How To Measure A Sectional Couch [Detailed Guide]

Are you considering getting a sectional couch? It’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Before doing so, it’s great to have the precise dimensions of your desired sofa to make sure it fits into your space. Keep reading to learn how to measure a sectional couch.

When measuring a sectional couch, the rule of thumb is to get the measurements of the longest segment. This helps to determine if the couch will fit into your designated spot.

• For L-shaped sectionals, measure one side, then do the same to the other, and combine the two results.

• For U-shaped sectionals, measure all three parts. List down the figures and add them all up to get the total measurement.

• Measure curved sectionals from one end to the other. Avoid placing it against a wall. Instead, leave at least four feet of space to make the room feel less crowded.

For any of these sectional couches, ensure you have enough space in your living room.

For more information on how to get the exact measurements of your sectional couch, keep reading and take notes, if necessary. We’ve done all the research, collected all the useful stuff, and put it all on this post. We hope it helps!

Should I Get A Sectional Or Two Sofas?

It’s an overwhelming decision, isn’t it? Sometimes it can easily come down to personal preference; other times, it’s something more. There are two factors that you simply can’t ignore when making your final decision: space and need.

A sectional couch is a worthy addition to your living room only if you have enough space to accommodate its wide measurements. Sectional sofas are easily customizable since they are versatile and come in different forms. 

The common types include the U-shaped sectionals, L-shaped, and the curved sectionals. 

As versatile as they may be, sectional sofas have nothing on standard sofas as far as space is concerned. Traditional sofas will neither overwhelm your other furniture nor distort your living room décor. 

So it all boils down to one thing: space. You don’t need a U-shaped couch for a small-size living room. Do yourself a favor and go for two sofas instead. If that won’t be enough, you can add a few small sofas and modern loveseats. These will provide a seating arrangement similar to sectional couches. 

You can also arrange them to face one another to create a more formal or conversational living space. 

Will A Sectional Fit In My Living Room?

Yes – depending on your living room space, and how well you arrange your couch. You can get a definite answer to this common question after taking accurate measurements of your living room. 

Sectional couches offer a single continuous seating arrangement that often looks less cluttered when compared to sofas, chairs, or loveseats. That single setup should work with your idea of a sitting room layout.

Luckily most sectionals come in individual components that allow you to build a whole sofa that will fit perfectly into your designated spot. Some of the standard elements of a sectional couch include:

• One-armed chair
• Corner chair
• Armless chair
• Armless loveseat
• One-armed loveseat
• One-armed chaise

All these can be assembled to make up a single continuous sofa. Every sectional is often completed by right-arm and left-arm facing pieces. Both of these should be arranged on either end of the couch.

Sectionals will come in different numbers of shapes and pieces. It helps to decide on the specific features that will work for your space. The shape of the sectional is a good place to start. Squared sectionals are available in two styles: U-shaped and L-shaped.

Are L-Shaped Sofas A Good Idea?

L-shaped sofas are a good bet if you doubt that a sectional sofa may not fit in your living room. They have a simple design that comprises two sides with comfy seating. This design is more open when it’s set against two walls and it doesn’t take up a considerable chunk of your floor space. 

The best thing about L-shaped sofas is their ability to seat at least six people all at once. It’s a relatively cheaper option compared to buying individual chairs or sofa sets with a similar number of seats. Here are three other reasons why L-section sofas are a splendid option:

• They’re easy to refresh. You can easily switch between upholsteries to grace your living room with a fresh new look.
• The sofa’s design can act as a comfy bed, as well. This feature comes in handy when you need to accommodate guests at night.
• They add a modern touch to your living room. You’re better off if you get a couch that compliments your wall color.

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How Long Is The Average Sectional Couch? 

The typical length of a sectional sofa measures between 94 inches to 156 inches (this is approximately eight to 13 feet long). A three-seat chaise sectional couch has a length of about 78 to 88 inches.

It’s pretty common to find sectionals of equal lengths or dimensions. Typically, the most popular full sectionals measure approximately 95 by 95 inches, while bigger ones can measure up to 98 by 98 inches. The depths of both couches measure 36 to 40 inches on average.

As expected, sectional couches are available in a variety of other dimensions. Most of them allow for custom configuration and vary depending on the size you prefer for your sectional. 

You will often be provided with the dimensions of all the individual pieces. From there, you can determine whether or not it will be the right fit for your living room floor. 

What Do You Do If Your Sectional Is Too Big?

Your first option is to consider an alternative sectional. As mentioned earlier, there’s a variety of sectional couches in the market today. If one is too big or doesn’t quite fit in with your layout ideas, try out a different kind. 

It’s a good idea first to get the measurements of the couch you want to buy before paying for it, but if you already own it, you are going to need to figure out how to work it into your room.

We understand how difficult it is to fit oversized sectionals in a living room that doesn’t match its size. Position it in an area that won’t hinder traffic flow. Wherever you decide to place it, ensure you or your guests won’t have to jump over to get in or get out of the space. 

It also helps to keep things simple at this point. An extra-large couch doesn’t exactly fit in well with other dramatic elements. Don’t add in unnecessary accessories such as throw pillows or fussy full-length curtains. 

Keeping it simple is an excellent way to tone down the unappealing length and boost the elegant look it was meant to bring to your living room.

Which Side Should the Chaise Be On? 

A splendid rule of thumb is to position your chaise on the side where there’s a little amount of traffic. This will help a great deal in reducing the level of congestion. When you notice a chaise labeled with RAF (right arm facing), it means that it should be on your right-hand side. 

If it’s labeled LAF (left arm facing), it should automatically be placed on your left.

How Are Curved Sectionals Measured?

Measuring a curved sectional is no mean feat. So how should you go about it? 

Step 1

Get the length measurements by measuring both sections of your couch. Place the tip of your tape measure on the right arm of the sofa. Stretch out the tape diagonally across the curve to the left arm.

Step 2

Record the length measurement. For extra walking space, be sure to add at least two additional feet for each side. 

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Step 3

Measure the width of your sofa by measuring the distance from the back to the front. Since it’s curved, you may want to do this in the broadest area of the sofa. Record your results.

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Step 4

Determine the height by measuring the distance of the base to the top. Record your results.

Step 5

Compare your sofa’s measurements (length, width, and height) with that of your living room. If the measurements are lower than your living room’s length and width measurements, rest assured that the couch will fit perfectly.

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You can save yourself the trouble of measuring your couch by checking with your manufacturer. They often provide detailed and accurate dimensions and schematics of each component. 

Get The Right Sectional For Your Floor Space

Sectionals can provide three things to your living room: function, style, and comfort. Very few furnishings can provide these. That’s why you should settle for a sofa that complements your living room. 

NEVER go shopping for a sectional couch without drawing up your living room floor plan. It won’t be hard to find a perfect-fitting sectional couch now that you have an idea of how to measure one!