How to Measure for a Sectional Sofa

Measure the length of the wall or open area in the room where the sectional is to be placed. Write the measurements on a piece of paper to take on the shopping trip to the furniture store. Be sure to correctly record the lengths that will go to the left and right. For example, write down that the wall on the right side of a corner has a length of 11 feet. A sectional that measures up to 10 feet will fit on the right side. The left side may have a much different length.

Measure the width of the area where the sectional is to be used. Remember that portions of the sectional will spread out into the width of the area. A sleeper bed will take up space, as will any reclining portions of the furniture. The seats of a sectional are usually wider than an average sofa. Allow room to sit and walk comfortably around the furniture.

Open a door that swings out into the room and measure the space that it takes. Add the measurement when you're considering how much space to leave for walkways. This will allow for plenty of room to keep the door from hitting the sectional.

Measure and record the height from the floor up to the ledge of a window frame if the sectional will be set against it. The sectional should be set under the frame, if possible. If the sectional is too high, it will cover a portion of the window, blocking light from the room.

Measure all doorways, staircase openings, hallways and elevator openings that will be used to deliver the pieces of a sectional sofa to make sure the furniture will be able to fit.