How To Measure Your Space

Taking accurate measurements is the most important first step in any design project. An incorrectly measured doorway can ruin a whole project, especially if the sofa doesn’t fit into your home. Below is a list of some guidelines for a how to measure your space and other important details to highlight for a stress-free and seamless space planning process.

MEASURING GUIDE

  • First, go through your home and note all the areas, entries , stairways and doorways your new furniture will pass through to get to your space. You can download graph paper here.
  • Draw a sketch of all the rooms and areas you passed through that need to be measured
  • Once you have your sketches done of your space(s), than go back and add all the measurements to your drawing. Drawing it first will ensure that you don’t miss any areas.
  • Measure the length and width of the rooms.
  • Next measure the height of the walls, this is important for taller pieces such as art, wall units and bookshelves.
  • Measure all doorways and entries. Measure the width, height and diagonally from top left to bottom right. Make sure you are measuring the inside of the doorway and entry. Also, measure the distance of the doorway/entry to the nearest wall.
  • To measure stairways, measure the width, height and diagonally, just like you did for the doorways. Note: railings may need to be removed for some items to fit.
  • Measure windows and fireplaces or any other structure detail that may effect your layout (archways, half walls, slope ceilings ext…) Note the height of window from floor, as that may determine furniture placement
  • Make a note of which direction your doors swing when you open and close
  • Note placement of light switches, outlets, air vents and radiators.
  • Add measurements of the placement of overhead lighting and ceiling fans. (e.g. if working in a dining room, this will determine placement of dining table)