Found a sofa you love, but worried it might not get through the door? A few measurements can help you check the route from the delivery vehicle to your living room. The overall dimensions on a product page tell you how much space the assembled sofa needs, but they do not always describe the size of the pieces carried inside.
Start with the sofa's delivery sections
Depending on the model, a sofa may come in separate sections or have removable legs, arms or backrests. This can make a large sofa easier to bring into your home. What can be removed varies by model, so don't assume the assembled width is the width that must pass through your doorway.
The key measurements are the largest section that must be carried in and the space available to turn and tilt it. If section dimensions aren't listed, ask our team about the particular sofa before ordering. Even when a sofa separates into sections, each section still needs a suitable route.
Walk the whole delivery route
Take a tape measure, your phone and a note of the figures in centimetres. Follow the route from the unloading point to the sofa's final position. Check gates, outdoor steps, communal entrances, porches, hallways and the door into your chosen room. Measure the clear usable space at each narrow point, not just the nominal size of a door or corridor.
1. Measure every doorway
- Open the door as far as it normally goes. Measure the clear width inside the frame, allowing for the door, handles and stops that project into the opening.
- Measure the clear height from the threshold or floor to the lowest part of the opening.
- Check the space on both sides of the doorway, especially an opposite wall, porch or immediate turn.
- Repeat for every door on the route, including the entrance to the building and your chosen room.
A doorway measurement alone cannot confirm that a sofa will fit. A section may need to turn or tilt, which also requires room to manoeuvre.
2. Check hallways and tight corners
Measure the corridor at its narrowest point, allowing for fixed radiators, cupboards and other projections. At each corner, note the width of both passages and the space before and after the turn. Look up, too: low ceilings, beams and light fittings can limit how far a section can be lifted or tilted. Photograph a tight turn from both directions.
3. Measure stairs, landings and lifts
On stairs, record the narrowest clear width between walls, handrails or posts, plus the headroom along the route. Measure each landing's usable width and depth and photograph any change of direction. For a lift, measure the door opening and the cabin's internal width, depth and height. Check the space outside the lift on both floors, and note any lift-booking or loading restrictions.
4. Check the sofa's final position
Once you've checked access, use the assembled product dimensions to mark out the sofa's footprint with suitable low-tack tape. For a corner sofa, check the full length of both sides and match the layout to the product diagram. Leave room to walk around it, open nearby doors and use any storage. If you're choosing a corner sofa bed, allow for its fully open bed position. A recliner needs its specified operating clearance too.
What about delivery and assembly?
Where the model allows, our delivery team can handle the disassembly needed for access and reassemble the sofa inside. Our upholstered furniture delivery includes bringing it into your room of choice, unpacking and assembly where access is suitable. Check our delivery information for the service available at your location and floor, including any applicable charges.
Before delivery, clear the route and make space for assembly. Tell us about restricted parking, narrow approaches or building access rules. If removing a door or another part of the property may be necessary, discuss it with us beforehand rather than assuming it is included.
Not sure it will fit? Ask us before ordering
Send us the sofa name or product link (including your chosen size and layout), the clear width and height of the tightest doors, relevant hallway, stair or lift measurements, photos of narrow points and your delivery floor. We can help you check the options for that particular model and route.
Email your measurements to support@msofas.co.uk, or speak to us through live chat on our website.
Frequently asked questions
Can a sofa wider than my front door still fit?
Possibly. The overall width is often the assembled sofa's longest dimension. It may be carried lengthways or in sections, but the largest section, door opening and turning space all need checking.
Can every sofa be dismantled?
No. Removable parts differ by model. Ask our team about the specific sofa you're considering.
Is there a minimum door width that works for all sofas?
No single width works for every model or delivery route. Check the particular sofa's sections and every tight point along the way.
Should I measure if the sofa comes apart?
Yes. Each remaining section still needs enough clearance. If any part of the route looks tight, send us your measurements and photos before ordering.
