Beyond the size of your sofa, be sure to consider the following:

Ergonomics
Upholstery fabric
Adjustable/modular/sleeper functions
Personalization

When we are working with clients on interior design for living rooms, the sofa is one of the first furniture pieces we look for, as it takes up a lot of space. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to size, as some people like an overscale sofa meant for lounging while others prefer a smaller, more intimate two-seater. We’re always happy to help you find the right piece for your interior design project, so please reach out to set up a complimentary call today.