Goldilocks and the three bears had the right idea. The bears knew the importance of furniture fit, and Goldilocks knew enough to test-drive furniture before committing. Although those in fairytale land understand that one-size furniture does not fit all, real furniture manufacturers usually don't.
"It's not like clothes, which come in multiple sizes," says Ken Fonville, owner of Eco selectfurni ture .com in Greensboro, where he custom makes furniture to fit non-average-sized customers. "Manufacturers typically make residential furniture to accommodate the average person (5 feet 8 inches). Retailers reinforce that by carrying one size of each product to minimize their inventory and maximize their display space."
"But what if you're not average?" I say. "Do you know how hard it is to be taken seriously when your feet don't touch the ground?"
Fonville relates. "I started this sizing option because I'm 6 feet 6 inches and got tired of sitting down and looking through my knees."
Tips for a good fit
Now most of you probably don't have a problem finding sofas and chairs to fit because you're, well, average. But, for the rest of us, until manufacturers catch on and start offering furniture in plus sizes and petites, here are some ways you can make sure your furniture fits your home and your body:
Hunt for variations within the standard. Though most furniture is made to the same sizing standards, variations do exist. If you look, you can find different models of off-the-floor chairs and sofas in small, medium and large.
Make it custom. If you can't find what you want in the retail showroom, go online. Stocked warehouses can't offer the customization online or made-to-order companies can.
Get the height right. Seat height is the most critical dimension for comfortable seating. If your legs don't reach the floor, or your knees jack up because your legs are long, your back gets tired. Plus you look silly. Fonville makes height adjustments to sofas, chairs and ottomans at no extra charge by putting on different furniture feet. A typical foot is 3 1/2 inches. But he can add ones ranging from 2 to 5 inches, to accommodate customers' heights. He also can shorten or lengthen seats, but that can get expensive. For tall husbands and petite wives, he can craft his and her chairs.
Fix your own. Another way to add height to furniture is to add stick-on gliders or casters. To shorten it, cut down the legs, but be precise or the piece will wobble. The easiest way to shorten the length of a seat is to tuck in a back pillow.
Don't mess with dining chair legs. Or you will wind up with the table hitting you on the wrong spot. Instead, do what I did, and have the manufacturer pad the back of your seat more to shorten the seat depth.
Factor in the load. People who are large or obese should ask for heavier gauge springs and coils, and denser foam, which won't break down as fast, Fonville said. They also can look for wider seats on chairs.
Older folks often have trouble getting in and out of chairs. They should also look for firm, not soft, cushions, and seats that aren't too low.
