Left-Hand vs Right-Hand Corner Sofa UK: Which Side Do You Need?

Choosing the wrong corner-sofa orientation can leave the long section pointing into a doorway, walkway or the wrong side of your room. The safest approach is to check the retailer’s own diagram and product images before ordering.

What does left-hand facing mean?

For DFS standard corner sofas, the orientation is described as you look at the sofa from the front: if the longer section extends to your left, it is left-hand facing; if it extends to your right, it is right-hand facing. DFS also explains that chaise sofas are labelled according to the position of the chaise.

Furniture Village likewise sells many corner-sofa ranges in separate left-hand-facing and right-hand-facing configurations. Because product terminology can differ by design and retailer, always confirm the exact configuration shown on the product page rather than relying on the words alone.

Use this 30-second orientation check

1. Stand where you would normally look at the sofa from the front.
2. Decide which side of the room should contain the longer corner or chaise section.
3. Check the retailer’s diagram or product image for that exact configuration.
4. Confirm the selected variant again in the basket before ordering.

Why the direction matters

The projecting section can affect doorways, circulation, windows, radiators, coffee-table space and access to other furniture. A sofa may fit the room by width but still make the layout awkward if its long section points the wrong way.

Left-hand vs right-hand chaise sofas

DFS describes a left-hand-facing chaise as having the built-in footrest or chaise on the left as you look at the sofa from the front, with the right-hand version mirrored. This is especially important when the chaise sits beside a doorway or forms the boundary of a walking route.

Do not order from the name alone

Some listings use terms such as “left arm facing”, “left-hand facing”, “left corner” or simply show an orientation selector. The physical layout is what matters. Match the retailer’s current image or diagram to your room plan before checkout.

Mark the sofa footprint on the floor

Use masking tape to mark the full width and the complete corner or chaise projection. Then walk through the room normally. Check that you can still reach doors, cupboards and other seating without squeezing around the sofa.

For a fuller room-planning process, use the HODEALS Corner Sofa Buying Guide and the Sofa Clearance Guide.

Measure the delivery route too

Orientation solves the room-layout question, but it does not guarantee delivery access. Check the largest delivered section against doors, hallways, stair turns and lifts. Some corner sofas separate into sections or have removable parts, but this varies by model.

Use the HODEALS Door-Fit Guide before ordering.

What if the sofa is modular?

A modular range may offer more flexibility because individual sections can sometimes be configured or rearranged. Do not assume every modular sofa is reversible, though. Confirm which modules you are buying and how they connect.

See the HODEALS Modular Sofa Buying Guide for configuration planning.

Corner-sofa orientation checklist

• Look at the sofa from the front.
• Identify where the long section or chaise needs to sit in your room.
• Check the retailer’s exact diagram and selected variant.
• Mark the full footprint on the floor.
• Check doors, walkways, radiators and windows.
• Measure the delivery route separately.
• Confirm whether the model separates into sections.
• Recheck the orientation in the basket before paying.

Before you buy

Do not rely on memory when choosing left or right. Keep your room sketch or floor markings beside you while ordering and compare them with the retailer’s current product image. If the listing is ambiguous, confirm the configuration with the retailer before purchase.

Once the direction is settled, use the HODEALS Compare tool to compare dimensions, fabric, filling and price across your shortlist.

Sources checked

• DFS Corner Sofa Buying Guide
• DFS Corner Sofas guidance
• Furniture Village corner-sofa orientation example

Reference points checked September 2026. Always use the current retailer diagram and selected product configuration because terminology and available variants can differ between ranges.