Furniture Measuring & Delivery Guide
Hassle-Free Furniture Delivery & Setup in Three Easy Steps
Bringing home new furniture should be exciting, not stressful. Follow these three simple steps to ensure a smooth delivery and setup.
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Know Your Measurements
Avoid unexpected surprises on delivery day by double-checking all dimensions.
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Assess Your Space
Compare your room鈥檚 layout with the furniture鈥檚 specifications to ensure a perfect fit.
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Plan for a Smooth Delivery
Map out the best route for delivery and clear a path to make the process effortless.
1. Know Your Measurements
To find the right piece for your home, consider the full scale of the furniture.
- Width (W): Side-to-side
- Depth (D): Front-to-back
- Height (H): Floor-to-top
- Diagonal Depth (DD): Especially important for sofas and chairs, measured from the lower back corner to the midpoint of the top back and armrest
- Sofa & Sectionals
- Bookcases & Dressers
Measuring Sofas & Sectionals
- Height (H): From floor to highest point
- Diagonal Depth (DD): Lower back corner to midpoint between top of back and top of arm
- Depth (D): Back edge to front edge
- Width (W): Arm edge to opposite arm edge
Measuring Bookcases & Dressers
- Height (H): Floor to highest point
- Depth (D): Back edge to front edge
- Width (W): Front corner to opposite front corner
2. Assess Your Space
Once you have your furniture鈥檚 dimensions, it鈥檚 time to see how it fits within your space. Keep these three key factors in mind:
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Find the Right Spot
Leave 18-24 inches of space between pieces for easy movement. Also, consider nearby outlets, vents, and light switches to avoid obstructions.
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Visualize Placement
Use painter鈥檚 tape to outline the furniture鈥檚 footprint on your floor, helping you see how it will fit in the room.
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Allow Extra Room
Add an extra 1-2 inches when measuring to ensure a smooth setup and avoid any tight squeezes.
3. Measure & Prepare for Delivery
A well-planned delivery path makes the process quick and easy. Think through the entire route from outside your home to the final placement area.
- Doorways
- Hallways
- Stairways
- Elevators
Doorways
Identify the most accessible doorway for delivery and measure each entry point along the route to confirm the furniture will fit.
- Record the height (H), width (W), and diagonal (D) of all doorways the delivery team will navigate.
- Compare these dimensions with the furniture鈥檚 size to determine if it can pass straight through or needs to be angled or turned.
- For sofas and chairs, the entryway width must be larger than one of these dimensions: the furniture鈥檚 depth, diagonal depth, or height.
- Be mindful of hinges, handles, and doors themselves, as they may create obstacles.
Hallways
Measure every hallway your furniture will travel through to avoid unexpected obstacles.
- Check Height & Width — Measure the full height and width of the hallway.
- Watch for Fixtures — Account for ceiling lights, decor, fire sprinklers, and moldings that may reduce clearance.
- Measure Clearance for Tight Spaces — If hallways have narrow entries or corners, measure the total clearance length (C) between the outer hallway wall and the interior room wall鈥攖his is especially important for large sofas or tall bookcases that must be maneuvered horizontally.
- Turning Space for Angled Hallways — If your hallway has turns, measure from the corner to the opposite wall to ensure there鈥檚 enough room to pivot furniture as needed.
Stairways
If your furniture needs to go up or down stairs, precise measurements will help prevent complications.
- Ceiling Height (H) — Measure from both the bottom and top steps to ensure enough headroom.
- Landing Space — If there鈥檚 a landing, note its width (W), depth (D), and ceiling height (H) to confirm that large pieces can be maneuvered.
- Diagonal Clearance — Measure the diagonal space from steps to landing in case tilting the piece is necessary.
- Account for Handrails & Banisters — Measure the width between handrails and any obstructions that could limit space.
Elevators
For buildings with elevators, ensure your furniture can fit inside by measuring all key dimensions.
- Doorway Opening — Measure the elevator door鈥檚 height and width to confirm your piece can enter.
- Interior Space — Check the interior height (H), width (W), depth (D), and diagonal depth (DD).
- Obstructions Inside the Elevator — Watch for handrails, control panels, or other fixtures that might impact how furniture can be positioned.
Tips for Delivery Day
Clear the Path
Move rugs, furniture, and any other obstructions before the delivery team arrives.
Protect Your Home
Secure low-hanging light fixtures and cover floors or delicate surfaces.
Keep Pets Safe
Place pets in a separate room to prevent accidents or disruptions.
Enjoy White Glove Delivery Service
For a completely stress-free experience, our White Glove Delivery Service includes:
- Unpacking and full assembly
- Placement exactly where you want it
- Removal of all packaging materials
Easy Room Planning
Looking for extra help designing your space? Use our free room planning tool or consult with our design experts to create the perfect layout for your home.
