How to Measure Furniture for Your Space (and Avoid Buying Too Big/Small)

How to Measure Furniture | Mollywood Furniture Dothan AL

Why Measuring Furniture Matters

One of the most common — and costly — decorating mistakes is buying furniture that doesn’t fit. A sofa that blocks walkways, a dining table that crowds the room, or a bed that leaves no space for nightstands can turn your dream purchase into a daily frustration.

At Mollywood Furniture in Dothan, AL, we’ve helped countless customers avoid these pitfalls by teaching them how to measure correctly. Whether you’re furnishing a Wiregrass farmhouse or a 30A coastal cottage, careful measurements ensure your pieces look right and function beautifully.

Step 1: Measure the Room

Start with the space itself before looking at furniture.

• Room Dimensions: Measure length, width, and ceiling height.

• Doorways & Hallways: Furniture has to fit through the entry. Measure door widths and hall turns.

• Windows & Radiators: Account for items that limit wall placement.

👉 Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape on the floor to outline where furniture will go.

Step 2: Follow Standard Furniture Spacing

Every type of furniture has ideal clearances:

Living Room

• Sofas & Chairs: Leave 18 inches between seating and coffee tables.

• Walkways: Allow 30–36 inches for traffic flow.

• TV Placement: Place TVs about 1.5x the screen size away from seating.

👉 Explore our Living Room Furniture for sofas and sectionals sized for both small and large spaces.

Dining Room

• Table to Wall: Leave 36 inches for chairs to pull out comfortably.

• Rug Size: Rugs should extend 24 inches beyond table edges.

👉 Browse our Dining Furniture and Rugs collections.

Bedroom

• Bed to Wall: At least 24–30 inches around the sides for walking space.

• Bedside Tables: Should sit level with or just below the top of your mattress.

• Dressers: Leave 36 inches clearance to open drawers.

👉 See our Bedroom Furniture for beds, nightstands, and dressers.

Home Office

• Desks: Allow 48 inches behind for chair clearance.

• Bookshelves: 12–18 inches of walking clearance in front.

Step 3: Consider Scale & Proportion

A piece may technically fit but still look wrong if it’s out of scale.

• Large Rooms: Opt for sectional sofas, oversized buffets, or king beds.

• Small Rooms: Choose apartment-size sofas, round dining tables, or slim accent tables.

• Tall Ceilings: Balance with taller headboards or bookshelves.

👉 Our Accent Tables and Buffets & Sideboards help balance different scales.

Step 4: Don’t Forget Delivery Measurements

It’s not just about the room — furniture has to make it into the home.

• Doorways: Standard is 30–36 inches, but measure carefully.

• Staircases: Account for turns and landings.

• Elevators (for condos): Check interior dimensions.

👉 Ask our team at Mollywood Furniture about delivery options — we service homes from Dothan to 30A and know how to navigate tight entries.

Step 5: Seasonal & Lifestyle Considerations

Your measurements should reflect how you live:

• Holiday Gatherings: Make sure dining rooms can handle extra chairs.

• Coastal Rentals: Opt for smaller, flexible furniture for guest turnover.

• Family Homes: Leave room for play areas and extra seating.

👉 For ideas, visit our Seasonal Home Refresh Guide.

Local Examples

Wiregrass Farmhouse Living Rooms

• Oversized sectionals that block walkways are common mistakes.

• Correct fix: Choose smaller sectional + accent chairs.

30A Coastal Cottages

• Dining tables too large for breezy, open floor plans.

• Correct fix: Round or drop-leaf tables with lighter scale.

Common Measurement Mistakes

• Forgetting to measure hallways and doors.

• Ignoring ceiling height for tall bookcases.

• Choosing rugs that are too small.

• Not leaving enough clearance around beds and dining tables.

FAQs About Measuring Furniture

Q: How do I measure for a sectional sofa?

Measure the full footprint, including chaise or corner pieces.

Q: Should rugs go under or around furniture?

Living rooms: at least front legs on rug. Dining rooms: rug should extend under chairs.

Q: How do I know if a bed will fit?

Measure the room’s length and width. Ensure 24–30 inches on both sides.

Q: What’s the easiest tool for measuring?

A tape measure and painter’s tape to outline dimensions on the floor.

Why Shop with Mollywood Furniture?

• Family-owned for 35+ years in Dothan, AL.

• Expert guidance to ensure your furniture fits your space.

• Delivery within 150 miles, serving the Wiregrass, Atlanta, and 30A coast.

• Design consultations available with our team.

Final Word: Measure Twice, Buy Once

Furniture is a long-term investment — and measuring ensures it works for your home. From farmhouse living rooms in the Wiregrass to coastal retreats on 30A, the right fit makes all the difference.

📍 Visit Mollywood Furniture in Dothan, AL to find perfectly scaled sofas, dining tables, beds, and storage solutions. Serving the Wiregrass and 30A coastal towns, we’ll help you measure confidently and choose wisely.

✨ Shop local. Measure smart. Love your home.