Do I Need a Left or Right Hand Corner Sofa?

When you're buying a corner sofa for your home, the big question often is: do I need a left or right hand corner sofa?
It's an easy thing to overlook but can make a huge difference in your room layout.

This guide by Furniture Island, a trusted name in UK furniture, will help you make the right choice.

What is a Corner Sofa?

A corner sofa, also called a sectional sofa, is designed to fit into corners.
It has two connected seating areas that meet at a 90-degree angle or more.
They're popular for:

• Maximising space in living rooms
  
  

• Providing more seating
  
  

• Creating a cosy social space
  
  

At Furniture Island, we offer a wide range of corner sofas to suit all room sizes and styles.

Understanding Left Hand vs Right Hand Corner Sofa

What Does "Left Hand" or "Right Hand" Mean?

It’s all about the direction of the longer chaise section when you're facing the sofa.

• Left hand corner sofa: The longer section is on your left-hand side
  
  

• Right hand corner sofa: The longer section is on your right-hand side
  
  

🛋️ Tip: Always face the sofa as if you're looking at it from the front, not sitting on it.

Why Does It Matter?

Picking the wrong orientation can block pathways or windows.
It could also make the room feel cramped or awkward.

Choosing the right one means:

• Better traffic flow
  
  

• More natural light
  
  

• Improved comfort and use of space
  
  

How to Decide Which Corner Sofa You Need?

Here’s how you can confidently pick the correct side.

1. Measure Your Room

Start with the basics:

• Measure the full width and depth of your room
  
  

• Note the position of doors, windows, radiators, and power sockets
  
  

• Allow extra space for walking paths and coffee tables
  
  

Use masking tape to mark where the sofa will go.
This will help visualise how each orientation will look.

2. Visualise the Layout

Ask yourself:

• Which side has more open space?
  
  

• Where is the TV or fireplace?
  
  

• Will the chaise block any doors or walkways?
  
  

If your room is small, go for the orientation that keeps things open.

3. Consider the Room's Use

Will you:

• Host guests often?
  
  

• Watch a lot of TV?
  
  

• Use the corner sofa for naps or lounging?
  
  

For lounging, the side you naturally stretch out on matters too.
Choose a left hand or right hand corner sofa based on comfort as well as space.

4. Check the Entrance Path

Don't forget how the sofa gets into your home!
Measure door frames, staircases, and hallways.
Modular or split corner sofas can be a smart choice if access is tight.

Common Room Layouts and the Best Corner Sofa Fit

Here’s a quick reference for common UK living rooms:

Extra Features to Consider

Modern corner sofas come with loads of handy features.
When choosing yours, look for options like:

• Storage compartments
  
  

• Reversible chaise (perfect if you move often)
  
  

• Sofabeds for guests
  
  

• Removable covers for easy cleaning
  
  

These extras can make your investment even more worthwhile.

Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to dodge:

• Guessing orientation without checking your room
  
  

• Ignoring sunlight – don’t block your brightest window
  
  

• Overcrowding with other furniture
  
  

• Skipping measurements – always measure twice!
  
  

Why Buy from Furniture Island?

Based in the UK, Furniture Island offers high-quality corner sofas with:

• Fast UK delivery
  
  

• Free returns on selected items
  
  

• Secure online payments
  
  

• A wide range of modern, traditional and modular styles
  
  

We’ve helped thousands of homeowners find the perfect sofa for their space.
Our experts are always happy to help you choose between a left or right hand corner sofa.

Browse our full corner sofa collection today.

FAQs – Choosing a Corner Sofa

1. How do I know if it’s left or right hand?

Face the sofa. If the long part is on the left, it’s left hand.
If it’s on the right, it’s a right hand corner sofa.

2. Can I reverse my corner sofa?

Some models are modular or reversible.
Check the product description on Furniture Island for this feature.

3. Will a corner sofa fit in a small room?

Yes! We offer compact corner sofas made for UK flats and small homes.
Look for L-shaped designs under 220cm.

Final Thoughts

Buying a corner sofa is an exciting step for your home.
But choosing between a left or right hand corner sofa is crucial for the perfect fit. Measure your space, plan your layout, and always visualise before you buy.

At Furniture Island, we make it easy to find the right sofa for your home and lifestyle.
Ready to upgrade your living room? Browse our corner sofas now and find your perfect match.