Ultimate Guide to Measuring Furniture for Upholstery Fabrics: Tips and Techniques
Measuring your furniture correctly is essential to ensure you purchase the right amount of upholstery fabric. Whether you are reupholstering an old chair, updating a sofa, or creating custom pieces, accurate measurements can save you time, effort, and money. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to measure your furniture for furnishing fabrics effectively.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Accurate measurements are crucial for several reasons:
• They help to avoid running out of fabric mid-project.
• They ensure a proper fit, enhancing the appearance and durability of the upholstery.
• They save you from unnecessary costs of ordering extra
Before you start measuring, it’s essential you have he right tools:
•Measuring Tape: A flexible measuring tape is ideal for capturing dimensions of furniture.
• Pencil and Paper: For noting down measurements.
• Fabric Calculator: Consider using an online fabric calculator to estimate how much you need based on your measurements.
Measuring Sofas and Chairs
To measure sofas and chairs accurately, follow these steps:
Step 1: Measure Width
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Measure the width from the left arm to the right arm at the widest point.
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For sofas, also measure across the back for extra accuracy.
Step 2: Measure Height
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Measure from the floor to the top of the backrest.
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For chairs, include the height of the armrests if they are present.
Step 3: Measure Depth
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Measure from the front edge of the seat to the backrest.
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Ensure to account for cushions if they are removable.
Step 4: Measure Cushions
- Measure each cushion individually, as they may differ in size.
- Note down the number of cushions for accurate fabric quantity calculations.
Measuring Ottomans and Footstools
Measuring ottomans and footstools is slightly different:
1. Measure the length and width of the top surface.
3. If the ottoman has removable tops or cushions, measure those separately.
Measuring Dining Chairs
Dining chairs can vary greatly, so take precise measurements:
1. Measure the seat width and depth.
2. Measure the height from the floor to the top of the seat and from the floor to the top of the backrest.
3. If the chair has arms, measure the height from the floor to the top of the armrest.
Measuring for Additional Features
If your furniture has additional features such as skirts, pleats, or patterns, take these into account:
• Measure the length of the skirt and note the fabric pattern if necessary to ensure alignment during upholstery
• For patterned fabrics, ensure you measure to allow for pattern matching.
6. Calculating the Amount of Fabric Needed
Once you have all your measurements, you can calculate the total amount of fabric needed:
1. Add together the measurements for each section of the furniture.
2. Consult with us at Saint and Poet Upholstery Fabrics for guidance on how much fabric you will require based on your measurements, or use an upholstery fabric calculator for a quick estimate..
Measuring your furniture for upholstery fabrics doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and a little bit of guidance, you can accurately measure your pieces and select the perfect fabric to bring your vision to life. At Saint and Poet Upholstery Fabrics, we offer a stunning range of high-quality printed fabrics that are perfect for any furniture project. Explore our collection to find the ideal fabric that meets your needs.
