So, you’re looking to buy some new furniture. What’s your first move? Head straight to the furniture store? A common mistake is shopping for furniture before measuring your space — and it’s not just about the spot where your new piece will go. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of measuring your space for new furniture.

Step 1: Measure Your Room

Before buying any furniture, take the dimensions of your room:

  • Length and width: measure the full length and width of the room to understand your total floor space.
  • Height: measure the height of your walls, especially if you’re considering tall items like bookshelves or cabinets.
  • Doors and windows: measure the placement and size of doors and windows, noting how much space they occupy and the clearance needed to open them fully.

Step 2: Measure the Pathways

Think about how you’ll get the furniture into your room. Measure the width of doorways, hallways, and any other potential obstacles so your new furniture can fit through these spaces during delivery.

Step 3: Plan the Layout

Use your measurements to plan your room’s layout:

  • Create a floor plan: draw your room to scale on graph paper or use an online room planner. This helps you visualize how different pieces will fit together.
  • Consider traffic flow: leave enough space to move around comfortably between furniture pieces and pathways.
  • Account for functionality: make sure there’s enough space for doors to open, drawers to pull out, and people to walk around without bumping into furniture.

Step 4: Measure the Furniture

When you find a piece you like, measure it to make sure it fits within your planned layout. Compare the dimensions with your room measurements and floor plan.

Width, depth, and height: measure all three to ensure the piece fits the designated space. Clearance space: allow extra clearance around the furniture for ease of movement — for example, leave space between a couch and a coffee table, or between a bed and a dresser.

Step 5: Double-Check Everything

Before making a purchase, double-check all your measurements. Taking the time to measure accurately avoids the hassle of buying furniture that doesn’t fit or function well in your room.

Ready for new and affordable furniture? Visit Surplus Furniture & Mattress Warehouse today. With our wide selection and knowledgeable staff, we’ll help you find furniture that fits both your space and your style.