How To Measure a Room for Furniture

From buying a new home to redesigning an old space, don't make plans for new furniture and accessories until you’ve measured the room. Properly measuring your space for furniture is essential when outfitting and styling your home. Ensure your microfiber living room set doesn’t overflow into walkways or guarantee your new King-sized bed won’t overwhelm your room. Follow along for easy tips and ensure you get the best measurements for your new furniture.

Measure the Area & Perimeter of the Room

Knowing precisely how much space you have to work with is the first step in any home styling project. Here's how to measure a few common areas.

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How to measure the area of a room

If you want to know how much surface area you have, calculate the square footage of the room. To measure the square footage of a room, multiply the length of the room (in feet) by the width of the room (in feet). For example, start at one corner and measure along the wall to the next corner using a tape measure. Do this to measure both the length and the width of the room. If the width is eight feet and the length is 12 feet, the total area of the room is 96 sq. ft.

length (ft) x width (ft) = area in square feet
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How to measure the perimeter of a room

The perimeter of a room is a simple measurement. Double the width and length measurements you took and add them together. For example, an 8 x 12 room would be 16 + 24, giving you a perimeter of 40 feet.
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How to measure awkward angles & shapes

If you are trying to measure the area of a room with a closet or another odd shape, make two measurements. First, find the area of the room without the closet. Then, find the area of the closet. Then, combine both numbers.

The same goes for an odd-shaped room. Break down the room into areas that are easy to calculate. Then, add them together for the final number.

If your room, or a section of the room, resembles a triangle, use the same formula but divide it in half.

length (ft) x width (ft) ÷ 2 = area in square feet of a triangle

How to Measure Wall Space

Whether you want to add a splash of color or ensure that your art fits on your wall, finding the total square footage of your wall is essential.


Measure the wall height and length and multiply the numbers to find the square footage. If you need to measure multiple walls, find the square footage for each wall and add the numbers together.


If your wall includes a window or doorway, multiply the length by the height of the wall to find the total area. If you are looking for the square footage of a wall for paint or wallpaper and do not need to include doorway or window measurements, subtract the square footage of the windows and doors from the total square footage of the walls.

Measuring the Room for Placement

When ordering new furniture, one of the key steps is ensuring your pieces can make it through the door. Measure the heights and widths of all entryways, stairways, and hallways to ensure your furniture can maneuver through them. Factor in ceiling heights, architectural details of the room, banisters, or low-hanging fixtures that might get in the way.


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How to measure doorways

When it comes to doorways, measure not only the interior length and width of the doorway but also the diagonal height. Take into account any doorknobs, fixtures, or hanging lights. To fit through an entryway, your furniture width must be less than the height of the doorway.
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How to measure window sills

For furniture that sits against a wall, an often-forgotten measurement that keeps your furniture from being flush against the wall is a windowsill. Measure your windowsill width by measuring from the edge of the wall opening to the lower edge of the window frame. Then, measure the length from edge to edge.

How To Measure for Furniture

Making sure your new pieces fit seamlessly into the flow of your room is about more than just dimensions. Having a plan for your furniture placement helps build a space that feels balanced. Mark out the dimensions of your new additions with tape to get a feel for how the furniture will sit in the space. Here are a few specific furnishing measurements to keep in mind.

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How to measure for a rug

Mapping out where your rug lives with painter’s tape helps you visualize your future space. Clear out any existing furniture and use the tape to outline the dimensions of the rug. Consider the extra inches you want around the borders to keep foot traffic in line.
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How to measure for a bed

When deciding on the size of your bed, consider the available dimensions of the room. A King-sized bed bed may not be the best choice for an extra small room. Factor in additional space you need for accompanying furniture, like nightstands, lamps, or bedroom storage. Then, tape out the dimensions of the bed on the floor and give an extra inch or two of space for bedframes or headboards.
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How to measure for a sectional or sofa

Sofas or sectionals can overwhelm a room if you haven’t measured. First, take note of not only the length of a couch but also the depth. Tape out the sectional or sofa’s exact shape and dimension in your room to see if it will extend past walls or walkways. Also, consider the traffic patterns of the room and any other large furnishings the room may have. You need to have enough room to move around the space.

Find the Perfect Measurements

Ensure you get the right-sized furniture for your home’s space and needs. Knowing the exact measurements of your room helps narrow your furniture search and limits the need for returns. Once you calculate your measurements, it’s time to find your perfect furniture and decor on furniture.com. Browse our selection of curated pieces to fit any size, shape, and budget.

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