Corner Sofa Buying Guide: Left or Right Hand, Sizes and Layouts

A corner sofa seats more people in less floor space than two separate sofas, and it makes the most of a corner that would otherwise be dead space. It is also the sofa most likely to be ordered the wrong way round. This guide covers the decisions in order.

Left hand or right hand?

Stand facing the sofa, as if you were about to sit in the middle of it. The side that the longer section (the chaise) is on is the hand of the sofa. A "left-hand facing" corner sofa has its chaise on your left as you face it.

To decide which you need, look at your room. The chaise normally sits at the end of the sofa nearest the open part of the room, so the main body sits in the corner. Mark it out with masking tape and sit down in your mind.

Some designs are listed as universal or reversible, where the chaise can be moved from one side to the other. That is useful if you move house or rearrange.

Typical sizes

Corner sofas vary hugely, from compact L-shapes of about 200cm per side to large U-shapes of 300cm or more. Measure both walls and add the chaise length. A corner sofa is typically 85cm to 100cm deep along its main body, with the chaise extending further.

Chaise, ottoman and storage

• Chaise end: a longer seat for stretching out. The favourite spot of the household.
• Storage ottoman: lifts to reveal space for blankets, bedding and board games.
• Movable ottoman or footstool: can sit at either end or be used separately.

L-shaped or U-shaped?

L-shaped sofas suit most family rooms. U-shaped sofas wrap round three sides and seat a crowd, but they need a large room and often make a living room feel like a cinema. Be honest about your space.

Modular or fixed?

Fixed corner sofas are one shape. Modular corner sofas are made from separate sections, so you can rearrange them or take them apart to move house. They also arrive in smaller boxes, which helps with tight hallways.

Fabric and filling

Corduroy and chenille suit family rooms, faux leather is the easy-clean option, and velvet gives a richer look. Check for foam filling, spring support and a frame. For more, see sofa fabrics compared.

Layout tips

1. Keep a walkway of about 60cm between the sofa and other furniture.
2. Float the sofa a little away from the wall if the room allows, to make it feel intentional.
3. Put a side table at the open end for lamps and drinks.
4. A rug under the front legs ties the seating area together.

A last check

Before you order: stand where the sofa will be, measure both walls and the route in, and check which side the chaise sits on. Then browse corner sofas.