Left or Right? How to Choose Your Corner Sofa Configuration
You've found the perfect corner sofa: the right size, the right fabric, and the right price. Then comes a question that stops many people in their tracks: left-hand- or right-hand-facing? It sounds like a small detail, but choosing the wrong orientation is the single most common corner sofa mistake, and it can leave your beautiful new sofa blocking a doorway or facing the wrong way.
The good news is that getting it right is simple once you understand how corner sofa configurations work. This guide explains exactly what left-hand-facing and right-hand-facing mean, how to work out which you need, and a few other configuration choices worth knowing so you can order with total confidence.
What Do Left-Hand and Right-Hand-Facing Mean?
This is where the confusion usually starts, because the terminology can be read two ways. In the UK, the standard method is to work it out while standing in front of the sofa, looking at it, as if you're about to sit down.
From that position:
1. Left-hand facing (LHF): the longer section, the chaise or corner, is on your left.
2. Right-hand facing (RHF): the longer section is on your right.
So a 'right-hand corner sofa' has its long part on the right as you look at it. Simple, once you know which way round to stand.
Expert tip: Retailers can occasionally describe orientation differently; some measure from a seated position rather than standing in front. If you're ever unsure, check the product diagram or simply ask the retailer to confirm which side the chaise is on. It's always worth double-checking before you order.
Best Left-Hand Corner Sofas
Funk Grey Fabric Corner Sofa – LHF – £1,177.49
Best for spacious corner seating
Furniture Island
Funk Beige Fabric Corner Sofa – LHF – £1,177.49
Best for a soft, neutral living room
Furniture Island
Windsor Grey Fabric Fullback Corner Sofa – LHF – £1,372.49
Best for buttoned scroll-arm style
Furniture Island
How to Work Out Which You Need
Here's a foolproof method. Stand in the middle of your room, facing the corner where the sofa will go. Picture yourself sitting on it, looking out into the room. The side the long chaise section needs to run along tells you the orientation.
If the chaise needs to extend to your left as you sit, you need a left-hand-facing sofa; if it runs to your right, you need right-hand-facing. Getting this right ensures the sofa fits the corner neatly and doesn't jut across a doorway, window, or walkway.
Expert tip: Mark the full footprint of the sofa on the floor with masking tape, including the chaise, before you order. Living with the outline for a day confirms both the size and the orientation and saves the headache of a return.
Corner Sofa Configuration Options at a Glance
| Configuration | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Left-hand facing | The long chaise sits on the left as you face the sofa. |
| Right-hand facing | The long chaise sits on the right as you face the sofa. |
| Universal / Reversible | The chaise can be fitted to either side, which is handy if you move home. |
| Modular | Separate sections you can rearrange into different layouts. |
The Flexible Option: Universal and Modular Sofas
If you're worried about committing to one orientation or you move home fairly often, a universal (also called "reversible") corner sofa is a brilliant solution. The chaise can be fitted to either side, so the same sofa works whichever way your room is arranged.
Modular designs take flexibility even further, with separate sections you can reconfigure to suit different rooms over time. Both are well worth considering, and you'll find plenty of options across our corner sofa collection. A universal corner sofa takes the pressure off the left-or-right decision entirely.
Don't Forget Size and Fit
Orientation is only half the story; the sofa also has to be the right size for your room. Corner sofas come in a range of widths to suit different spaces:
| Size | Typical Width | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | Around 210 cm | Small flats & rooms |
| Small–Medium | Around 230 cm | Average living rooms |
| Standard | Around 250 cm | Larger rooms |
| Large | 240 × 240 cm and up | Open-plan spaces |
A 210cm corner sofa suits a compact room, while a 230cm design is a popular all-rounder for average living rooms. For larger, open-plan spaces, a 240 cm x 240 cm corner sofa makes a generous, sociable centerpiece. Whichever you choose, leave 75–90 cm of walkway around it and always measure your delivery route, doorways, hallways, and stairs.
Matching the Configuration to Your Room
A few pointers for common room layouts:
1. Doorway on one side: run the chaise away from the door so it doesn't block the entrance.
2. Window or radiator: Position the long section clear of these so it doesn't cover a radiator or block light.
3. TV placement: arrange the sofa so everyone has a comfortable view, with the chaise as the relaxed 'feet-up' spot.
4. Open-plan rooms: the chaise can act as a subtle divider between living and dining zones.
For more on positioning, our guide to arranging an L-shaped sofa in a small living room walks through the best layouts in detail.
Best Right-Hand Corner Sofas to Shop Right Now
Funk Grey Fabric Corner Sofa – RHF – £1,177.49
Best for spacious corner seating
Furniture Island
Windsor Grey Fabric Fullback Corner Sofa – RHF – £1,372.49
Best for buttoned scroll-arm style
Furniture Island
Windsor Stone Fabric Fullback Corner Sofa – RHF – £1,372.49
Best for a soft, neutral cream finish
Furniture Island
Where to Find the Right Corner Sofa
The easiest way to compare orientations, sizes, and styles is to shop where full details, including which way each sofa faces, are listed on every product. Browsing a corner sofa sale in the UK online lets you check the configuration and dimensions carefully before you buy. You'll find everything from compact designs to generous corners, including affordable options, so there's a corner sofa for sale in the UK to suit most rooms and budgets.
If you'd like to be completely sure of the orientation and fit, it's well worth seeing a sofa in person. You can explore the full range of sofas at our Leytonstone showroom, where our team can help you work out exactly which configuration suits your room.
Ready to choose your corner sofa? Browse our full corner sofa collection, with clear orientation and dimension details on every design, to help you choose with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a left-hand- and right-hand-facing corner sofa comes down to one simple exercise: stand in your room, picture yourself sitting on the sofa looking out, and note which side the long chaise needs to run on. Get that right, and your corner sofa will fit its space beautifully, without blocking doorways, windows, or walkways.
If you'd rather not commit, a universal or modular design gives you the flexibility to configure the sofa either way, ideal if you move home or like to rearrange. Measure carefully; check the orientation against the product details; and see one in person if you can, and you'll end up with a corner sofa that fits your room and your life perfectly.
Still deciding on your configuration? Explore our range of corner sofas online, or visit our Leytonstone showroom to see the orientations and sizes in person; our friendly team is always happy to help you find the perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a left-hand and right-hand corner sofa?
Standing in front of the sofa and looking at it, a left-hand-facing sofa has its long chaise section on the left, while a right-hand-facing sofa has it on the right. Choosing the correct orientation ensures the sofa fits your corner neatly without blocking doorways or walkways.
How do I know if I need a left or right corner sofa?
Stand in your room facing the corner where the sofa will go and imagine sitting on it, looking out. If the long chaise needs to run to your left, you need a left-hand-facing sofa; if it runs to your right, you need right-hand-facing. Marking the footprint on the floor with tape helps confirm it.
What is a universal corner sofa?
A universal (or reversible) corner sofa is one where the chaise can be fitted to either side, so it works as either left-hand or right-hand-facing. It's a great choice if you're unsure of your room layout or move home often, as it takes the pressure off choosing an orientation.
What size corner sofa do I need?
It depends on your room. A compact 210 cm sofa suits small flats and rooms; a 230 cm design is a popular choice for average living rooms; and a 240 x 240 cm corner sofa suits larger, open-plan spaces. Always measure your room, leave 75–90 cm walkways, and check the delivery route before buying.
Can I change a corner sofa from left to right facing?
Only if it's a universal or modular design; these are made to be configured either way. Standard left-hand or right-hand-facing sofas are fixed, so you can't switch the chaise to the other side. If you think you might rearrange your room, a universal or modular sofa is the safer choice.
Does the corner sofa configuration affect comfort?
Not the comfort of the seats themselves, but it affects how well the sofa suits your room. The right configuration means the chaise sits where you want to relax, everyone has a good view of the TV, and the sofa doesn't block doorways or light, all of which make the room more comfortable to use.
