Measure Twice, Buy Once: The Secret to a Perfect Fit in Small Spaces

Before you fall in love with that perfect sofa or table, grab your tape measure. In small spaces, every inch matters: a piece that looks modest in a showroom can overwhelm your room at home. Careful planning and accurate measurements ensure your furniture fits beautifully, functions properly and keeps your space feeling open and intentional.

(Tip: measure twice, buy once - your floor plan (and wallet) will thank you!)

Take the time to measure well and even tape out the dimensions of the piece that you have fallen in love with on your floor to get a sense of the flow. Believe me, if you have a space where you are constantly bumping into furniture, you will feel cramped and miserable in no time.

These guidelines are a great starting point, but always adjust based on the specific dimensions and needs of your space.

Here are some important dimensions and guidelines that can help you create a well-

proportioned and functional space:

Living Room:

● Sofa to Coffee Table Distance: 14-18 inches

● Coffee Table Height: Should be equal to or lower than the sofa seat height (typically

16 - 18 inches)

● TV Viewing Distance: For a 50-inch TV, the optimal viewing distance is 60 - 100 inches

● Area Rug Placement: Area rugs should extend under the front legs of all furniture pieces in a seating arrangement (typically 6 - 12 inches under the front legs)

Dining Room:

● Dining Table to Wall Clearance: At least 36 inches from the edge of the table to the wall

or other furniture to allow for seating and moving around the table

● Chandelier Height Above Table: 30 - 34 inches above the table surface

● Chair Spacing: Allow at least 24 inches of space per person for seating

● Counter Stool ( Seat height. 26”)works best with table surfaces 34" - 36" in height

● Barstool ( Seat height. 30”) works best with table surfaces 40" - 42" in height

● Chair (Seat height 18”) works best with a table surface 29” - 30” in height

Kitchen:

● Countertop Height: 36 inches

● Upper Cabinet Height: Bottom of upper cabinets should be 18" above the

countertop

Bedroom:

● Bed to Wall Clearance: Leave at least 24" of space on either side of the bed for

easy access

● Nightstand Height: Should be equal to the mattress height for ease of use

● Hanging Light Fixtures: Should be 7 feet above the floor or 3 feet above the nightstand

Bathroom:

● Toilet Clearance: Minimum of 15" from the centerline of the toilet to any side wall

or obstruction and not closer than 30" center to center to any other fixture

● Vanity Height: 32 - 36"

● Shower Door Clearance: Allow for at least a 30" diameter circle free space in the

shower

General Guidelines:

● Passageways: At least 36" wide to ensure clear and comfortable walking paths

● Doorway Width: Standard interior doors are 30" wide. Wider doorways can be

32 - 36"

● Ceiling Height: Standard minimum ceiling height is 8 feet. Higher ceilings (9 - 10 feet)

create a more spacious feel

These guidelines are a great starting point, but always adjust based on the specific dimensions and needs of your space.

Here are some important dimensions and guidelines that can help you create a well-

proportioned and functional space:

Hallways and Stairs:

● Hallway Width: A minimum of 36" but wider (42 - 48 ") is preferred for easier

movement and accommodating furniture

● Stair Tread Depth: Minimum of 10"

● Stair Riser Height: Maximum of 7.75"

● Handrail Height: Between 34 - 38" above stair treads

Home Office:

● Desk Height: Standard desk height is 28 - 30"

● Knee Space: At least 24" wide, 18" deep and 20 - 24" high under the

desk

● Desk to Wall Clearance: Minimum of 42" behind the desk to allow for movement

Entryway:

● Entry Door Width: Standard exterior doors are 36" wide

● Clearance Space: At least 42" of clearance space for a welcoming entryway

Storage:

● Closet Depth: Minimum of 24" to accommodate hanging clothes

● Shelf Height: For ease of access, shelves should be 12 - 18" apart vertically. Higher

shelves for less frequently used items can be 18 - 24" apart

● Pantry Shelves: Depth of 12 - 14", with adjustable heights preferred for flexibility

Furniture and Art Placement:

● Dining Chairs: Allow at least 18" from the back of the chair to the wall or other furniture for ease of movement

● Sofa: If placing a sofa in the middle of the room, leave at least 30 - 36" of walking space behind it

● Artwork Placement: Hang artwork so the center is at eye level, typically around 57 - 60

inches from the floor

Outdoor Spaces:

● Patio Furniture: Allow at least 24 - 36 inches around furniture for comfortable movement

● Pathways: Minimum of 36" wide for garden or patio paths, 48" is more

comfortable

These dimensions and guidelines are designed to help create a balanced, functional and

aesthetically pleasing space.

Stay tuned … there is more to come, complete with drawings.