How To Know If A Sofa Will Fit Through Your Doorway

Bringing a new sofa home is an exciting event, but the excitement can quickly turn to frustration if you realize it won't fit through your doorway. Measuring your doorway and sofa before purchasing can save you from a lot of hassle and potential damage. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to measure your doorway and sofa to ensure a smooth delivery and installation.

Measure Your Doorway

Accurately measuring your doorway is the first crucial step. You'll need to measure both the height and width of the doorway, taking into account any potential obstructions. The doorway measurement should not only account for the opening itself but also include any protruding door trim or moldings.

Follow these steps to accurately measure your doorway:

Open the door fully and measure the width: Measure the width from one side of the door frame to the other, making sure you are measuring at the narrowest point.
Measure the height: Start from the floor and measure to the top of the door frame, again paying attention to the narrowest point.
Consider any obstructions: Check for any protruding trim, moldings, or hinges that might add to the overall width or height needed for the sofa to pass through.

Measure Your Sofa

Once you've measured your doorway, it's time to measure the sofa you have your eye on. Ensure you measure the sofa in its widest and tallest points as this will represent the sofa's largest dimensions.

Follow these steps to measure your sofa:

Measure the width: Measure the widest point of the sofa from armrest to armrest.
Measure the height: Measure the highest point of the sofa, typically including the back cushion.
Determine the depth: Measure from the front edge of the sofa to the back of the seat cushion.
Consider the packaging: If the sofa is shipped in a box, account for the packaging's size and any potential protruding features.

Compare Your Measurements

With both your doorway and sofa measurements in hand, it's time to compare them. You're looking to ensure that the sofa's width and height are smaller than the doorway's width and height, respectively. Remember to account for any obstructions in the doorway during your comparison.

If the sofa's dimensions are larger than the doorway's dimensions, you might need to consider a few alternatives:

Find a smaller sofa: This is often the simplest solution if the sofa isn't a significant size difference.
Remove the door: If you are removing the door, you'll need to ensure you are not damaging the surrounding structure and have the proper support mechanism in place.
Remove door trim: If the trim is the primary obstruction, consider removing it temporarily. However, it's important to note that this can be a laborious process and could require professional help.
Tilt the sofa: If the sofa's height is slightly larger than the doorway's height, you might be able to tilt the sofa to navigate the doorway. This technique requires careful handling and might be more appropriate with the help of another person.

By meticulously measuring and comparing both your doorway and the sofa, you can confidently determine if the sofa will fit through your doorway and potentially avoid a frustrating delivery day. If you find your sofa is too large, consider the alternatives described above, as they can help you avoid the inconvenience of a sofa that won't fit.