Sofa in the bedroom: check the space required before buying
A sofa in the bedroom provides a place to sit away from the bed, for reading, for dressing or for laying down the bedspread. In hotel rooms and suites it is often part of the standard furnishing. The space it requires is frequently underestimated, however, because walkways, wardrobe doors and window sashes have to be taken into account as well as the piece itself. Measuring carefully before ordering avoids returns and later replanning. The following sections show which measurements to take, which positions have proved their worth and what to watch for in delivery and daily operation.
Measuring floor area and walkways
Start by measuring the free floor area that remains once the bed, bedside tables and wardrobe are in place. Two-seater sofas are generally about 140 to 170 centimetres wide and 80 to 95 centimetres deep. A passage of roughly 60 to 80 centimetres should remain clear in front of the seat so that guests and housekeeping staff can pass without obstruction. Mark the footprint on the floor with masking tape and then open every door and drawer in the room. This quickly shows whether the model you have in mind really fits.
Choosing the right position
Three positions are common: at the foot of the bed, beneath the window or against a free wall. At the foot of the bed the sofa closes off the bed arrangement, in which case it should not be wider than the bed. Beneath the window, pay attention to the height of the backrest so that sashes and curtains remain clear and a radiator is not covered. Against the wall, the piece can easily be complemented by a small side table. Our range of Sofas includes models in various widths, so the choice can follow the position.
Matching proportions to bed and room
A sofa with a high, carved backrest takes up more visual space than its footprint suggests. In rooms with a low ceiling or little depth, models with slim armrests and visible feet are usually the better choice because the floor beneath stays visible. The seat height should be guided by the height of the bed so that both pieces read as one unit. Baroque furniture with an elaborate frame is shown to best advantage when some space is left all round. Allow about ten to fifteen centimetres of clearance on each side, and towards the wall as well.
Delivery and day-to-day operation
In addition to the room, check the route to it: door widths, corridors, stairwells and lift cars determine whether a fully assembled sofa can be brought in. Where there are several identical rooms, it is worth furnishing one sample room completely and testing the cleaning routine. Make sure that it is possible to vacuum beneath the piece and that sockets and light switches remain accessible. Retailers are advised to ask customers for a floor plan with dimensions. This makes it possible to establish during the consultation which width and depth come into question.
Related categories: Beds, Benches, Armchairs. The full range: Baroque furniture.
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