How to Measure Furniture: A Complete Guide

While sizes vary, most sofas follow these standard dimensions: 

• Overall Length: Typically 70-96 inches 

• Overall Depth: Usually 30-42 inches 

• Overall Height: Ranges from 30-40 inches 

• Seat Depth: Standard 20-24 inches 

• Seat Height: Generally 17-19 inches
  
  

Taking these measurements ensures your couch fits your space perfectly and meets your comfort needs. Remember, there are many types of sofas available - including loveseats, apartment sofas, chaise lounges, and extra deep options - so be sure to check out our Sofa Size Guide for more insights on choosing the right style for your room.

While sizes vary, most sectionals follow these standard dimensions: 

• Overall Length: Typically 94-156 inches, depending on configuration 

• Overall Depth: Usually 36-40 inches 

• Overall Height: Ranges from 30-40 inches 

• Chaise Length: Typically 60-75 inches 

• Seat Depth: Standard 20-24 inches 

• Seat Height: Generally 17-19 inches
  
  

Taking these measurements not only helps ensure your sectional fits your space and meets your seating needs, but it also ensures you account for its unique configuration. For example, if you have a U-shaped sectional, remember to measure the chaise lengths at both ends, and for an L-shaped sectional, be sure to measure the length of the wall where the chaise might be positioned. This careful approach guarantees that every component of your sectional is properly accommodated. For more detailed guidance, check out this guide to modular sofas and sectionals.

While sizes vary, most recliners follow these standard dimensions: 

• Overall Width: Typically 29-40 inches 

• Overall Depth (upright): Usually 34-42 inches 

• Overall Height: Ranges from 38-44 inches 

• Seat Depth: Standard 20-24 inches 

• Seat Height: Generally 17-19 inches 

• Fully Reclined Length: Typically 60-72 inches
  
  

Accurately measuring your recliner ensures a perfect fit in your space and allows for full range of motion when reclining.

While sizes vary, most coffee tables follow these standard dimensions: 

• Length: Typically 36-48 inches 

• Width: Usually 18-30 inches 

• Height: Ranges from 16-18 inches 

• Clearance Space: Ideally 12-18 inches from seating
  
  

Choosing the right coffee table size not only creates a harmonious focal point but also enhances functionality and ease of movement in your living space. For more inspiration on selecting ideal tables for your home, explore our Guide to Living Room Tables and discover creative accents with our Side Table Decor Ideas.

While sizes vary, most bar stools follow these standard dimensions: 

• Overall Height: Typically 35-50 inches (for stools with backrests) 

• Seat Height:

   - Counter-height stools: 24-27 inches (for surfaces 35-37 inches high)

   - Bar-height stools: 28-33 inches (for surfaces 41-43 inches high) 

   - Extra-tall stools: 34-36 inches (for surfaces 44-47 inches high) 

• Seat Width: Usually 15-20 inches 

• Seat Depth: Typically 14-18 inches 

• Footrest Height: Generally 7-12 inches from the seat 

• Spacing Between Stools: Ideally 6-12 inches between each stool
  
  

Selecting the right bar stool size is essential for ensuring optimal comfort while maintaining a well-proportioned look in your dining or entertaining space. For more detailed guidance, check out our Bar Stool Height Guide.

While sizes vary, most dining tables follow these standard dimensions: 

• Length: Typically 48-96 inches, depending on seating capacity. Smaller tables often measure between 48-60 inches for intimate settings, while larger tables extend up to 96 inches for seating 8-10 people. 

• Width: Usually 30-48 inches, offering ample surface area without overwhelming the room. 

• Height: 

   - Standard Dining Tables: Generally 28-31 inches tall, ideal for traditional dining chairs. 

   - Counter Height Tables: Typically 34-36 inches tall, which can offer a more casual dining or bar-style seating experience. 

• Leg or Base Clearance: At least 24 inches per seat to ensure comfortable legroom. 

• Chair Spacing: Ideally, allocate about 24 inches per person to allow easy access and movement. 

• Clearance Around the Table: Maintain a minimum of 36-48 inches from walls or other furniture for a comfortable flow in the dining area.
  
  

Selecting the right dining table size helps create a functional and inviting space where guests can gather comfortably without feeling cramped.

While sizes vary, most dining chairs follow these standard dimensions: 

• Overall Height: Typically 36-42 inches 

• Seat Height: Usually 17-20 inches 

• Seat Width: Generally 16-22 inches 

• Seat Depth: Typically 16-18 inches 

• Backrest Height: Usually 18-24 inches from the seat 

• Armrest Height (if applicable): Typically 24-26 inches from the floor 

• Spacing Between Chairs: Ideally 6-12 inches between each chair
  
  

Choosing the right dining chair size ensures a balanced look, proper ergonomics, and a comfortable dining experience for everyone at the table.

While sizes vary, most bed frames follow these standard dimensions:

• Twin: 75-80 inches long x 38-42 inches wide

• Full: 75-80 inches long x 53-58 inches wide

• Queen: 80-85 inches long x 60-66 inches wide

• King: 80-85 inches long x 76-82 inches wide

• California King: 84-90 inches long x 72-78 inches wide

• Headboard Height: Ranges between 36-60 inches depending on design. Larger beds, like queens or kings, might benefit from a taller headboard for a balanced look.

• Footboard Height (if applicable): Usually measures between 12-30 inches, with adjustments made to complement the bed's size and style.

• Underbed Clearance: Typically 6-18 inches, depending on storage needs.
  
  

Selecting the right bed frame size not only keeps your bedroom spacious, stylish, and functional but also provides the essential support for a restful sleep. For more tips on optimizing your bedroom design, check out our Bedroom Furniture Basics.

While sizes vary, most mattresses follow these standard dimensions: 

• Twin: 38 inches wide x 75 inches long 

• Twin XL: 38 inches wide x 80 inches long 

• Full: 53 inches wide x 75 inches long 

• Queen: 60 inches wide x 80 inches long 

• King: 76 inches wide x 80 inches long 

• California King: 72 inches wide x 84 inches long 

• Height (Thickness): Typically 8-16 inches, depending on materials and comfort levels
  
  

Selecting the right mattress size guarantees a comfortable, supportive sleep while seamlessly integrating into your bedroom layout. For additional guidance, explore How to Test a Mattress in Store.

While sizes vary, most nightstands follow these standard dimensions: 

• Overall Width: Typically 18-30 inches 

• Overall Depth: Usually 15-20 inches 

• Overall Height: Generally 22-28 inches, aligning with most bed heights 

• Drawer Width: Typically 10-24 inches, depending on the nightstand size 

• Drawer Depth: Usually 10-16 inches for adequate storage 

• Drawer Height: Generally 4-8 inches per drawer 

• Clearance Space: Ideally 2-6 inches from the bed or nearby furniture
  
  

Selecting the right nightstand size ensures you enjoy convenient bedside storage while keeping your bedroom design cohesive and functional. For style tips and inspiration, check out our Nightstand Decor.

While sizes vary, most dressers follow these standard dimensions: 

• Overall Width: Typically 30-70 inches, depending on the number of drawers 

• Overall Depth: Usually 16-22 inches 

• Overall Height: Generally 26-50 inches, depending on style (low, tall, or wide dressers) 

• Drawer Width: Typically 12-36 inches per drawer 

• Drawer Depth: Usually 12-18 inches for ample storage 

• Drawer Height: Generally 6-12 inches per drawer 

• Clearance Space: Ideally 24-36 inches in front of the dresser for easy access
  
  

Selecting the right dresser size ensures practical storage, an organized space, and a cohesive look in your bedroom or living area.

• Ceiling height at landings: Ensure the furniture doesn't hit the ceiling while turning on stair landings. This is especially important for tall furniture like armoires and bookshelves. 

• Stair width: If the stairs are too narrow, a bulky piece may not fit without tilting. Be sure to measure both the narrowest and widest points. 

• Banisters and railings: Some staircases have railings that extend outward, reducing available space for maneuvering furniture. Consider removing the railing temporarily if necessary.