How to Measure for Furniture Delivery

Before you buy anything, measure. Sounds obvious, but it is easy to focus on the room and forget the path from entry to placement.

The Hypotenuse (Diagonal)

This is an important measurement for tall lifts, turns, stairs, and tight access paths. The diagonal helps you understand how much clearance a piece may require when it is tilted or turned.

What the hypotenuse is: Sit on the sofa with your arms out to the sides. Your fingertips are at the length. Your back is against the depth. The diagonal from your fingertips to the floor is the hypotenuse - and that's what the delivery team needs to stand it on end.

How to calculate it: Think of it as a rectangle. You have the length and the depth. A² + B² = C². That's your hypotenuse.

Example: A sofa that's 92" long and 41" deep. The hypotenuse is √(92² + 41²) = √(8464 + 1681) = √10145 ≈ 100 inches. When they stand that sofa on its end, from the floor to the highest point is about 100 inches. That needs to be less than your ceiling height.

Doorway Measurements

Doorway opening: Measure the actual clear opening with the door fully open
Measure the opening: Not the door itself, but the actual opening when the door is open
Check trim and hinges: Note anything that reduces the usable opening

Turning Corners

Tight hallways into bedrooms are the biggest problem spots. Measure:

Hallway width
Ceiling height at the turn
Any light fixtures or obstructions

Stairwells

If you're going upstairs:

Stair width
Height clearance at the top
Landings and turns

Elevators

If you're in an apartment with elevator access:

Elevator door width
Elevator interior dimensions
Weight limits (for heavy items)

What to Bring When You Shop

Bring your measurements with you. Write down:

Your doorway width
The tightest hallway or stairwell
Ceiling height if relevant
Your room dimensions (so you can compare them with product dimensions)

When you come see me, bring your measurements so you can compare them with the dimensions listed for the furniture you are considering. You know your building and your access path best.

Prices current as of May 2026.