How to Measure a Sectional Sofa

This article was written by Ryan Podnar, furniture expert at La-Z-Boy South Texas

When buying or arranging a sectional sofa, accurate measurements are essential to ensure the piece fits perfectly in your living room or other designated spaces.

Sectional sofas are often customizable and come in various configurations, making it even more important to know exactly how to measure for the best fit. Whether you're shopping for a new sofa or simply rearranging your current one, knowing how to measure a sectional sofa will help you avoid any surprises and create a comfortable, balanced layout.

In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide on how to measure a sectional to ensure you get the right fit for your space.

Coming Up…

• Understand the Different Components of a Sectional Sofa
• Measure the Length of Each Section
• Measure the Depth of Each Piece
• Measure the Width (or Seat Width)
• Measure the Height of the Sectional
• Measure the Overall Dimensions of the Sectional (L-Shaped or U-Shaped)
• Consider Room Layout and Clearance
• Account for the Sectional's Configuration
• Ready to Find the Right Sectional For You?

Understand the Different Components of a Sectional Sofa

Before you begin measuring, it's important to understand the different parts of a sectional sofa. Sectional couches usually consist of individual pieces that are connected together, which can be rearranged depending on the configuration. Here are the most common components:

• Armless Pieces: These parts of the sectional don't have armrests and are usually placed in the middle of the sectional.
• Chaises: These are longer pieces that extend for extra seating or lounging. A sectional with a chaise will often have one side that extends out further than the other.
• Corners: This is where two pieces meet at a right angle, usually forming an L-shape. Some sectionals also have curved corners.
• Ottomans: Optional, but often included in sectionals, these pieces serve as footrests or extra seating.
• Sofa Pieces: The basic individual seats in the sectional, typically with arms on each side.

Understanding the configuration of your sectional will help you measure each component accurately and figure out how it will fit into your room.

Measure the Length of Each Section

The most crucial measurement you need is the length of each piece of the sectional. You should measure from the end of the armrest or edge of the sofa to the other end (either armrest or the point where the section connects to the next part).

• Armless Sections: For armless pieces, measure from one end to the other along the back edge.
• Pieces with Arms: For pieces with arms, measure from the outermost point of the armrest to the other end.
• Chaises: For a chaise section, measure from the back of the seat to the front of the extended part.

Tip: Measure each section individually to ensure you account for all the pieces in your sectional and can visualize how they will fit together.

Measure the Depth of Each Piece

The depth of a sectional refers to how far the seats extend from the back of the sofa to the front edge, where you rest your legs. The depth can vary between pieces, so it's important to measure each section.

• Standard Sofa Depth: Most sectionals have a seat depth ranging between 30 inches to 40 inches.
• Chaises: Chaise sections will have a greater depth, often ranging from 60 to 70 inches (depending on the style and design).

Take note of the depth for comfort and how it affects your room layout. A deeper sectional offers more comfort but may take up more room.

Measure the Width (or Seat Width)

The width of each section refers to how wide the seat or individual section is, from one armrest to the other. This is especially important for sections with arms, as it will help determine how much space each section will occupy.

• Armless Sections: For armless sections, you can measure from one side of the seat to the other.
• Pieces with Arms: Measure from the outermost point of the armrest on one side to the outermost point on the other side.

Generally, sectional couch widths can range from 72 inches to 96 inches depending on the configuration and the number of seats.

Measure the Height of the Sectional

The height of a deep sectional sofa is often overlooked, but it's essential to know, especially when it comes to clearance under furniture or determining if the sofa fits beneath windows or shelves.

To measure the height:

• From Floor to Back: Measure from the floor to the highest point of the backrest. This is especially important for determining if the sofa will fit under windows or in spaces with low ceilings.
• Seat Height: You may also want to measure the seat height, which is the distance from the floor to the top of the seat cushions. Standard seat heights range from 17 to 20 inches, but this can vary depending on the style of the sectional.

Measure the Overall Dimensions of the Sectional (L-Shaped or U-Shaped)

If you have an l shape sectional or a u shape sectional, you’ll need to measure both lengths and the angle between the pieces to get an accurate idea of how much space the sectional will occupy in your room.

• L-Shaped Sectional: Measure each leg of the "L" individually and then measure the angle between the two pieces. You’ll want to measure the overall width and depth of the entire sectional layout.
• U-Shaped Sectional: For a U-shaped sectional, measure each side of the U, making sure to include the length and depth of each individual piece. You’ll need to ensure that you have enough clearance around the U-shape for easy traffic flow.

Tip: When measuring L-shaped or U-shaped sectionals, it’s helpful to map out the measurements on paper or use a room layout app to get a visual of how the sectional will fit.

Consider Room Layout and Clearance

Once you’ve measured the sectional and individual pieces, it’s essential to consider how much space you have in the room for the sectional and other furniture. Here are a few things to consider:

• Clearance for Walkways: Leave at least 24 inches of space between the sectional and any walls or furniture to allow for comfortable movement and airflow.
• Room Size: Make sure the sectional fits comfortably in the room without overcrowding the space. Consider leaving space for tables, lamps, and other accessories.

Account for the Sectional's Configuration

If you're purchasing a sectional that comes with a modular setup, you'll need to consider the configuration options. For example:

• Reversible Sectionals: Some sectionals have reversible pieces, meaning the chaise or corner seat can be moved to either side of the sofa. When measuring these, ensure you account for all possible configurations.
• Modular Options: Modular sectionals may have individual pieces that can be arranged to create different seating arrangements, such as a U-shape or an L-shape. Make sure you measure each piece, even if you're not planning to use all sections.

Ready to Find the Right Sectional For You?

Measuring a sectional sofa is essential for ensuring it fits perfectly in your space. By measuring the length, depth, width, and height of each individual piece, and considering the overall configuration of the sectional, you can confidently select a sectional that complements your room's layout and meets your comfort needs.

Taking the time to carefully measure your sectional ensures that the sofa will not only fit in your space but also provide the comfort and functionality you're looking for. However, the final step to finding the perfect sectional for you is to see how it fits you!

If you’re ready to take this step, visit your nearest La-Z-Boy South Texas store.