Left or Right Hand Corner Sofa? How to Tell

By the BM Furniture team · Updated October 2026

A corner sofa seen from the front in the BM Furniture showroom

It is the question that catches everyone out. Here is the simple way to get it right first time.

The rule: stand and face it

Stand in front of the sofa, facing it, the way you would look at it in the showroom. If the long end or chaise is on your left, it is a left hand corner. On your right, it is a right hand corner.

Not when you are sitting on it. That is the one that trips people up, so if in doubt, come in with a photo of your room and we will tell you.

Which side do you need?

Stand where you will look at the sofa from, usually the door. Picture it in the corner. Which side is the long arm on? That is your answer. Think about the TV, windows, radiators and the way people walk in.

Corner, chaise or U-shape?

Corner sofa: two sides meeting at a corner seat. Seats the most people.
Chaise sofa: a sofa with a long footstool end built in. Great for stretching out, and easier in smaller rooms.
U-shape: a corner on both ends. Best in a big room where the sofa is the room.

Some designs can be ordered either way round, and our bespoke sofas (including the Patterdale and Brooklyn) are made in your shape and fabric in 2-3 weeks.

Will it fit through the door?

A corner sofa comes in sections, which helps. Still measure the way in. Our sofa measuring guide shows you how.

Come and talk to a specialist

Reading only gets you so far. Come into our Cleveleys or Blackpool showroom, sit on a few, and we’ll guide you with honest advice, no pressure. Free parking at both. Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–4pm, Sun closed. Or have a look at Sofas and corner sofas and how to measure for a sofa. Visit our Cleveleys or Blackpool showroom, or contact us.

Come and see us