Will It Fit? How to Measure for Your New Furniture

September 28, 2026 1 min read

Measure once, relax on delivery day: a step-by-step guide to checking your new furniture will fit your room and get through the door.

There's nothing worse than a new sofa stuck in the hallway. A few minutes with a tape measure before you order makes sure your new furniture fits your room and gets there easily on delivery day.

What you'll need

A tape measure (a metal one is easiest)
A notepad or your phone
A second pair of hands for the tricky bits

Step 1: Measure the space

Measure the width and depth of the spot where your furniture will go.
Note anything that could get in the way, such as radiators, sockets, skirting boards, windowsills and doors that open into the room.
Leave room to live. Allow about 75–90cm behind dining chairs so people can sit down and get up comfortably, and around 45cm between a sofa and a coffee table.

Try marking the outline on the floor with masking tape. It's the easiest way to picture the size and walk around it.

Step 2: Check the product dimensions

You'll find the dimensions on every product page. Check the height, width and depth. For recliners and sofa beds, check the fully extended size too. For extending tables, check both the closed and open lengths.

Step 3: Measure the route in

This is the step most people forget. Measure every point along the way from your front door to the room:

Doorways: width and height, measured inside the frame. Remember door handles and hinges can take a few centimetres off.
Hallways and landings: width, plus any tight corners or turns.
Stairs: width, the height of any low ceiling or bulkhead, and any turn in the staircase.
Lifts, if you're in a flat: door width and the internal depth.

Step 4: Compare

As a rule of thumb, the depth of a sofa or armchair (or its height, if it can be tipped) needs to be smaller than the width of your narrowest doorway. Some pieces have removable legs or feet, which can help.

Step 5: Plan delivery day

Clear the route, move any breakables and think about parking near your home. Our delivery information page explains how delivery works.

Not sure? Ask us

If your measurements are close, get in touch before you order and our team will help you check. Email customersupport@woods-furniture.co.uk, contact us or visit one of our showrooms to see pieces in person.