Quality furniture is one of the best investments to improve a home's livability, comfort, and style. However, before you select a new piece, it’s essential to make sure it will fit in your space. Here’s how to determine the dimensions of the necessary areas of your home before heading to the local showroom. 

Are Entryways & Passages Important When Measuring for Furniture?

Since furniture can be a challenge to move, it's necessary to determine the easiest route to get each piece from the outdoors to its designated space. This includes measuring all entryways, halls, stairways, service elevators, and doorways through which you’ll have to pass. The height, width, and diagonal width of each area should be noted, and it's also important to be aware of any corners, fixtures, and railings you’ll need to pass. 

With stairways, ensure you have three measurements: from bottom to ceiling, landing to ceiling, and top step to ceiling. For a piece to fit, its height or depth must be less than that of the entry or passageway. 

Ideally, you should leave at least 4 inches of clearance on all sides to avoid damaging your new piece or the property. You may be able to temporarily remove legs or bases from a piece to fit in a tight space, but it's wise to confirm this is possible before making the purchase. 

What's the Best Way to Measure a Room?

Next, you’ll want to ensure the piece will fit comfortably within its new environment. To do so, measure the room's length from the entrance to the far wall to indicate whether you can maneuver the furniture once it’s inside. 

Next, measure the room’s width and wall height, the latter of which is especially pertinent to tall lamps, armoires, cabinets, and shelving. The height and width of windows, fireplaces, angled or low ceilings, fire sprinklers, and other immovable elements should be noted as well, especially if you plan to put the piece near the room’s perimeter. Once you know the advantages and limitations of each room you're furnishing, you'll be able to shop with confidence.

When it's time to start shopping for your next piece, turn to Bova Contemporary Furniture in Cincinnati, OH. For more than 32 years, this contemporary furniture store has been one of the Hamilton County and Dayton area’s most reliable sources for exceptionally designed Scandinavian-inspired pieces, from bedroom sets and desks to sectional sofas and dining room tables. Call (513) 247-9100 to speak with a friendly team member about how they'll help you create your dream space. Visit the website or go on a virtual tour to start browsing stylish pieces for your home.