How to Measure Doorways, Hallways, and Stairs Before Furniture Delivery
Key takeaways
- Measure every point along the path, not just the room.
- Compare the furniture's depth and height to door and hall widths.
- Watch for tight stair turns, low ceilings, and railings.
- Bring your measurements when you shop.
Choosing furniture that fits your room is only half the job. It also needs to travel from the truck to its final spot.
Many Long Island homes, from Cape Cods to split-levels and older apartment buildings, have narrow entries, tight stair turns, and low ceilings along the way. A few minutes with a tape measure can save a lot of stress on delivery day.
What You Will Need
- A tape measure
- A notepad or your phone
- A helper, if possible, for longer measurements
Measure the Furniture First
Every piece has three key dimensions:
- Width: side to side
- Depth: front to back
- Height: floor to the top of the back
For sofas, also note the diagonal depth if the manufacturer provides it. This measurement can help a sofa tilt through a doorway that seems too small.
Measure the Path
Walk the route the furniture will take, from the curb to the room, and measure each point.
Doorways
Measure the width of the opening with the door open, from the edge of the door to the opposite frame. Also measure the height. Removing a door from its hinges can add valuable space.
Hallways
Measure the width and note any turns. Check ceiling height, light fixtures, and anything that sticks out, such as radiators or railings.
Stairs
Stairs are often the tightest part of the path.
- Measure the width of the staircase between walls or railings.
- Measure the ceiling height above the stairs at the lowest point.
- Note landings and turns, and measure the space available to pivot.
Elevators
In apartment buildings, measure the elevator door opening and the interior width, depth, and height. Ask your building about reserving the elevator or any delivery rules.
Quick Reference
| Location | Measure |
|---|---|
| Entry door | Width with door open, height |
| Interior doors | Width, height |
| Hallways | Width, ceiling height, turns |
| Stairs | Width, lowest ceiling point, landing size |
| Elevator | Door width and height, interior dimensions |
Tip: Take photos of tight spots, such as a stair turn or narrow landing, and bring them with your measurements when you shop. They help our team understand your home.
Pieces That Help in Tight Spaces
- Modular sectionals arrive in separate pieces.
- Sofas with removable legs gain a little clearance.
- Bed frames and many bedroom pieces are assembled in the room.
Prepare for Delivery Day
- Clear the path of rugs, decor, and furniture.
- Protect floors if you are concerned about wear.
- Make sure the room is ready for the new piece.
We offer FREE White Glove delivery with assembly on orders of $499 or more within 10 miles of our Hempstead or Valley Stream showroom. Our team brings items inside, assembles them, and places them in your room. Check our delivery area for details.
Measuring for Mattresses and Beds
Mattresses can often flex slightly, but many hybrids and thicker mattresses are heavy and less flexible than they look. Bed frames and headboards are usually delivered in parts, while large headboards and footboards still need clear paths through stairways. Measure for these items the same way you would for a sofa.
Common Measuring Mistakes
- Measuring the doorway with the door closed instead of open
- Forgetting the door stop, trim, or storm door that narrows the opening
- Skipping the lowest point of the ceiling on the stairs
- Measuring only the room and not the path into it
Plan Ahead With Confidence
Careful measuring is the simplest way to make delivery smooth. For more help, see our Room Size Guide, and bring your notes when you visit our showroom.
Shop the look
Find furniture and mattresses for every room at A&M Discount Furniture.
