What do I need to measure before buying furniture?

You should measure: the available space (width, height, depth), the access (doors, hallways, elevator) and the use space (to open drawers, sit, walk around).

How do I measure correctly for furniture?

Use a rigid tape measure, measure three times (top, middle, bottom) because walls are not always straight, draw a simple plan and add a 2–3 cm safety margin.

What are the most common measuring mistakes?

The most common mistakes are: measuring only width and forgetting depth, not measuring access (doors, stairs), not allowing for skirting boards or columns, and not measuring use space.

How to Measure Your Space Before Buying Furniture

Buying furniture without measuring your space properly is one of the most common—and costly—mistakes. This guide will help you measure like a pro and avoid returns.

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1. What Do You Need to Measure Before Buying?

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A. The available space

• Width
• Height
• Depth
• Space to open doors or drawers

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B. The access

• Door width
• Hallway height
• Turns on stairs
• Elevator (if it fits)

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C. The use space

It’s not enough that the piece fits:

• Can you open the drawers?
• Can you sit comfortably?
• Can you walk around it?

2. How to Measure Correctly Step by Step

Use a rigid tape measure

Flexible tapes can give inaccurate readings. A rigid tape or laser measure is best.

Measure three times

Measure at the top, middle and bottom. Walls are not always straight and can vary by several centimetres.

Draw a simple plan

You don’t need to be an architect. A sketch with the measurements noted will help you visualise the space.

Add a 2–3 cm margin

Furniture should never be a tight fit. Always leave a small safety margin for installation.

3. Tips by Furniture Type

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Wardrobes

• Leave space to open doors or for sliding runners
• Check ceiling height
• Check that mouldings don’t get in the way

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Sofas

• Measure the width of the entrance door
• Allow space to walk around
• Check turns on stairs

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Beds

• Check space for bedside tables
• Check if the bed has under-bed drawers
• Measure the headboard if applicable

4. Common Measuring Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

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Measuring only width and forgetting depth

The piece might fit in width but stick out too far from the wall.

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Not measuring the access

The piece might fit in the room but not through the door or elevator.

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Ignoring skirting boards or columns

They reduce the usable space and can stop the furniture sitting flush to the wall.

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Not measuring use space

A wardrobe might fit but if you can’t open the doors fully, it will be awkward.

Got Your Measurements?

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