How to Choose a Corner Sofa: Left or Right Hand, Sizes and Measuring

A corner sofa can make the most of a living room, giving everyone a place to sit and creating a cosy, sociable layout. But it is also a big purchase, and a few early decisions make all the difference: which side the corner sits on, how large it should be, and whether it will fit through your doors. This guide walks you through each step.

Left hand or right hand: what does it mean?

Corner sofas are described as left hand facing (LHF) or right hand facing (RHF). The rule is simple. Imagine you are standing in front of the sofa, looking at it as if you were about to sit down. If the longer section, or chaise end, is on your left, it is left hand facing. If it is on your right, it is right hand facing.

Our corner sofas are available in both left and right hand facing options, so you can choose whichever suits your room.

How to decide which side

Think about where the sofa will sit and how people move around the room. Many people put the longer side against the longest wall and the shorter side along the wall where the door is, so the corner tucks neatly into the space. Consider where your television, windows, radiator and sockets are, and which layout leaves the clearest path through the room.

A useful trick is to mark the footprint on the floor with masking tape, then stand where you would sit and check the view and the walkways.

How to measure your room

Good measuring prevents most problems. Here is a simple routine.

1. Measure the space. Note the length of each wall the sofa could sit against, and the total floor area you are happy to give up.
2. Leave walkways. Allow enough room to walk around the sofa comfortably, and to open doors and drawers.
3. Check the product dimensions. Compare the width, depth and height on the product page with your tape marks.
4. Allow for other furniture. A coffee table, side table or footstool needs space too.

Measuring the way in

This step is easy to forget. Measure the width of your front door, hallway, any tight turns, stairs and the door of the room itself. Then compare these with the sofa's packaging and section sizes.

Many of our sofas arrive in click-together sections, which makes them far easier to bring into a home than a single large frame. Some Amalfi models are split sectional sofas that come apart in two, designed to help with tight doorways. Browse the Amalfi range if access is a concern in your home.

Choosing the right size

Corner sofas come in a range of sizes, and bigger is not always better. A sofa that crowds the room can make it feel smaller and harder to move around.

Medium rooms

In an average living room, a corner sofa that fills one corner and leaves a clear route to the door is usually the most comfortable. If you only need to seat three or four people, a 3-seater or 3+2 seater set may be enough, and they are worth comparing before you decide.

Larger rooms

If you have more space and a bigger household, you could look at a U-shape sofa, which seats six to seven people and includes a centre footstool. It suits an open-plan room where the sofa helps define the seating area.

Choosing a fabric and range

Once you have the shape and size, the fabric is the fun part. Our corner sofas come across several ranges, including Harlow, Amalfi and Casper, and in fabrics such as jumbo cord, crushed velvet, plush velvet and Casper fabric in grey or beige. Pick a colour that works with your walls and flooring. In a smaller room, lighter or softer shades can help the space feel more open.

Before you order

• Decide on left or right hand facing, using the standing-in-front rule above.
• Measure the room, the walkways and the route into the house.
• Check delivery: we offer free delivery to mainland UK addresses, to the ground floor. Dispatch is within 2 to 5 working days, with delivery usually 3 to 7 working days after dispatch.
• Read our shipping policy so you know what to expect on the day.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I need a left or right hand corner sofa?

Stand facing the sofa. If the longer section is on your left, it is left hand facing. If it is on your right, it is right hand facing.

Will a corner sofa fit through my door?

Many of our sofas arrive in click-together sections, and some Amalfi models come apart in two. Measure your doorways, hallway and turns before ordering, and contact us if you are unsure.

Can I return a sofa if I change my mind?

We offer 14-day returns. Change-of-mind returns carry a £69 collection charge, while faulty items are collected free. See our refund policy for details.