Will it Fit? Measuring Up for Your New Furniture

You've found it – the perfect sofa, the dream dining table, the armchair that just screams comfort. But before you head to the checkout, don’t forget to think about one crucial thing – measurements! Shopping for new furniture is exciting, but it’s vital to consider two key things:

Will your new purchase actually make it into your home during delivery?

Will it fit comfortably and functionally in the space you've envisioned? 

Here, we break down how to measure up for success, ensuring your new furniture arrival is smooth sailing, all the way from the delivery truck to its final spot.

This is often the most overlooked part, but it's arguably the most important thing to consider. Here’s how to check if your new furniture will fit through the delivery path:

Find the Furniture Dimensions: First, find the dimensions of the furniture itself. Look for width, depth, and height. These measurements can be found on our product pages, in the Details and Dimensions section. As our items are delivered with packaging, there will be some additional bulk. Please contact our team on 0208 338 7610 if you have concerns about your new furniture fitting through entryways and they will provide you with box measurements.

Measure ALL Entry Points: Grab your tape measure and carefully record the dimensions of every point the furniture needs to pass through: 

Exterior Doors: Measure the width and height of the door frame itself (the actual opening). Also, measure the diagonal height of the opening. 

Interior Doorways: Repeat for any internal doors the furniture must pass through. 

Hallways: Check the width at the narrowest points. Look out for obstructions like radiators or wall decor. Measure the height, especially if there are low ceilings or hanging light fixtures.

Stairwells and Staircases: These can be tricky! Measure the width of the stairs. Check the ceiling height above the stairs at all points, especially at landings and turns (headroom is critical!). Measure the width and depth of any landings where the furniture needs to pivot. 

Lifts: Measure the lift door opening (width and height) and the interior space (width, depth, and height). Don't forget the diagonal measurement of the door opening! 

Clear the Path: Before delivery day, remove any obstacles like pictures, rugs, tables, or floor lamps that might impede the delivery team or risk damage. 

Compare Measurements: Now, compare the narrowest measurements of your delivery path (door widths, hallway widths, stairwell clearance) against the furniture's dimensions. If the furniture's width or depth is greater than your doorway or hallway width, it’s still possible that it can fit through when tilted. If in doubt, get in touch and our team will be more than happy to help.

Remember: It’s better to be overly cautious here. If it looks like a tight squeeze on paper, it probably will be in reality.

Okay, you've confirmed it can get inside. Now, will it look and function well in its designated spot? 

Measure Your Intended Space: Measure the length, width, and height of the area where the furniture will sit. 

Consider the Room's Flow - Don't just measure the empty spot. Think about:

-Traffic Paths: Will you still be able to walk around the furniture comfortably? Leave adequate space for pathways (aim for at least 30-36 inches for main walkways).

-Other Furniture: How will it fit in relation to existing pieces? If you're adding a new dining set, ensure there's enough room to pull out chairs comfortably. Allow space for drawers on a sideboard or cabinet doors to open fully.

-Windows and Doors: Will the item block a window, a vent, a light switch, or stop a door from opening fully?

-Scale: Does the size of the furniture feel appropriate for the size of the room? For example, a large solid oak dining table can overwhelm a small dining room, while a small accent chair might get lost in a large space.

Visualise the Fit: It can be hard to imagine the scale, so try these tricks:

-Painter's Tape: Use low-tack painter's tape to mark out the furniture's footprint (length and width) on the floor.

-Cardboard Cutout: Create a simple template from cardboard boxes to represent the furniture's dimensions.

-Newspaper: Lay down newspaper sheets to match the furniture's footprint. This helps you physically see how much space it will occupy and how it impacts walkways.

-Compare Measurements (Again!): Check the unpacked furniture dimensions (width, depth, height) against your designated space measurements and your visualisation. Ensure there's enough clearance on all sides for functionality and aesthetics.

Taking 15-20 minutes to measure properly can save you from frustration later. By checking both the delivery path and the final placement, you can shop with confidence, knowing your beautiful new furniture – whether it's that perfect dining table, a spacious sideboard, or a complete dining set – will arrive safely and fit perfectly into your home.