The modular sofa, it’s the chameleon of the furniture world. It’s versatile, stylish and adaptable enough to be rearranged more times than your Netflix watchlist. Honestly, these beauties are interior design game-changers.
One of the joys of modular sofas is their adaptability. Can’t decide on the perfect configuration? Start with a basic setup and add more pieces over time. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can even rearrange the modules for different occasions. A long movie night, a party with friends or just a lazy afternoon.
But before you get carried away creating that perfect, Insta-worthy lounging spot, there’s a crucial first step: measure your living room.
OK, we get it, measuring isn’t exactly the most glamorous part of a home makeover. But trust us, getting this right is the key to sofa-based bliss. Because nothing ruins the excitement of a new sofa quite like realising it’s too big or too small!
So, grab your trusty tape measure and maybe a cuppa (the essential tool for any DIY job, right?) and let’s get down to business.
Tools of the Trade: What You’ll Need
Before we get down to brass tacks, let’s gather our measuring essentials. You’ll need:
1. A trusty tape measure: Not the flimsy sewing kind, a proper metal one. You want accuracy, not approximation. Think more builder, less Great British Sewing Bee.
2. Paper and a pen/pencil: For jotting down those all-important measurements.
3. A friend (optional, but recommended): An extra pair of hands can be incredibly helpful, especially when measuring larger spaces. It’s always good to have a second opinion, like when you’re deciding between two shades of grey paint. The struggle is real.
Step-by-Step Guide To Measuring Your Living Room For A Modular Sofa
Right, let’s get to it. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to measuring your living room for a modular sofa:
• Sketch it out: Draw a rough sketch of your living room. This doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, just a basic outline of the room’s shape, including any doors, windows, fireplaces or other permanent fixtures. This will be your measuring map, a bit like the map you use to navigate the Tube during rush hour.
• Measure the length and width: Start by measuring the length and width of the room. Measure from wall to wall, ensuring you’re measuring at floor level. Write these measurements down on your sketch.
• Account for obstacles: Now, consider any obstacles that might affect the placement of your modular sofa. This includes things like radiators, plug sockets, light switches and doorways. Measure the distance between these obstacles and the walls. This is important to ensure your modular sofa doesn’t block anything important, like the TV remote or your access to the snack cupboard.
• Consider traffic flow: Think about how you and others move around the room. You don’t want your new modular sofa to create a bottleneck, making it difficult to navigate the space. Leave enough room for comfortable movement, at least 60cm is ideal. It’s a bit like navigating the crowds at Glastonbury. You need enough space to move without bumping into everyone.
• Measure the potential sofa area: Now, using your sketch and measurements, mark out the area where you envision your modular sofa sitting. This is where you’ll need to consider the dimensions of the modular sofa you’re interested in.
• Measure the modular sofa dimensions: Once you have a modular sofa in mind (or a few!), check the specifications for its dimensions. Pay close attention to the overall length, depth and height of each section of the modular sofa. This is where you’ll really see if your chosen modular sofa will fit in the space you’ve allocated.
• Consider the configuration: Modular sofas are great because they offer so much flexibility in terms of configuration. You can have L-shapes, U-shapes, or even straight configurations. Think about which configuration would work best in your living room and measure accordingly. This is like choosing your character to play in Street Fighter or Marvel Rivals, each configuration has its own strengths.
• Double-check everything: Once you’ve taken all your measurements, double-check them. It’s always good to have a second pair of eyes (or a second measuring session) to ensure accuracy. This is like proofreading an important email, you don’t want any embarrassing mistakes.
Finding The Perfect Modular Sofa
So, there you have it. Everything you need to know about measuring your living room for a modular sofa. Remember to consider all aspects of the room, including obstacles, traffic flow and the dimensions of the modular sofa itself. By following these steps, you can ensure that your new modular sofa fits perfectly and enhances your living room.
Finding the perfect modular sofa can take time, but it’s worth the effort. With a bit of planning and careful measuring, you can find a modular sofa that fits perfectly in your living room and transforms it into a stylish and comfortable haven. Remember, a well-chosen modular sofa can be a real game-changer, a bit like when you discovered you could get a full English breakfast delivered straight to your door.
KEY TAKEAWAYS ABOUT MEASURING YOUR ROOM FOR A MODULAR SOFA
• Accurately measure your living room’s dimensions before you even begin browsing for modular sofas. This crucial first step is the best way to avoid costly mistakes and ensures your chosen sofa will fit perfectly within your space, creating the desired aesthetic and functionality.
• Gather the essential tools to make the measuring process smooth and accurate. You’ll need a sturdy metal tape measure (avoid flexible fabric tapes), paper and a pen or pencil for recording your measurements, and ideally, a friend or family member who can lend a helping hand, especially when measuring larger spaces or awkward angles.
• First things first, you need to clear the space where your modular sofa will live. This means moving any existing furniture, plants or that pile of magazines you’ve been meaning to read since last Christmas. Once you’ve got a clear space, you can start to get a feel for the area you’re working with.
• Create a rough sketch of your living room’s layout, including the positions of doors, windows, fireplaces and any other permanent fixtures or architectural features. This sketch will serve as a visual guide and help you visualise how the modular sofa will fit within the existing space.
• Measure the overall length and width of your living room, ensuring you measure from wall to wall at floor level for the most accurate results. Don’t forget to account for any obstacles such as radiators, electrical outlets, light switches and doorways, measuring their distance from the walls to ensure the sofa won’t obstruct them or create an impractical layout. Allow ample space for comfortable movement around the sofa, aiming for at least 60cm of clearance.
• Once you have a specific modular sofa or a few options in mind, carefully check the manufacturer’s specifications for its precise dimensions, paying close attention to the overall length, depth and height of each individual section. Consider the different modular sofa configurations available (L-shape, U-shape, straight, etc.) and ensure the chosen configuration will comfortably fit within the measured space in your living room, allowing for adequate clearance and a balanced layout.
What Other Interior Design Experts Say About Modular Sofas…
“What should you look for in a small sectional? Quality. Contrary to popular opinion, bigger is not always better, so when you’re investing in a small sectional, make sure you’re buying something you really love that will last years.”
Jessica Cherner & Janae McKenzie at House Beautiful
Read More: 22 small sectional sofas that don’t skimp on comfort or style
“Modular sofas are comprised of different pieces and can therefore be built into various configurations.”
Brigid Kennedy at Livingetc
Read More: Understanding sofa dimensions
“Measure the size of your living room and make note of any immovable features or objects. It’s best not to place your sofa in front of a radiator, as it will block heat. You will also want to ensure your sofa will be a good distance from your TV.”
Hannah Healey at Which?
Read More: How to buy a sofa
How To Measure Your Living Room For A Modular Sofa – FAQs
Why is it so important to measure my living room before buying a modular sofa?
Measuring is absolutely essential to avoid the disappointment (and potential hassle of returns!) of a sofa that doesn’t fit. It ensures your new modular sofa perfectly complements your space, creating a stylish and comfortable haven. Nobody wants a sofa that blocks doorways or overwhelms the room.
I’m terrible at measuring! Any tips to make it easier?
Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Start by sketching a rough layout of your room. Measure from wall to wall at floor level, and double-check your measurements to be extra sure. Having a friend help can also make the process smoother.
Do I need to measure every single nook and cranny?
While you don’t need to measure every millimetre of the room, it’s important to account for any obstacles like radiators, plug sockets and doorways. These can significantly affect where you can place your sofa.
How much space should I leave for walking around the sofa?
Aim for at least 60cm (about 2ft) of clearance around the sofa to ensure comfortable movement and avoid a cramped feeling.
How do I measure for different modular sofa configurations (L-shape, U-shape, etc.)?
Each configuration has different dimensions. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for each layout and measure your space accordingly. It’s helpful to mark the potential sofa footprint on your floor with masking tape to visualise the space it will occupy.
The modular sofa I like has multiple sections. Do I need to measure each one individually?
Yes, it’s crucial to check the dimensions of each individual section and the overall dimensions when they’re combined in your chosen configuration. This will give you the most accurate picture of how the sofa will fit.
What if I have a small living room? Can I still have a modular sofa?
Yes, modular sofas are actually great for smaller spaces because they can be configured to fit snugly. Just be extra careful with your measurements and choose a configuration that maximises your space.
What if I’m planning to rearrange my room in the future? Should I still measure now?
Absolutely! Measuring now will give you a good understanding of the maximum sofa size that will work in your room, even if you rearrange later. It’s always better to be prepared.
Discover Your Dream Modular Sofa At Furniture Outlet
Forget trawling through endless online catalogues, the real furniture treasure trove is waiting at our Essex & London retail outlets! If you’re on the hunt for the perfect modular sofa (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), you’ve come to the right place. We’re not just talking a few sofas here and there. We’re talking a mountain of stylish options, from our own exclusive affordable luxury range to jaw-dropping clearance deals on top UK brands.
Seriously, we shift millions of pounds worth of furniture every day, with new stock arriving faster than you can say ‘interior design refresh’. Think half-price (or less!) sofas, dining sets, beds and everything in between – even garden furniture for those sunny days. Plus, with 0% APR finance and local delivery, transforming your living room with that dream modular sofa is easier than ever. We’re open 7 days a week, come down and bag yourself a bargain!
Marley Modular Corner Sofa Set with Footstool, Premium Blue Shimmer Fabric (£2,199)
Sofas Available Online Now – View All
(Lots More Sofas Available In-Store)
Marley Modular Sofa Range
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More Sofa Blogs You May Be Interested In…
Modular Sofa: The Ultimate Buying Guide
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Best Recliner Sofas For Small Spaces
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