Left-Hand vs Right-Hand Corner Sofa: How to Choose the Right Side

A left-hand corner sofa has the chaise or longest section extending to the left when you stand facing the sofa. A right-hand corner sofa has it extending to the right. The correct orientation for your home depends on your room layout, wall space, and where you want the chaise to sit in relation to your TV, windows, and walkways.

This guide explains exactly how to tell left from right — and how to choose the orientation that works best for your space.

What Does Left-Hand and Right-Hand Facing Mean?

Left-hand facing (LHF) and right-hand facing (RHF) describe which side the chaise, return, or longest section of a corner sofa falls on — always from the perspective of someone standing in front of the sofa, facing it.

• Left-hand facing (LHF): The chaise is on your left as you face the sofa
• Right-hand facing (RHF): The chaise is on your right as you face the sofa

This is the industry standard convention used by the vast majority of UK furniture retailers. It does not refer to which side you sit on, or which direction you face when seated.

How to Tell If You Need a Left-Hand or Right-Hand Corner Sofa

The simplest way to determine which orientation you need is to stand in your room at the point where you'll be sitting, facing outward — as if you were the sofa. The wall or space to your left is where a left-hand facing sofa's chaise would sit. The wall or space to your right is where a right-hand facing sofa's chaise would sit.

Follow these steps to work it out:

1. Stand in the room where the sofa will go, facing the wall the sofa will back onto
2. Look left and right — note which side has more wall space, and which side faces toward the TV or focal point of the room
3. Decide where you want the chaise — most people prefer the chaise on the side that allows them to face the TV comfortably while lounging
4. Face the sofa position from the front — if the chaise falls to your left, you need a left-hand facing sofa; if it falls to your right, you need a right-hand facing sofa
5. Use masking tape to mark both options on the floor before committing — this makes the decision immediately obvious in real life

Left-Hand vs Right-Hand Corner Sofa: What's the Difference?

The sofa itself is identical in every way — materials, dimensions, comfort, and construction. The only difference is the direction the chaise or return section extends. Both orientations are mirror images of each other.

Neither orientation is inherently better — it entirely depends on your room.

How to Choose the Right Orientation for Your Room

Consider Your Room Layout First

The most important factor is which corner or wall the sofa will sit against. In most rooms, one side naturally has more space — perhaps because of a chimney breast, a doorway, or a window on the other side. The chaise should extend along the longer available wall.

Measure both sides of your planned sofa position and compare them against the sofa's dimensions. For a detailed walkthrough of how to measure correctly, read our guide on how to measure a corner sofa.

Think About Your TV Position

Most people use their corner sofa for watching TV, and the chaise is where you're most likely to stretch out. Ideally the chaise should face toward the TV — so if your TV is on the right-hand wall, a left-hand facing sofa puts the chaise in the perfect position for lounging while watching.

Ask yourself: when I'm lying on the chaise, where do I want to be looking? That answer usually determines the orientation.

Keep Walkways Clear

Whichever way the chaise extends, it will project further into the room than the main sofa body. Make sure this doesn't block a door, a hallway, or a natural route through the space. Aim for at least 90cm of clearance on any main walkway.

Factor in Natural Light

If your room has a large window on one side, consider whether you want the chaise positioned to make the most of natural light — or away from direct glare if you watch TV during the day.

Check Access on Delivery

Corner sofas are delivered in sections, but it's still worth noting which way sections will need to be manoeuvred through your hallway and into the room. In some cases, a very tight hallway or awkward turn can make one orientation slightly easier to deliver than the other.

How to Tell Left-Hand from Right-Hand on a Product Listing

Product listings can occasionally cause confusion — particularly if the sofa is photographed from an angle, or if the listing uses lifestyle images rather than straight-on product shots.

To determine orientation from a product image:

1. Look at the product straight on — find a front-facing image if one is available
2. Identify the chaise or longer section — this is usually lower-backed or armless on one end
3. Note which side it falls on from your viewing position — left or right
4. Cross-reference with the product description — the listing should state LHF or RHF explicitly; if it doesn't, contact the retailer before ordering

If you're ever unsure about orientation on a specific Airedale Livings sofa, our team is always happy to confirm before you buy.

What If I Change My Mind After Ordering?

Some modular corner sofas can be reconfigured after purchase — the sections simply separate and reconnect on the opposite side. Others are fixed in their orientation. Always check the product description or ask the retailer before ordering if flexibility matters to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a left-hand or right-hand corner sofa?

Stand in your room facing the wall the sofa will back onto. If you want the chaise on the left side of the sofa, you need a left-hand facing sofa. If you want it on the right, you need a right-hand facing sofa. Always visualise the sofa from the front — the convention refers to the perspective of someone standing and facing the sofa, not someone sitting on it.

What does left-hand facing mean on a corner sofa?

Left-hand facing (LHF) means the chaise or longest section of the sofa extends to the left when you stand in front of the sofa and face it. This is the standard UK furniture industry convention.

How do you tell a right-hand corner sofa?

Stand facing the sofa as if you're about to sit down. If the chaise or return section extends to your right, it is a right-hand facing sofa.

How do I determine LHF or RHF for my room?

Decide which side of the room you want the chaise to extend along — usually the side with the most wall space or the best TV sightline. Then stand in the room facing the sofa's position. If the chaise extends to your left, order LHF. If it extends to your right, order RHF.

Is left-hand or right-hand corner sofa more popular?

Neither is universally more popular — the right choice depends entirely on individual room layouts. Both orientations are equally available across our range.

Can a corner sofa be used on either side?

Some modular corner sofas can be reconfigured to switch orientation. Others are fixed. Check the product details or ask the retailer before purchasing if this flexibility is important to you.

What's the difference between LHF and RHF on a corner sofa?

LHF and RHF corner sofas are mirror images of each other. The sofa is identical in all other respects — dimensions, materials, and construction. The only difference is which side the chaise or return section extends to.

Shop Corner Sofas by Orientation at Airedale Living

Once you've worked out which side you need, browse full corner sofa collection to find your perfect match. Filter by colour — grey, beige, cream, and black — or explore our large corner sofas and U-shaped sofas for maximum seating.

Not sure which size you need alongside orientation? Read how big is a corner sofa for a full breakdown of standard dimensions by room size. Or if you're still deciding on style, our guide to corner sofa types explained covers every configuration in detail.

Ready to choose? Browse the best corner sofas for 2026 for curated picks across every style, size, and orientation.