How to measure

A tape measure, a pencil, five minutes.

1. 1Width at three heights

   Measure the opening at the floor, the middle and the top. Walls are rarely straight. Use the smallest number.

2. 2Height

   Floor to ceiling where the piece will stand. Measure at the front and the back.

3. 3Depth

   Wall to the nearest obstacle: a door swing, a walkway, a radiator.

4. 4Baseboard and outlets

   Note baseboard height and depth, and where outlets and switches are.

5. 5Level

   Lay a level on the floor. If it rocks, plan for adjustable feet or shims.

6. 6The way in

   Measure the narrowest door and any stair turn on the way to the room.

Enter the narrowest width as Space width and the ceiling as Ceiling height. The plan checks that it fits and that it can be stood up.