How to Measure for a Sectional Sofa

Sectional sofas are a popular choice of seating for formal and casual living rooms, recreation rooms and studies. They provide ample seating for several people as well as an easy way to create a feeling of intimacy in a room. The one drawback to sectional sofas is their size. They're much larger than traditional sofas and allow for less flexibility in furniture arrangements. Look below to learn how to measure for a sectional sofa.

1. Clear the area. Move all other furniture out of the area where you plan to put the sectional sofa.

2. Measure all dimensions. Carefully measure the length, width and height of the area and note the measurements. Remember to allow for the L-shape of the sectional and measure for various layouts.

3. Mark the area. Mark off the area with masking tape. This will give you a visual image of how much space the sofa will actually occupy. Reorganize your other furniture around it, remembering to allow for walking space around the sofa. Leave a path that is at least 2 feet wide for optimal traffic flow.

4. Measure doorways, archways and hallways. Measure the hallways and all other areas through which the sofa will need to be carried when it is delivered. Note the narrowest areas and be sure to have these measurements handy when shopping.

5. Shop for a sectional sofa. Have the measurements handy and check carefully to ensure that the sofa you choose will fit into all dimensions of your space. Remember that sectional sofas with large, bulky armrests or overstuffed cushions will allow for less seating while taking up the same amount of floor space as sofas with more streamlined designs. Keep in mind that an assembled sofa may fit through your doorways if you remove the sofa legs. Most sectional pieces can be turned upright and gently rotated through tight doorways.