Left-Hand vs Right-Hand Corner Sofas Explained

Left-Hand vs Right-Hand Corner Sofas Explained

If you've been shopping for corner sofas and have come across labels such as "left-hand" and "right-hand", you're not alone in being a bit confused. It’s one of those things that seems simple until you actually have to choose. And a lot of people do get it wrong. The sofa arrives, and suddenly it doesn't sit the way you pictured — maybe it blocks a doorway, or it just feels off in the space. This article will explain in simple terms how to make the right choice using practical sofa corner ideas.

What do left-hand and right-hand sofas mean?

The terms left hand facing and right hand facing refer to the position of the longer section (chaise) when you are facing the sofa from the front.

Left hand corner sofa: If the longer section is on your left

Right hand corner sofa: If the longer section is on your right

One thing to be careful with is how shops describe it. Some use the seated position instead, which can easily throw you off. It’s always worth checking that detail before you order.

How to Read Your Room Before You Buy

i. Sketch and measure first
Draw your room and mark doors, windows, and fixed items. Measure everything before buying.

ii. Think about movement
Pay attention to people's walking patterns. Make sure the main traffic pathways are clear.

iii. Place the sofa properly
Place the shorter side in a corner or on the side of the room. Allow the long side to rest where it's most comfortable.

iv. Leave enough space
Make sure there's 90 cm around large furniture to allow people to walk around comfortably and maintain proper walkaway clearance.

v. Adjust for small rooms
Consider a smaller corner sofa for small rooms, and don't block up the space.

Visualising Left Hand and Right Hand Placement

Fabric and Leather Considerations for Corner Sofas

Once orientation issues are resolved, it's time to consider the fabric. Fabric corner sofas are softer and warmer, offering a little acoustic absorption found in a variety of textures and colours. It's typically the preferred choice for family lounge rooms where comfort and flexibility is important. High-tech fabrics are now available for many fabric corner sofas, making them more durable for everyday use.

Leather Corner sofas offer a more elegant look. It's easy to clean, and ages well with a patina. It will help to maintain a smooth living room flow. But it may be a bit cold and not work for all living room designs. It's important to consider your interior design when choosing the material.

Corner Sofas in Small Rooms

A small corner sofas is a good way to enhance the appearance of a space in a small room. The corner angle and chair-and-sofa design free up the space required to accommodate a number of chairs and a two-seater.

The orientation of a corner section sofa in a small room is even more important. Placing the chaise section in the wrong place can divide the space into two. Be sure to check the dimensions before you buy, including the total width and the return. Knowing these two measurements can give you a lot more information than simply the sofa's length.

Corner Sofa Options for Various Room Layouts

Square Rooms:
It's simple to furnish a square room, so you can either orient the L shaped sofa in the room. Just arrange it around a feature such as a TV or window.

Rectangular Rooms:
In a long room, try placing the sofa on the longest wall. The end of the room will make it appear smaller.

Open-Plan Spaces:
A corner sofa is ideal for separating open rooms. It will help to outline the lounge room without closing it in.

Placing the left hand corner sofa or right hand corner sofa carefully will help to outline the living room without walls or dividers, and give the room a functional feel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Measure your room, not the showroom and do not rely on showroom displays
• Make sure the furniture fits the doorways, hallways and stairs
• Leave a path to walk around the sofa
• Sit comfortably and conversationally

Explore the Full Range

Once you have a rough idea of your layout, it becomes much easier to narrow things down. You don’t need to have everything figured out straight away. Even a simple floor plan can help you check which orientation will work best while exploring great sofa corner ideas.

All you need is your floor plan to check your orientation and to browse the entire range of corner sofas to find the shape, size and style that suits you.