Left or Right? Choosing the Perfect Corner Sofa Configuration
One of the most common mistakes furniture shoppers make when choosing a new corner sofa for their living room is not double-checking whether they need a left or right-hand facing corner sofa.
Getting this crucial detail wrong can lead to your space looking disjointed, feeling inaccessible to walk around, and generally creating an unbalanced atmosphere. To help you avoid tripping over this very common hurdle, we’ve created a guide on everything you need to know about left and right-hand corner sofas.
Read on to learn key tips for determining which corner sofa you need and how you can put them to action in a variety of spaces. At Furniture Instore, we want to help you create the living room you’ve always wanted. This guide helps you get another step closer.
Table of contents
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What are left-hand and right-hand corner sofas?
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Do I need a left-hand or a right-hand facing chaise?
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Our left-hand or right-hand corner sofa checklist
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Can you change a corner sofa from left to right?
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Discover left & right-hand corner sofas at Furniture Instore
What are left-hand and right-hand corner sofas?
The key to understanding a left-hand or right-hand corner sofa lies in the orientation of its shorter section, often called the chaise or return.
A left-hand corner sofa is one where the chaise or shorter, extended seating part is on the left side when you are standing and facing the sofa head-on. Conversely, a right-hand corner sofa has the shorter section on the right when viewed from the front. This orientation dictates which corner of a room the sofa will slot neatly into.
People choose these L-shaped sofas for many reasons. They are exceptionally space-efficient, offering maximum seating for the footprint they take up, and they are perfect for creating a cosy, defined lounging zone within an open-plan living area.
Do I need a left-hand or a right-hand facing chaise?
Firstly, the easiest way to determine which side you need is to imagine yourself standing in front of the sofa, looking directly at it. If the chaise section is on your left when facing the sofa, it is a left-hand-facing corner sofa, and vice versa. People often get confused by thinking about the sofa from a sitting position.
Always remember the rule of thumb: stand up and face the sofa head-on.
Our left-hand or right-hand corner sofa checklist
Once you’ve found your bearings, the next step is to visualise how the sofa will sit in your own space. Getting the left/right orientation correct is crucial for creating a comfortable and well-planned living room. This checklist is designed to help you think through your layout and reach the right conclusion:
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Question |
Purpose & Insight |
Decision Assistance |
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Where is the TV located? |
The sofa is usually positioned to face the primary focal point, which is often the television. The chaise shouldn't block the view from the main seating area. |
If the TV is on the right wall, a right-hand chaise might point people away from the screen. A left-hand sofa generally works better to keep the view open. |
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Where are the main windows or natural light sources? |
You'll want to avoid the tall back or high arm of the chaise section from obscuring natural light or a pleasant view. |
If the windows are primarily on the right side, a left-hand sofa will keep the chaise low and out of the way of the light source. |
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Where is the main doorway or entrance? |
The shorter return of the sofa shouldn't create a visual or physical obstacle that blocks the path into the room. |
If the entrance is on the left side of the wall where the sofa will sit, a right-hand sofa is typically required to keep the entrance clear and maintain an open flow. |
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Is there a radiator, power socket, or other fixture on the wall? |
The back or side of the chaise section may completely cover or become positioned awkwardly against a necessary fixture. |
Measure the wall space carefully. If a radiator is halfway up the wall on the right side, you must choose a left-hand sofa to ensure the chaise doesn't obstruct it. |
Where to place your left/right-handed corner sofa
Deciding which sided sofa you need will also depend on your living room layout and how you plan to use the space. Here are some considerations:
The corner placement
Placing your corner sofa in the corner of your living room is the most obvious choice. If the sofa is to be placed in a corner where the chaise side needs to go against the left wall, you need a left-hand facing sofa. If the chaise side needs to face the right wall, you need a right-hand-facing sofa.
Room flow and foot traffic
Consider how people will navigate the space. Choose a side that doesn't block a main walkway, a doorway, or a path to another room. The shorter side of the "L" should ideally point away from high-traffic areas. For example, if the main entryway to your living room is on the right, you would want a left-hand facing sofa so the short side doesn't create an obstacle.
Visual balance
Think about the overall aesthetic of the room. Which side feels more balanced with the other furniture? Which side creates a better sense of open space and flow? A good trick is to use masking tape on the floor to outline the sofa footprint. This simple visualisation can prevent you from making a costly mistake.
Can you change a corner sofa from left to right?
Ensure you get your sofa orientation right the first time, as most corner sofas are fixed units built with a specific left or right-hand side.
It is possible, however, to get reversible chaise sofas. In this case, the ottoman or footstool section is typically detached and can be placed on either end, with the main sofa cushions configured to fit. Reversible chaise sofas are a great option if you plan to move furniture around or frequently change your layout.
And, of course, a fully modular sofa provides you with complete flexibility. Modular sofas are composed of individual, self-contained units (modules) that can be connected in various configurations.
Discover left & right-hand corner sofas at Furniture Instore
Now that you have the relevant knowledge and expertise for identifying the right corner sofa, you can browse our range of left-hand and right-hand corner sofas at Furniture Instore.
Not only are we dedicated to providing you with all the context you need to make an informed decision on your next piece of furniture, but we are committed to providing the best available value for high-quality pieces.
Explore our affordable range of corner sofas and breathe new life into your living room. No matter whether you’re furnishing a small flat or a large family home, our selection of sofas has you covered.