• Height (H): From floor to highest point 
• Diagonal Depth (DD): From lower back corner to midpoint between top of back and top of arm
• Depth (D): From back edge to front edge 
• Width (W): From arm edge to opposite arm edge

Expert Tip: Seat height is an important comfort factor to consider—don’t forget to account for your preferences when sofa shopping.

• Height (H): From floor to highest point
• Depth (D): From back edge to front edge
• Width (W): From front corner to opposite front corner

Expert Tip: Note shelf height or drawer depth when 
you’re shopping if you have specific storage needs.

Plan the Placement
Work out a floor plan with about 18-24 inches
between pieces. Consider outlets, vents, or 
light switches that could be obstructed.

Tape It Out
Using the piece’s listed dimensions, visualize how it will fit by mapping out its footprint with painter’s tape.

Give Some Cushion
Allow for wiggle room—add an extra 1–2 inches when taking measurements to ensure smooth placement.

Consider all doorways and determine which route provides the best access. Measure every doorway the delivery team will need to pass through to ensure your furniture will fit.

• Measure the height (H), width (W), and diagonal (D) of all doorways along the delivery path. 
• Compare measurements to determine if the furniture can go straight through entryways, or if it must be angled or turned on its end. 
• For sofas and chairs, the width of the entryway must exceed one of the following: The piece’s depth, diagonal depth, or height. 
• Account for hinges, handles, and other details that may become obstacles, including the door itself.

Measure every hallway your item will pass through.

• Measure the height and width of the hall.
• Consider wall and ceiling fixtures—including lights, decor, and fire sprinklers—as well as decorative moldings.
• If there are narrow entryways and corners, measure the total clearance length (C) between the outside hallway wall and interior room walls. This is important for sofas or tall bookcases that must be moved in horizontally.
• If your hallway has angles or turns, measure from the hall corner to the opposite wall to be sure it’s wide enough to pivot.

If your piece must travel up or down a staircase,
measure each segment carefully.

• Measure the ceiling height (H) from the bottom step and top step.
• If there’s a landing, measure its width (W) and depth (D), as well as the ceiling height (H) from that spot.
• Measure the diagonal from the steps and landing, in case you need to tilt the item to clear the stairway.
• Take handrails and banisters into account when measuring width.

If your building has an elevator, take care to measure every angle, from the door opening to the interior height (H), width (W), depth, and diagonal depth (DD).

• Look for handrails or control panels that may affect the positioning of your item during delivery.