Corner Sofa Buying Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Table of content
Introduction
In today's living spaces, the corner sofa stands as a centrepiece, offering not just comfort but also defining the layout and ambiance of a room. Selecting the right corner sofa is pivotal, as it impacts both functionality and aesthetics within your home. Have a read of our corner sofa buying guide to help you along the way to finding the L-shaped sofa of your dreams.
In this guide we'll cover everything you need to know about buying a corner sofa, from measuring your space, to choosing the right configuration, fabric and size. Keep reading, and by the end of this guide you'll be armed with all of the tools and information you need to purchase the right corner sofa for you.
What is a corner sofa?
Corner sofas, also known as sectional sofas, are a style of sofa designed to fit into the corner of a room. They typically form an L-shape or U-shape and consist of multiple sections or modules that can be configured in various ways. These sofas help customers maximise seating by utilising the corner space effectively, which might otherwise be underused.
What are the benefits of choosing a corner sofa?
Space Utilisation: Corner sofas can be positioned pretty much anywhere in your space. This makes them super-popular for customers looking to make the most of a small room by going traditional and placing the sofa neatly in a corner, as well as those looking to divide a large room by going bold and using the corner sofa as a statement piece/focal point of the room.
Comfort: Corner sofas are perfect for lounging around and stretching out due to their size and shape. Wether its the whole family gathering round to watch a movie in the lounge, or just yourself looking to kick back and stretch out after a long day at work - corner sofas are the ultimate in sofa comfort.
Versatility: Corner sofas are great for rooms of any size, making them extremely versatile. Often, these sofas are modular or sectional, giving the owner the choice on how to configure the sofa to suit their preferences and requirements.
Aesthetic Appeal: No matter what your decor or style choice, you can always find a corner sofa thats perfect for you. Corner sofas really help to create a focal point in your space with their grand design and large stature. They're elegant and modern, and really timeless when it comes to your decor.
Did you know 💡 The average lifespan of a corner sofa made today is 15 years!
The different corner sofa styles available
U-Shape Corner Sofas
These sofas feature a central piece, with two extended sections - creating a U configuration. This corner sofa style is perfect for larger living rooms as they offer lots of seating space. The design is perfect for social gatherings or large families, allowing everyone to sit facing each other.
L-Shape Corner Sofas
These sofas form an L shape and are the most popular choice of corner sofa. They usually consist of a long section and a short section that meets at a right angle. L-shaped sofas are perfect for smaller living rooms where maximising space is essential. They're great against walls to save space, or as a focal point to create a division in a more open-plan space.
Modular Corner Sofas
Modular or sectional sofas consist of individual sections that can be arranged in various configurations. This gives the buyer flexibility to create an L-shape, U-shape or even straight sofa, depending on their requirements. This sofa style is great for people who like to change their room layout or find theirselves moving home often, as the modules can be easily moved around and reconfigured to fit different spaces.
Left-hand facing VS right-hand facing corner sofas
When you're shopping for a corner sofa, you're likely to across the term 'LHF' or 'RHF' - this means left-hand facing and right-hand facing. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is by imagining yourself standing in front of the sofa - if the longest side is on the left as you're looking at it, it's a left-hand sofa. If it's on the right, it's a right-hand sofa.
How do you measure for a corner sofa?
Firstly, decide where you want to place the sofa in your living room. Visualise how it will fit within your existing layout, keeping in mind the room's focal points like windows, doors, and fireplaces
Next, measure the total length from the leftmost point where the sofa will start to the rightmost point. Use a measuring tape, ensuring it is straight and level. Record this measurement. Measure the depth from the back wall to the front edge where the sofa will extend. Ensure the tape is perpendicular to the wall. This will give you the sofa's width or depth, depending on the orientation.
Finally, consider other furniture pieces that will be near the sofa, such as side tables, coffee tables, or additional seating. Leave about 18 inches between the sofa and any coffee table and at least 2-3 inches between the sofa and side tables. This spacing allows for easy movement and functionality.
BONUS TIP: Before doing any of the above, measure access first. If you're unable to fit the corner sofa through your door or window and not able to take the sofa apart, you'll be a little bit stuck. If the couch is going upstairs to the bedroom, be sure to measure interior doorways and the stairway too.
Should I choose a fabric or leather corner sofa?
Ultimately this decision comes down to personal preference, but there are some things to consider when choosing between fabric and leather for your new corner sofa. In summary, leather corner sofas are much easier to clean but fabric corner sofas are warmer and cozier.
Leather Corner Sofas
A leather corner sofa exudes luxury, they're timeless and elegant. Leather is extremely versatile and can be styled in many ways to match your existing decor. From a practicality view-point, leather sofas are perfect for homes with children prone to spills and mess due to their easily-wipeable texture.
Fabric Corner Sofas
Fabric is naturally more appealing due to its softer texture, making it perfect for those looking to get cozy and snuggle up. Of course, fabric isn't as easy to clean as its leather counterpart - so keep this in mind if you plan to have your sofa in a high-traffic area with children and/or pets.
Corner sofa FAQ's
What are the disadvantages to owning a corner sofa?
Really there aren't any disadvantages, The only issue customers usually face when buying a corner sofa, is finding the right one to fit their space.
How do I know if I need a LHF or a RHF?
This all depends on what you want the sofa to achieve. Just remember that the ‘right’ or ‘left’ hand-facing name applies from the point of view of someone facing the sofa from the front. This should make it easier to pick the appropriate angle for your space.
Can you take a corner sofa apart?
This varies from sofa to sofa. Modular and sectional sofas come apart, and so do a lot of 'non-modular' sofas too. These sofas can be delivered easily. On the flip side, some of the larger corner sofas don't come apart, which is why its important to measure up before placing your order
Conclusion
There you have it, our complete guide to buying a corner sofa. By now you should all of the information you need to go ahead and find the corner sofa of your dreams. Remember, always measure up before buying your sofa and ensure you choose the correct configuration style (LHF or RHF). Shop our huge range of corner sofas here.