Corner Sofa buying Guide
A corner sofa gives you more seats for the floor space than any other layout, and it makes a room feel sociable. It's also the sofa people most often get wrong, because the shape has to fit the room exactly. Here's how to get it right. Shop all corner sofas →
In this guide
Left-hand or right-hand?
This is the question that causes the most confusion. The convention we use, and most of the industry uses, is: stand facing the sofa as if you were about to sit on it. If the long chaise or corner return is on your left, it's a left-hand-facing (LHF) corner; on your right, right-hand-facing (RHF). Sketch your room, mark where the corner will sit, and decide which side the return needs to be on before you fall in love with a range.
Shapes
- Chaise end — a standard sofa with one seat extended forward. The most compact option and the easiest to fit. Chaise sofas.
- L-shaped corner — two full sofa arms meeting at a corner piece. Seats four to six.
- U-shaped — a corner with returns at both ends; needs a large room but seats a crowd.
- Modular — separate armless, corner and chaise units you combine as you like and re-arrange later. Ideal if you move house or change rooms. Modular sofas.
Measure twice
Corner sofas are big. Measure the wall lengths where each arm will sit, allow at least 60 cm in front for walking past, and check that the depth of the chaise won't block a door or a radiator. Then measure the route in: hallway width, door frames, and any tight turn. Our will it fit? guide walks through it step by step. Most corners arrive in sections, which helps, but the corner piece itself is often the largest single unit.
Fabric or leather?
Both work. Fabric corners are the most popular for family rooms and come in the widest choice of colours — see the fabric guide. Leather corners are easier to keep clean and suit a more formal space — see the leather guide.
Recline, sofa beds and footstools
Many corner ranges offer a matching footstool (often with storage), a sofa-bed section for guests, or reclining seats at each end. If you want recline, order it from the start — it can't be added later. See corner recliner sofas and corner sofa beds.
Seat depth and back height
Corner sofas tend to be deeper than standard sofas because people lounge on them. Deep seats are wonderful for lying back, but shorter people may find their feet don't reach the floor when sitting upright. Sit on the display model with your back against the cushion and check.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need a left- or right-hand corner?
Stand facing the sofa. Whichever side the return or chaise is on, that is the hand. Draw your room first, then match.
Will a corner sofa fit through my door?
Usually, because it arrives in sections. Check the largest piece — normally the corner unit — against your door width and any tight turns. Our measuring guide explains how.
How many people does a corner sofa seat?
A chaise-end seats three; a standard L-shape four to six; a U-shape six or more.
Can I get a corner sofa in stock rather than made to order?
Yes — our ex-display and in-stock collections usually include several corners ready for quick delivery.
