"Do I need a left hand or right hand corner sofa?" is one of the questions we're asked most. It's an easy thing to get wrong, and once a corner sofa is in your living room, the wrong side is hard to live with. The good news is that it takes about 30 seconds to work out, as long as you know which way round the names work.
This guide explains what left hand facing and right hand facing mean, how to work out which one your room needs, and how to measure up so your new sofa fits the room and gets through the front door.
What left hand facing and right hand facing mean
Most UK retailers name a corner sofa by the side the corner (or chaise) is on when you stand in front of the sofa and look at it, not when you're sitting on it.
- Left hand facing (LHF): standing in front of the sofa, the corner or chaise is on your left.
- Right hand facing (RHF): standing in front of the sofa, the corner or chaise is on your right.
The mix-up happens because everything flips when you sit down. Once you're sitting on a left hand facing corner sofa, the corner is on your right. So always picture yourself standing in front of the sofa, the way you'd see it in a product photo.
If you're ever unsure, check the photos on the product page, or get in touch before you order and we'll confirm the layout with you.
How to work out which side you need
- Find your corner. Decide which corner of the room the sofa will sit in, or which way the chaise will point if the sofa will stand away from the walls in an open-plan space.
- Stand where you'd look at it. Stand in the middle of the room facing that corner, roughly where the TV or coffee table will be.
- See which side the corner falls on. If the corner or chaise is on your left, you need left hand facing. If it's on your right, you need right hand facing.
A quick tip: mark the shape of the sofa on the floor with masking tape, using the measurements from the product page. It confirms the side, and it also shows you how much floor space the sofa takes up and whether you can still walk round it comfortably.
What should decide the side
If your room has two possible corners, think about how you'll use the space day to day:
- Doors and walkways. Keep the main route through the room clear. The long side of the sofa shouldn't block a door or make people squeeze past.
- The TV. Whoever is stretched out on the corner or chaise should be able to see the screen without twisting their neck.
- Windows and radiators. Try not to push the back of the sofa hard against a radiator, and decide whether you want the window behind you or beside you.
- Who sits where. If one person always claims the chaise, give them the best spot.
Can't decide? Choose a sofa that gives you options
Some of our corner sofas let you pick the side when you order, such as the Stratford Luxe Small Corner Sofa and the Stratford Luxe Medium Corner Sofa with footstool end. Many of our ranges, including Sloanne, London and Artisan, come in both left and right hand versions. The Sienna lets you choose a medium or large chaise sofa in either side.
Or skip the decision altogether with a double-ended chaise. The London Large Double Ended Chaise Sofa has a chaise at both ends, so it works whichever way round your room is.
If you move house often, or aren't sure how you'll arrange the room long term, a modular sofa is worth a look. Because it's made of separate sections, it's easier to rearrange for a different room. Our guide to whether modular sofas are worth it goes through the pros and cons.
How to measure for a corner sofa
Once you know the side, check the size. You'll need a tape measure and five minutes.
1. Measure the space
- Measure along both walls, from the corner to where you want the sofa to end.
- Compare those numbers with the measurements on the product page. Corner sofas are usually listed with the length of each side plus the depth. For example, the Austen Large Corner Sofa measures 260 × 182cm, with a depth of 90cm.
- Leave room to walk. As a rough guide, allow about 75 to 90cm for a main walkway and around 45cm between the sofa and a coffee table.
2. Measure the way in
This is the step people forget. Your sofa has to get from the van to the room, so measure:
- the width and height of every door it needs to pass through, including the front door
- the width of hallways and any tight turns
- the width of stairs and landings, and the ceiling height above the stairs
Then compare those with the size of the biggest single piece, not the whole sofa. Most corner sofas arrive in more than one section, and some have removable arms to help them through tight spaces, like the London Left Hand Facing 3 Seater. If you're not sure, ask us for the size of each part before you order.
3. Check the seat height and depth
Seat height and depth make a big difference to comfort. A deeper seat is great for curling up but can feel too deep for shorter people. A higher seat is easier to get in and out of. Check both on the product page and compare them with a sofa you already find comfortable.
Your corner sofa checklist
- I know whether I need left hand or right hand facing (standing in front of the sofa).
- Both wall lengths fit, with room to walk round.
- Doors, halls and stairs are wide enough for the biggest piece.
- The corner or chaise has a good view of the TV.
- I've ordered fabric swatches to check the colour in my own light.
When you order, delivery is free to the room of your choice across UK mainland, so you don't have to worry about getting it up the stairs yourself. See our delivery information for timings.
Corner sofa FAQs
Is left hand facing the same as left arm facing?
Usually, yes. Both describe the arm, corner or chaise that's on your left when you stand in front of the sofa. If a product page uses different wording, check the photos or ask us.
What is the difference between a corner sofa and a chaise sofa?
A corner sofa has seats along both sides, so people can sit on each side. A chaise sofa has one long seat for stretching out your legs. Both are described as left or right hand facing in the same way.
Can I change the side of a corner sofa after delivery?
Not with a fixed corner sofa, because the frame is built one way round. Some modular sofas can be rearranged, so if you think you might move the sofa to a different room, a modular design gives you more flexibility.
How much space do I need for a corner sofa?
Measure both walls and add space to walk round. A large corner sofa can need more than 2.5 metres along one wall, while smaller designs suit tighter rooms. Compare sizes in our corner sofa collection, and read our L shape vs U shape guide if you're weighing up a bigger layout.
Ready to choose? Browse our corner sofas and L shape sofas, or order fabric swatches to see the colours at home first.