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For those moments when you’re hosting friends for movie nights or those long luxurious evenings where you need an extra bit of space to really stretch out, a corner sofa will always provide.
Tucked away neatly in the corner of the room, this style of sofa opens the space while seamlessly propping up the wall. By opting for a singular piece of furniture, you’re able to save floor space from the natural gaps that multiple armchairs can cause.
Great for entertaining, our corner sofa styles can easily squeeze more people into a seating area – without feeling pushed for space. No more negotiating who’s deserving of the comfy sofa and who’s banished to cushions on the floor, a corner sofa ensures that everyone gets a good seat.
A corner sofa is an ideal solution if you can’t fit two regular-sized sofas in your space. Take away the stress of matching individual pieces of furniture and opt for one that you love.
With a corner sofa there’s room to stretch either way, with no need to worry about plugs and recliner buttons. There’s no such thing as a bad spot on this sofa. The corner seat will be popular with everyone who likes to curl up or stretch their legs while the longer sides are ideal for laid back lounging.
Measure the width, height and depth that the sofa will ideally match before beginning your search. This will help you to know what styles are suitable for your space, and you can narrow down your options.
Mark out the size and shape of your sofa on the floor using masking tape. This will help you to visualise the sofa in the space and see whether you have the room for reclining chairs.
You need to check whether your corner sofa will fit through the door. No one wants to be shouting “pivot” in a stairwell because they didn’t check the space they had to play with.
While our corner sofas styles look great tucked into the corner of a room they’re not limited to those areas.
Here’s when it gets tricky. How do you choose a left or right corner sofa? Unfortunately, while we’d love for our corner sofa buying guide to answer all your questions, there isn’t a straight answer for this one.
The fabric that you choose for your corner sofa depends on your needs. If you’re after something that exudes luxury, velvet is your go to. Or if you have a family, you may prefer something that’s easy to keep clean.
Fabric corner sofas are comfortable, versatile and can be a little less expensive than their leather counterparts. You also won’t struggle to find a colour to suit your space, as you’re not at all limited by tones or patterns.
Style your corner sofa with an abundance of cushions for that ‘sink in’ feeling. Make sure to have plenty of blankets on hand too for colder climes. Update these soft furnishings throughout the year, either with the seasons or just when you feel like a refresh.
For more design inspiration for your living room, check out these articles from our Your House Blog. From spring styling ideas to other sofa buying guides, we’re here to help you make your home beautiful.
Corner Sofa Buying Guide
Words by Emma Hughes
October 06, 2023
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7m
Corner sofas are the epitome of comfort – a welcoming hug for you to sink into after a long day.
Useful for both small and large spaces, these sofas provide you with ample room whether you want to curl up, spread out or seat the whole family. They’re the perfect choice to maximise space and can also act as a stylish zoning piece. This corner sofa buying guide will feature everything you need to know about how to pick the right shape, style, and size for your living room.
Contents
Why should I choose a corner sofa?
For those moments when you’re hosting friends for movie nights or those long luxurious evenings where you need an extra bit of space to really stretch out, a corner sofa will always provide.
A corner sofa is one of the most versatile pieces you can add to your living room. Nestled into your space, it can instantly create a comfy spot to retreat to with a good book and a hot cup of tea. Or use it to section off part of the room – perfect for an open-plan living situation.
The possibilities are endless but here are just a few reasons why we love our corner sofa styles so much:
It’s a great space saver
Tucked away neatly in the corner of the room, this style of sofa opens the space while seamlessly propping up the wall. By opting for a singular piece of furniture, you’re able to save floor space from the natural gaps that multiple armchairs can cause.
This area to socialise effortlessly doubles up as a cosy nook in your living area to spread out when the need to lounge arises. With our corner sofa styles, there are no cumbersome arms to get in the way and no dead space to worry about filling – bliss.
It’s more sociable
Great for entertaining, our corner sofa styles can easily squeeze more people into a seating area – without feeling pushed for space. No more negotiating who’s deserving of the comfy sofa and who’s banished to cushions on the floor, a corner sofa ensures that everyone gets a good seat.
Whether you’re hosting or tuning into your favourite series alone this seating solution gives you the option to be sociable when you choose to be.
It can fit better in your living room
A corner sofa is an ideal solution if you can’t fit two regular-sized sofas in your space. Take away the stress of matching individual pieces of furniture and opt for one that you love.
Our corner sofa styles are designed to suit a variety of rooms – from family-size lounges, to book snugs and open-plan studio flats alike.
It can be more comfortable
With a corner sofa there’s room to stretch either way, with no need to worry about plugs and recliner buttons. There’s no such thing as a bad spot on this sofa. The corner seat will be popular with everyone who likes to curl up or stretch their legs while the longer sides are ideal for laid back lounging.
Choose from our range of sumptuous fabrics and soft furnishings to make your corner sofa your own. Whether you’re partial to a velvet finish or leather is more your vibe, opt for a sofa that feels as lovely as it looks.
How to measure for a corner sofa
Now you’ve decided that a corner sofa is the right choice for you, the next step is to learn how to measure up your space to accommodate one. You need to make sure it will complement your interior and work with the other furniture in the room. Follow these steps to measure your space for a corner sofa.
Grab a tape measure and get started
Measure the width, height and depth that the sofa will ideally match before beginning your search. This will help you to know what styles are suitable for your space, and you can narrow down your options.
Not only do you need to make sure the sofa will fit well in your room, but you should also ensure that there’s enough practical space around it.
You need to be able to open doors and cupboards, have room to walk around your coffee table, and keep your sofa away from any radiators or plug sockets (for safety and efficiency).
Plot out the sofa shape in masking tape on the floor
Mark out the size and shape of your sofa on the floor using masking tape. This will help you to visualise the sofa in the space and see whether you have the room for reclining chairs.
You could also play around with whether you’d prefer a left or right corner sofa by moving the tape accordingly.
Measure your doorways
You need to check whether your corner sofa will fit through the door. No one wants to be shouting “pivot” in a stairwell because they didn’t check the space they had to play with.
To do this, consult the boxed dimensions of the sofa. Then, compare them against the width and length of your doorway to see if these measurements are bigger. If not, you can try measuring diagonally to see if the sofa will fit through at an angle.
This step can’t be missed – it’s essential to make sure the corner sofa can be moved into the living space when it’s delivered. Bear in mind that some sofas come apart which makes things a little easier, but if your sofa is being delivered in one or two big pieces this step is very important.
Where should I position a corner sofa?
While our corner sofas styles look great tucked into the corner of a room they’re not limited to those areas.
Why not use your sofa as a zoning tool? Place it in the middle of the room to separate your living space into different areas. Perhaps have your desk set up on one side of the living area for a working from home zone and then have a socialising space from where the corner sofa starts.
For the perfect reading spot, place the sofa under your window. This way, you’ll have the perfect morning light to bask in as you read your favourite book. The sofa will frame your window and make the area a focal point in your room.
Do I need a left or right-hand corner sofa?
Here’s when it gets tricky. How do you choose a left or right corner sofa? Unfortunately, while we’d love for our corner sofa buying guide to answer all your questions, there isn’t a straight answer for this one.
Typically, you’ll need a left-hand facing sofa if you want the longer part of the sofa to sit on the left-hand side. Or a right-hand facing sofa if you would like the longer part of the sofa to sit on the right-hand side.
Making things a little simpler, some do not have a longer side and a shorter side, instead they are balanced equally. These may be called square corner sofas or reference the number of seats they fit.
Which corner sofa shape is best?
The corner sofa that you choose is determined by your living room space, but you can have fun deciding between the different shapes available.
Standard corner sofas
First up, there’s the standard corner sofa that started it all. This usually features arms and backs at both sides. However, some corner sofas have an open end on the shorter side. Others come as ‘corner groups’ with a matching footstool included.
Chaise corner sofas
Then you’ve got the popular chaise sofa, or L-shaped sofa, with the corner side extended forward by an armless seat that resembles a footstool. This is often a more compact design, perfect for spaces where a corner sofa would be too bulky or might obstruct a window or patio door.
Modular corner sofas
For the most customisable option, we have modular corner sofas. These consist of individual pieces that can be taken apart and rearranged as needed. These sofas can be purchased as a whole, or you can buy the sections separately to build your dream sofa.
U-shaped or curved corner sofas
A U-shaped sofa is perfect for socialising. Not only does the unique shape provide ample room for the whole family to snuggle up on, but the clever design also makes your space look bigger. A curved sofa is elegant, comfortable and can add a touch of personality to any living room.
Corner sofa beds
A multifunctional dream, a corner sofa bed is the perfect choice if you have regular overnight guests. Effortlessly transform your sofa from a cosy couch by day to a comfortable bed by night – perfect for unexpected sleepovers.
Recliner corner sofas
For an extra touch of luxury, a recliner corner sofa is the perfect choice when you need to kick your feet up. Arrange your sofa elegantly with the recliner stowed away when not in use, then easily activate it so you can stretch out and relax when you’ve got your favourite movie on.
What fabric is best for a corner sofa?
The fabric that you choose for your corner sofa depends on your needs. If you’re after something that exudes luxury, velvet is your go to. Or if you have a family, you may prefer something that’s easy to keep clean.
Here are some of our favourite corner sofa fabric styles to consider:
Leather Corner Sofas
Pros:
• Wipes clean – ideal for those who have children or pets.
• Durable – a leather sofa doesn’t know when to quit.
• Hypoallergenic – dust mites and allergens are less likely to get into the material, reducing allergies.
Cons:
• May fade or crack over time – some might prefer this worn look though!
• Can be uncomfortable in cold or hot temperatures – a sofa you stick to in the summer may not appeal to some.
• Fewer colour choices – you may find rustic browns and reds or darker shades are only available in leather sofas.
Leather corner sofas add a rugged and sophisticated look to any room. They also wear well and wipe clean – perfect for families, dog owners and red wine drinkers. Keep in mind though that certain leathers may need regular treatment to stay in shipshape, otherwise they may fall victim to fading and cracking.
Fabric corner sofas
Pros:
• Cosy feel – there’s nothing better than sinking into a soft fabric sofa cushion.
• Limitless colour and pattern choices – you can express yourself with a fabric sofa.
• Sometimes an inexpensive option – ideal if you want to save a little money.
Cons:
• More likely to stain – you’ll need to keep the stain remover on hand, just in case.
• Less durable – fabric can wear over time with constant use.
• Less suitable for allergy sufferers – allergens may cling more to fabric than leather so will require regular cleaning.
Fabric corner sofas are comfortable, versatile and can be a little less expensive than their leather counterparts. You also won’t struggle to find a colour to suit your space, as you’re not at all limited by tones or patterns.
Just be careful with snagging and staining. Fabric sofas also tend to hold more dust, which is bad news for those with allergies.
Velvet Corner Sofas
Pros:
• Sumptuous feel – lounging on a soft velvet sofa is a truly indulgent experience.
• Glamorous look – velvet instantly adds a bit of luxury to any space.
• Always on trend – velvet sofas are always popular and availability has increased in recent years.
Cons:
• Harder to care for – you’ll need to watch out for scratches and scuffs and stay on top of any spills.
• Prone to fading – velvet loses its vibrancy faster so it’s important to choose its spot in the room wisely.
• Can be expensive – this material can cost a little more.
Velvet corner sofas are luxurious, grand and just exude sophistication. Giving any living room a touch of depth and texture, their soft, sumptuous surfaces feel incredible and offer rich, gorgeous pigment. But bear in mind that velvet is one of the tougher fabrics to maintain and can succumb to piling and scratches.
How to style a corner sofa
Your sofa is the most important part of your living space, so it’s important to style it in a way that pulls your interior together. Choose complementary artwork and use bookcases and rugs to add cosy dimensions to your living room.
Choose your preferred colour scheme
Work out your colour scheme to help bring your space to life. Consider popular neutrals like light taupe, blush pink or grey to make the space easy to change up when it needs refreshing. Or go bold with burnt orange or teal for a statement look.
Light it up
Use lighting to really show off your new corner sofa. Floor or table lamps are great for ambience – position them just behind the sofa to illuminate it and create a cosy nook to retreat to in the evenings.
Throw in some texture
Add texture with bold greenery and experiment with vases and accessories. Either match these to your upholstery or go bold with contrasting colours and patterns for a dash of extravagant eclecticism.
Soften things up
Style your corner sofa with an abundance of cushions for that ‘sink in’ feeling. Make sure to have plenty of blankets on hand too for colder climes. Update these soft furnishings throughout the year, either with the seasons or just when you feel like a refresh.
Complement your corner sofa with a stylish rug or two to add dimension and frame your space. And don’t forget to add a coffee table to house your pile of books you have every intention of reading (eventually) and coasters for hot drinks on those lazy Sunday mornings.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what corner sofa to choose?
Consider the size of your living room to help inform the size and style of corner sofa you need. Then decide on a colour palette or theme for your space – do you prefer bright and bold designs or subtle minimalism? All of these factors will help you find the perfect corner sofa.
Do corner sofas make a room look smaller?
Our corner sofa styles are designed to help you get the most out of your space. A corner sofa can actually take up less room than two individual sofas – giving the illusion of more space and creating a less cluttered aesthetic.
What is the best material for a corner sofa?
Your material choice comes down to your lifestyle and design preferences. If you’re a red wine drinker – maybe steer clear of cream fabric. If you have furry friends, wipeable leather could be your best friend.
Do (all) corner sofas come apart?
While most are delivered in two parts, be sure to check this before you buy. It’s important to consider how you’ll manoeuvre your beautiful new sofa into your space without damaging it.
How many cushions should you have on a corner sofa?
Cushions are the key to creating a stylish and comfortable corner sofa. Go for a variety of sizes to add dimension and create a cosy puddle to sink into after a long day. Try two large, two medium and two accent cushions.
Should a sofa go against the wall?
Interior designers suggest leaving a gap between the back of a sofa and the wall to prevent the room from looking cramped. This helps to create balance and gives the illusion of more space.
Want to learn more about finding the right corner sofa for you?
For more design inspiration for your living room, check out these articles from our Your House Blog. From spring styling ideas to other sofa buying guides, we’re here to help you make your home beautiful.
• 3 ways to style your sofa for spring
• How to choose the perfect sofa
• Leather or fabric sofas: which is best?
Elevate your living room with one of our corner sofa styles. Browse our range for inspiration today.
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