This is one of the most common and crucial questions when buying a sofa!
Will sofa fit through door?
Many people excitedly buy a sofa only to realize it won’t fit through their front door, hallway, or up the stairs.
The simple answer is: It depends on the sofa’s dimensions and the dimensions of your entryways.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to figure out if your sofa will fit, especially relevant for homes in UK where door sizes can vary:
What You Need:
- A measuring tape
- The exact sizes of the sofa (width, height, depth). These are usually available on the product page online or from the sales assistant in a showroom.
- Paper for taking notes.
Step 1: Measure Your Sofa
Get these three crucial measurements from the sofa’s specifications:
- Overall Width (Length): Measure from the widest point, usually armrest to armrest.
- Overall Depth: Measure from the very back of the frame to the very front edge (including any cushions).
- Height: Measure sofa’s height from the floor.
- Diagonal Depth (or Diagonal Height): This is critically important for sofas with fixed backs or arms. It’s the measurement from the top back corner of the frame to the bottom front corner of the frame (or the end of the leg). Imagine tilting the sofa; this is often the most challenging dimension to clear. If the manufacturer doesn’t provide it, you might need to estimate or ask them.
Step 2: Measure Your Entryways (The Sofa’s Journey)
Map out the entire route your sofa will take from the delivery truck to its final spot in your home. This includes:
- Front Door (or main entry point):
o Open the door as wide as it can go.
o Measure the clearance width of the doorway.
o Measure the clearance height of the doorway, from the floor to the top of the door frame.
- Any Hallways:
o Measure the sizes of all hallways.
o Pay close attention to corners. Measure the diagonal width across any turns or tight angles.
- Internal Doors: Repeat the doorway measurements for every internal door the sofa must pass through.
- Stairwells (if applicable):
o Measure the width of the staircase at its narrowest point (accounting for handrails, banisters, or light fixtures).
o Measure the ceiling height at the lowest point above the stairs, especially at landings or turns.
o Measure the width and depth of any landings.
- Elevator (if applicable):
o Measure the open-door height, width, and interior depth of the lift.
o Note the maximum weight capacity.
Step 3: Compare Measurements and Determine the Best Approach
Here’s how to see if it will fit:
- For going through a doorway horizontally (flat):
o The sofa’s depth must be less than the entry point.
o The sofa’s height must be less than the doorway’s clear height.
- For going through a doorway vertically (on its end/side):
o The sofa’s width has to be less than the entry point.
o The sofa’s depth or height (whichever is greater when upright) must be less than the doorway’s clear width.
- For going through a doorway diagonally (the “pivot” method):
o The sofa’s diagonal depth/height (the measurement from Step 1, point 4) must be less than the doorway’s clear width. This is often the trick for larger sofas.
General Rules of Thumb:
- Add a buffer: Always give yourself 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of extra clearance for manoeuvring.
- The smallest point rules: The sofa must fit through the smallest points of any part of its journey.
- Standard Door Sizes in UK: While exact standards can vary, common interior door widths are often around 30-36 inches (76-91 cm) and heights are typically 80-84 inches (203-213 cm). Exterior doors can be wider. However, older homes or custom designs might have smaller or unique door sizes. Always measure your specific doors.
Tips if it’s a Tight Fit:
- Remove cushions and legs: This is often the easiest way to shave off crucial inches. Many sofas have removable legs.
- Remove the door: Temporarily taking the door off its hinges can gain you an inch or two of width and significantly more manoeuvrability.
- Remove door stops or trim: In very tight situations, removing the door frame trim or door stops can gain precious extra millimetres.
- Wrap the sofa: Use moving blankets or thick sheets to protect the sofa’s upholstery and your walls/door frames from scratches during the move.
- Get help: Never try to move a large sofa alone. Have at least two strong people and ideally more for very large or heavy pieces.
- Communicate: Talk through your movements clearly with your helpers.
- Consider professional movers: If you’re unsure or the sofa is particularly large/heavy, professionals have specialized equipment and experience.
- Disassemble the sofa: Some modular or custom sofas are designed to be broken down into smaller pieces for transport. Check if this is an option for your chosen sofa.
By taking careful measurements and planning your route, you can minimize stress and ensure your new sofa arrives safely in its new home!