How to Measure and Choose the Right Size Sofa

The sofa is the heart of the living room, making it essential to choose the right one. And yes, size definitely matters. Selecting a sofa isn’t just about picking your favorite color or guessing what might fit in your space.

You’ll need to think about the scale, the shape of your room, how people will move around it, and how you plan to use your furniture. These factors all play a crucial role in finding your ideal sofa and ensuring it’s the perfect size for your space. To help you make the best choice, here’s a guide with expert insights and tips on sofa sizing and more from the designers at What A Room.

What Are the Dimensions of Your Space?

Start by measuring the length, width, and depth of your entire living room. If you have an open-concept floor plan, it’s important to mentally establish a consistent dividing line between your living room and the adjacent space. In many homes, the living room wall is typically around twelve feet wide, which comfortably accommodates a 86-inch sofa—a popular standard size—while still leaving about 18 inches of walking space around it. If your room is smaller or larger, you can adjust these measurements to suit your needs, but aim for a sofa that’s roughly between half and two-thirds of the wall length.

Using Tape to Plan Sofa Layout

Taping off a space is like taking a piece of furniture for a test drive before committing to the purchase. It can be tough to picture where you want to place your sofa or sectional. It's hard enough to imagine a complete outfit in your head, let alone an entire room! That's why we suggest emptying the room, using tape to create outlines on the floor with the exact dimensions of the pieces you want to incorporate, and watch as your space starts to take shape. There's no better method to visualize the furniture layout and make quick adjustments. It's almost like experiencing the room in 3D because you can physically walk around the taped areas and determine if you're happy with the arrangement.

You only need two simple tools to give this technique a whirl:

Painter's tape: This type of tape is a breeze to work with because it tears easily, so you won't need to fumble around with scissors to cut it. Plus, it's gentle on surfaces, so you don't have to worry about leaving behind any unsightly marks or damage.

A standard tape measure: Chances are, you already have one of these lying around your home. It's a staple in most households and a must-have for this project. 

How to Tape Off

First, extend your tape measure to the desired length of your furniture piece and lock it in place. This will ensure that your measurements remain consistent and accurate throughout the process.

Next, place the tape measure on the floor exactly where you envision your furniture item to be positioned. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for your layout. Then, run the painter's tape along the outer edge of the tape measure, carefully following the measurement you've locked in place. Start at one end and work your way around, creating a clear outline of your furniture piece on the floor.

Plus, by walking around the taped-off areas, you'll get a real sense of how the layout feels in the space. You can assess whether there's enough room to move around comfortably, if the flow of the room works well, and if the overall arrangement is visually appealing. This hands-on approach to room planning is a game-changer for those who struggle with spatial visualization or just want to ensure they're making the right furniture choices for their space.

Custom Sofas Means the Perfect Fit

Finding sofa that fits perfectly in your space can be a real challenge, especially when you’re trying to balance comfort, style, and functionality. Every home is unique, and what works in one room might not work in another. That’s why at What A Room, we believe in giving you the power to create furniture that truly suits your space. We offer the option to customize your sofas and sectionals to any size and depth, ensuring that your furniture fits just right—no matter how big or small your space may be. Whether you’re dealing with a cozy apartment, an open-concept loft, or a spacious living room, we can craft the perfect custom sofa that not only meets your needs but also enhances your living space. With our customizable options, you don’t have to compromise on comfort or style; you get the best of both worlds tailored specifically for you.