How to Choose the Perfect Corner Sofa for Your Living Room

Dec 27, 2025

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A corner sofa is one of the most effective ways to make the most of your living room. It provides generous seating, helps define the space and creates a cosy, sociable area for relaxing, watching TV and spending time with family and friends.

Because corner sofas come in different sizes, shapes and configurations, it is important to choose one that fits both your room and your lifestyle. This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider – from measurements and layout to comfort, fabric and colour – so you can find the perfect corner sofa for your home.

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1. Why choose a corner sofa?

Before delving into the details, it's helpful to understand what makes corner sofas so popular in modern UK homes.

Maximise seating in less space

A corner sofa can often seat more people than a traditional three-seater plus an armchair, while using wall space more efficiently. The L-shape tucks neatly into a corner or along two walls, leaving the centre of the room more open.

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Create a cosy, defined zone

Corner sofas naturally create a “zone” in an open-plan living area:

They help separate the living space from dining or kitchen areas.
They make it easy for everyone to sit facing each other and the TV.
They feel inviting for long evenings on the sofa.

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Flexible configurations

With options such as left-hand, right-hand, chaise-end and modular designs, corner sofas can be tailored to many room shapes and layouts.

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2. Measure your space carefully

The most important step is to measure your living room and understand how the corner sofa will sit within it.

Length, depth and corner position

You’ll need to measure:

The length of each wall where the sofa will run.
The depth you can allow into the room without blocking walkways.
Doorways, radiators, windows and any architectural features.

Make a simple sketch of your room and mark:

The wall with the TV (if you already know where it will go).
The position of doors and main walkways.
Radiators or built-in shelving that might affect the layout.

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Left-hand vs right-hand corner

Many corner sofas are described as “left-hand” or “right-hand”:

Standing facing the sofa, if the longer section with the chaise/return is on your left, it is a left-hand corner.
If it is on your right, it is a right-hand corner.

Choose the orientation that:

Leaves the main walkway into the room clear.
Works with the position of your TV, fireplace or focal wall.
Allows the chaise part to sit where it won’t block doors or radiators.

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Check delivery access

Corner sofas can be large. Before ordering, think about:

Staircases and narrow hallways.
Lift size if you are in a flat.
Door frames and tight corners.

Many corner sofas arrive in sections, which helps, but it is still worth checking the measurements in the product description and comparing them with your access points.

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3. Choose the right size and configuration

Corner sofas come in different lengths, depths and shapes, so it’s important to choose the right configuration.

Compact corner sofas for smaller rooms

If your living room is on the smaller side:

Look for smaller corner sofas with shorter lengths on both sides.
Choose slimmer arms and raised legs to keep the look light.
Avoid oversized arms and very deep seats that may dominate the space.

Compact corner sofas are ideal in UK terraces, new-build living rooms and apartments where every centimetre counts.

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Large corner sofas for family rooms

In a larger room or family space:

Consider a more generous L-shape that can seat four to six people.
A wider chaise or extended end section gives extra lounging comfort.
You may even consider a U-shaped configuration if space allows.

These designs are perfect for families, film nights and entertaining.

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Chaise-end vs full corner

Some “corner” sofas are essentially a sofa with a chaise on one end, while others form a full L-shape with equal or similar lengths on both sides.

Chaise-end sofas are great when you want one person to stretch out while others sit more upright.
Full corner sofas offer more seated positions around the bend and feel more balanced as a centrepiece.

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Right Hand Fabric Corner Sofa Grey Edilmar

Modular corner sofas

Modular designs are made of separate units that can be reconfigured:

Useful if you like to rearrange your room.
Easier for delivery through tight hallways.
Flexible if you move home or change your layout.

When browsing the CORNER SOFAS COLLECTION, check the overall width and depth of both sides, and whether the sofa is fixed or modular.

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4. Comfort: seat depth, cushions and back height

Comfort is crucial – especially if this will be your main sofa.

Seat depth

Shallower seats (around 50–55 cm) are better if you sit quite upright or are shorter in height.
Deeper seats (60 cm+) are ideal if you like to curl up or lounge.

Corner sofas often have deeper seats, so think about how you and your family prefer to sit.

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Backrest and cushions

Higher backs give more support for the shoulders and neck.
Lower backs look more minimal and work well under windows, but offer less head support.

Cushions can be:

Fixed-back – cleaner look, less adjusting.
Loose-back – more “sink-in” comfort and easier to fluff and arrange.

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Foam vs fibre vs mixed fillings

Foam cushions hold their shape better and offer more structured support.
Fibre-filled cushions feel softer and cosier but need more regular plumping.
Foam-and-fibre combinations aim to balance support and softness.

Check the product descriptions to see which filling is used and think about how much maintenance (plumping, turning cushions) you are happy to do.

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5. Fabrics, colours and finishes

Your corner sofa will be a major visual element, so fabric and colour matter a lot.

Fabric corner sofas

Fabric sofas are popular for their comfort and warmth.

Great in family living rooms and relaxed spaces.
Available in neutrals, bold colours and textured weaves.
Look for durable, easy-clean fabrics if you have children or pets.

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Velvet corner sofas

Velvet adds luxury and depth:

Perfect for more glamorous or boutique-style living rooms.
Dark velvets (deep green, navy, charcoal) make a strong statement.
Lighter velvets feel softer and more airy.

Velvet needs a little more care, but it can transform a room.

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Leather or faux leather corner sofas

Leather-look designs offer:

A sleek, modern appearance.
Wipe-clean practicality.
A good choice for households that want something robust and easy to maintain.

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Colour choices

When choosing colour, consider:

Room size and light – light greys, beiges and taupes help smaller rooms feel larger. Darker shades can look sophisticated but may feel heavier in small, dark spaces.
Existing furniture – decide whether the sofa should blend in or stand out.
Longevity – neutral sofas are easier to restyle with cushions and throws over time.

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Corner Sofa 4 Seater Fabric Grey Right Hand Herrick

6. Extra features: storage, sofa bed and recliners

Many corner sofas now include practical extra features.

Storage compartments

Some corner and chaise-end sofas include lift-up storage:

Perfect for storing blankets, cushions and bedding.
Ideal in smaller homes where extra storage is always useful.

Look for storage in the chaise section or under seats.

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Corner sofa beds

If you often have guests, a corner sofa bed offers the best of both worlds:

A generous sofa by day.
A spacious sleeping area by night.

Make sure you check:

The size of the sleeping area when open.
How easy the mechanism is to use.
Whether there is space in the room to open it fully.

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Recliner options

Some corner sofas include reclining sections:

Great for film nights and long, relaxing evenings.
Make sure there is space behind or in front of the sofa for the recliner to open.

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7. Layout ideas for different living rooms

To help you visualise how a corner sofa could work in your home, here are some simple layout ideas.

Small living room

Choose a compact corner with slim arms and raised legs.
Place it in the corner opposite the TV wall.
Use a small coffee table or nest of tables to avoid blocking walkways.

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Open-plan living/dining space

Position the corner sofa so the back of one side helps separate the living area from the dining or kitchen zone.
Place a rug under the sofa and coffee table to define the living area.
Place larger storage pieces (such as sideboards) against walls to maintain a spacious feel.

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Family room

Opt for a larger corner or U-shaped sofa that seats the whole household.
Choose a durable, easy-clean fabric.
Consider built-in storage for blankets, games and extra cushions.

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Bay window or awkward room shape

Measure the bay or angles carefully and choose a compact corner that doesn’t overlap the window too much.
Alternatively, place the sofa along the straight wall opposite the bay and use the bay itself for an armchair or reading nook.

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8. Choosing your corner sofa with SOOXOS

A well-chosen corner sofa can completely transform your living room, making it more comfortable, sociable and visually balanced.

When you are ready to choose:

Measure your room and think about left-hand or right-hand orientation.
Decide how many people you want to seat comfortably.
Consider the level of comfort and maintenance you prefer – seat depth, cushion type and filling.
Choose a fabric and colour that sit well with your existing décor and lifestyle.
Think about extras such as storage or sofa bed functions if you need them.

At SOOXOS, our CORNER SOFAS COLLECTION includes:

Compact corner sofas for smaller living rooms in the UK.
Larger L-shaped and U-shaped sofas for family spaces and open-plan rooms.
A variety of fabrics, including cosy textiles and elegant velvet options.
Practical designs with storage or sofa bed features to maximise your space.

Explore our corner sofas to find the design that will give your living room the comfort, style and flexibility it deserves.

Corner Sofa 3 Seater Fabric Olive Green Right Hand Azuri

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