7 Steps to Measure Your Space Before Buying Home Office Furniture

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways
7 Steps to Precisely Measure Your Space Before Buying Home Office Furniture
Step 1: Determine the Purpose of Your Home Office
Step 2: Measure the Room Dimensions
Step 3: Identify Fixed Elements and Obstacles
Step 4: Measure Doorways and Hallways
Step 5: Plan for Movement and Comfort
Step 6: Account for Additional Features
Step 7: Finalize Your Layout
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the Perfect Home Office Furniture in White Plains, NY!

With home offices becoming a regular part of our work lives, many people are turning to home improvement projects to create functional workspaces. In 2023, home furnishing retailers saw record sales of 63.76 billion USD, reflecting the growing demand for home office furniture in White Plains, NY. 

Proper measurement is the foundation of a successful office setup, preventing the purchase of furniture that is too large, too small, or awkwardly positioned. Taking the time to measure your space accurately can help avoid unnecessary stress, wasted money, and a less productive workspace. 

7 Steps to Precisely Measure Your Space Before Buying Home Office Furniture

Furnishing a home office can be costly, with the national average around $16,000 and a range from $3,500 to nearly $100,000. To ensure your investment is worthwhile and your furniture fits perfectly, follow these seven steps to measure your space accurately:

Step 1: Determine the Purpose of Your Home Office

Before diving into measurements and furniture shopping, it’s crucial to first determine the purpose of your home office. This initial step will guide you in selecting the right home office furniture to meet your specific needs.

Identify Primary Activities

Consider the primary activities that will take place in your home office. Are you primarily using the space for focused work, virtual meetings, or perhaps for storing important documents? Understanding these activities will help you choose the most suitable home office furniture.

• Work: If your home office is mainly for work, you’ll need a comfortable desk and an ergonomic chair to ensure a productive environment.

   

• Meetings: For those who frequently participate in virtual meetings, consider a home office setup that includes a good-quality webcam and a professional backdrop.

   

• Storage: If you have a lot of files and office supplies, you’ll need adequate storage solutions like filing cabinets and shelves.

Step 2: Measure the Room Dimensions

Accurate measurement is crucial when selecting the perfect home office furniture. Here’s how you can ensure that your new home office furniture fits seamlessly into your space:

Use a Tape Measure or Laser Measurer

First, gather your measuring tools. A tape measure or laser measurer is essential for obtaining precise dimensions. These tools will help you capture the exact measurements needed to fit your home office furniture perfectly.

Record the Length, Width, and Height

Start by measuring the length, width, and height of the room. Make sure to record these dimensions accurately. Knowing the precise size of your space is vital for choosing home office furniture that fits well and allows for comfortable movement.

• Length: Measure from one end of the room to the other. This will give you the maximum space available for longer pieces of home office furniture like desks or shelves.

   

• Width: Measure from one side wall to the opposite wall. This measurement will help you determine how wide your home office furniture can be without overcrowding the room.

   

• Height: Measure from the floor to the ceiling. This is particularly important if you plan to install tall home office furniture such as bookcases or storage units.

Note Any Irregularities 

While measuring, take note of any irregularities in the room. These might include alcoves, bay windows, or other architectural features that could impact where you place your home office furniture.

• Alcoves: Small recesses in the walls can be ideal spots for custom-built home office furniture or storage solutions.

   

• Bay Windows: These can create cozy nooks for seating or additional home office furniture like a reading chair or small table.

Create a Rough Sketch or Floor Plan

After recording your measurements, create a rough sketch or floor plan of your room. This doesn’t have to be a detailed architectural drawing – a simple sketch will suffice. Label the length, width, and height on your sketch and mark any irregularities. This will help you see how different pieces of home office furniture will fit into your space.

Using graph paper or a room planning app can make this process easier and more precise. Place your home office furniture in the sketch to ensure everything fits well and leaves enough room for movement and comfort.

Step 3: Identify Fixed Elements and Obstacles

When planning to buy home office furniture, it’s crucial to identify fixed elements and obstacles in your space. This ensures that your new home office furniture will fit perfectly and function optimally. Here’s how to do it:

• Locate Doors and Windows: Identify and measure the dimensions of all doors and windows in the room, including their height, width, and distance from the floor. Note these measurements in your sketch or floor plan, and consider the swing direction to ensure they won’t interfere with furniture placement.

   

• Measure and Note the Position of Electrical Outlets, Vents, and Radiators: Identify the locations of all electrical outlets, vents, and radiators. Measure the distance from each outlet to the nearest wall or corner, and include these details in your floor plan. This will ensure that your furniture won’t block these essential components, maintaining proper airflow and access to power.

   

• Identify Any Built-in Furniture or Structural Elements: Measure and record the dimensions of any built-in furniture or structural elements, such as shelves, cabinets, columns, or beams. Include these measurements in your floor plan to effectively plan your layout, so you can integrate your home office furniture with these fixed elements.

Step 4: Measure Doorways and Hallways

When planning to purchase home office furniture, one critical step is to measure doorways and hallways. This ensures that your new home office furniture can be moved into the designated space without any issues.

• Check the Dimensions of Doorways: Begin by measuring the width and height of all doorways the home office furniture must pass through. Use a tape measure to get precise dimensions, recording both the door frame and the actual opening once the door is fully opened. This is especially important for larger pieces of home office furniture like desks and bookshelves. If possible, remove the door from its hinges temporarily to gain extra space when moving large items.

   

• Ensure Home Office Furniture Can Be Moved Through These Spaces: Once you have the measurements of your doorways, compare them with the dimensions of the home office furniture you plan to buy. It’s crucial to ensure that each piece of home office furniture can fit through these openings without being forced. Consider the depth, width, and height of the furniture, and account for any angles at which the furniture might need to be tilted to navigate through the doorways.

   

• Consider Tight Corners and Staircases: Consider tight corners, narrow hallways, and staircases when measuring for home office furniture. Measure widths and heights to ensure furniture can be maneuvered without damage. If necessary, disassemble larger pieces to ease transport through these spaces.

Step 5: Plan for Movement and Comfort

When setting up your home office, planning for movement and comfort is crucial to ensure a productive and pleasant workspace. Here are key considerations to keep in mind when arranging your home office furniture.

Leave Adequate Space for Movement

Ensure that there is enough space to move comfortably around your home office furniture. This involves creating clear pathways that allow you to navigate the room without obstructions. A cramped space can lead to discomfort and even accidents, so make sure there is ample room to walk around.

Clearance for Drawers and Cabinet Doors

Consider the clearance needed for drawers, cabinet doors, and other movable parts of your home office furniture. Ensure that there is enough space for these components to open fully without hitting other pieces of furniture or walls. This prevents damage to your home office furniture and maintains a functional and accessible workspace.

Consider Ergonomic Needs

Ergonomics play a significant role in creating a comfortable home office. Properly arranged home office furniture can help prevent strain and injuries caused by poor posture or repetitive movements.

• Desk Height: The height of your desk should allow you to work comfortably, with your arms at a 90-degree angle when typing. Adjustable desks are a great option for achieving the perfect height.

   

• Chair Space: Your chair should provide adequate support and allow you to sit with your feet flat on the floor. Ensure there is enough space around your home office furniture to accommodate your chair’s movements.

   

• Monitor Distance: Position your monitor at eye level and about an arm’s length away. This reduces eye strain and helps maintain a good posture.

Step 6: Account for Additional Features

When planning for your home office furniture, it’s essential to consider additional features that will enhance both functionality and comfort. This step ensures that your home office is not only practical but also a pleasant place to work in.

Include Space for Lighting

Proper lighting is crucial for any workspace. When arranging your home office furniture, make sure to account for various lighting sources:

• Task Lamps: These provide focused light for specific tasks such as reading or writing. Place task lamps on your desk or near workstations to reduce eye strain.

   

• Overhead Lights: General lighting is necessary to illuminate the entire room. Ensure that overhead lights are positioned to avoid casting shadows on your work area. When positioning your home office furniture, consider the placement of ceiling lights to maintain a well-lit environment.

Consider Storage Needs

Adequate storage is essential to keep your home office organized and clutter-free. When selecting home office furniture, think about the following storage solutions:

• Shelves: Wall-mounted or freestanding shelves can store books, office supplies, and decorative items. Plan the placement of shelves around your home office furniture to maximize vertical space.

   

• Filing Cabinets: These are indispensable for organizing documents and files. Choose filing cabinets that complement your home office furniture and fit within your space constraints.

   

• Additional Storage Solutions: Bins, drawers, and storage boxes can help keep smaller items in order. Integrate these storage solutions into your home office furniture layout to maintain a tidy workspace.

Plan for Technology

Modern home offices rely heavily on technology. When arranging your home office furniture, ensure there is ample space for all your electronic devices:

• Computer: Your desk should have enough surface area to accommodate your computer, whether it’s a laptop or desktop. Ensure that the home office furniture you choose has cable management features to keep cords organized.

• Printer: Plan a dedicated spot for your printer, ideally within arm’s reach. Some home office furniture pieces come with built-in printer stands or shelves.

   

• Other Electronics: Consider other gadgets like scanners, phones, and tablets. Make sure your home office furniture has enough outlets nearby or invest in a power strip to accommodate all your devices.

Step 7: Finalize Your Layout

To ensure your home office furniture fits perfectly, start by creating a detailed floor plan. You can use software designed for interior design or opt for traditional graph paper. This step helps you visualize the arrangement and ensures you have accurate dimensions of your space.

• Use Software or Graph Paper for Precision: Utilize home design software or graph paper to draw a scaled layout of your room, marking doors, windows, and fixed elements for accurate furniture placement.

   

• Mock-Up with Tape or Cardboard: Create a mock-up using tape or cardboard to represent the furniture’s footprint, helping you visualize the fit and ensure adequate room for movement.

   

• Visualize Furniture Placement in the Actual Space: Stand back and assess the taped or cardboard mock-up to see if the arrangement works well in your space and meets ergonomic needs, adjusting as necessary.

   

Double-Check Measurements: Ensure accuracy by double-checking all measurements, comparing the dimensions of your furniture with the room to avoid surprises upon delivery.