Understanding Furniture Sizing
Proper furniture sizing optimizes space utilization, traffic flow, and ergonomic comfort. Follow these industry standards:
- Sofa Standard depth: 32-40". Length: 72-96" (3-seat). Seat height: 17-19". Arm height: 24-26". Allow 18" per person. Back height: 32-36" for comfort.
- Dining Table Width per person: 24-30". Depth: 36-44". Height: 28-30". Round tables: 48" (4 people), 60" (6-8). Rectangle: Add 24"/person length-wise.
- Bed Twin: 38×75", Full: 54×75", Queen: 60×80", King: 76×80". Mattress height: 8-14". Total height with headboard: 36-54". Clearance each side: 24" minimum.
- Sectional L-shape: 95×95" typical. Chaise: 60-65" depth. Seat depth: 21-24". Back height: 36-38". Recliner adds 12-15" depth when extended.
Space Guidelines
Clearance
Primary paths: 36" minimum. Secondary: 24". Dining chairs: 32-36" from table edge to wall. Dresser drawers: 36" for access.
Traffic Flow
Living room: 18" between seating and coffee table. Kitchen: 42" between counters. Bedroom: 24" minimum around bed. Doorways: 32" clear width.
Proportion
Furniture depth: 30-40% of room width. Seating area: 60% max of room. Art height: 57-60" center. Coffee table: 2/3 sofa length.
Function
TV distance: 1.5-2.5× screen size. Office desk: 30×60" minimum. Reading chair + ottoman: 36×52" area. Storage access: 36" clearance.
Room-Specific Standards
- Living Room Seating: 18-24" per person. TV height: 42" center typical. Coffee table: 14-18" high, 18" from sofa. Area rug: 8×10' minimum for seating group.
- Dining Room Table clearance: 36" from wall minimum. Chair depth: 18-20". Place settings: 24×15" each. Chandelier: 30-36" above table.
- Bedroom Nightstand: 24-28" high. Dresser: 30-36" high, 18-24" deep. TV height: 42-55" center. Bench at foot: 18" high, 48" wide typical.
- Home Office Desk height: 28-30". Monitor distance: 20-28". Chair space: 36" deep. Shelving: 12" deep books, 15-18" deep files.
Ergonomic Considerations
- Seating Comfort Seat depth: 18-22". Back angle: 100-110°. Lumbar support: 6-10" above seat. Arm support: 7-9" above seat for typing.
- Work Surfaces Keyboard height: 24-26". Monitor height: Eye level ±15°. Writing surface: 28-30". Counter height: 36" standard, 42" bar.
- Storage Access Upper cabinets: 84" max height. Reach depth: 16-20" max. Drawer width: 24-36" typical. File drawers: 24" deep minimum.
- Visual Comfort TV viewing angle: 30° maximum. Task lighting: 50-100 footcandles. Ambient light: 20-50 footcandles. Screen glare: 45° from light sources.