How to measure your room before a redesign
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a good layout. Whether you are planning a redesign or buying a single piece of furniture, these steps will help you capture what you need.
What you need
- A metal tape measure (a laser measure is handy for ceilings)
- Paper and pencil, or your phone's notes app
- A spirit level, if you have one
- A second person to hold the other end of the tape
1. Measure width in three places
Walls and alcoves are rarely perfectly square. Measure the width at the bottom, middle and top, and write down all three. The smallest number is usually the one that matters most.
2. Measure height in more than one place
Measure floor to ceiling at the left, centre and right. Floors and ceilings can slope, especially in older buildings. Note any coving or cornice and how far it projects from the wall.
3. Measure depth and obstacles
Record how deep the space is and note anything that sticks out: skirting boards, picture rails, window sills, radiators, sockets, switches and pipes. Measure their position from the floor and from the nearest corner.
4. Check the route in for new furniture
Any new furniture has to fit through doors, hallways and stairwells to reach the room. Measure the width and height of each doorway and note any tight turns, and compare these with product dimensions before you buy.
5. Take photos
Photograph the space straight on and from each side, with the tape measure visible if possible. Photos help us spot details that are easy to miss in a list of numbers.
6. Share and double-check
If you are working with a designer, send your measurements and photos with your enquiry; they make the first conversation far more useful. Before buying anything, double-check critical dimensions against the retailer's specifications.
General guidance only. Take care when using ladders and when measuring near electrical fittings, and seek help where needed. See our Disclaimer.