Imagine a Friday evening: one person is lying and relaxing comfortably in their own space, while another is tucked into the corner under a blanket, curled up in a small, comfortable position, and the dog has taken over the loungers, tangling itself in the back cushion. At least one space on the sofa remains unoccupied. The corner sofa has the potential to transform the room's layout into a space that everyone will want to claim.
Thus, when purchasing corner sofas for UK limited living rooms, choose the one based on its size first and its design second. Before making the actual purchase, one should measure their walls, as well as doorways, decide whether the layout will be right- or left-hand, and get the fabric and colour matching the style of the room. This article will take you through the essential aspects of choosing a corner sofa from Homes Choice.
Why a Corner Sofa Suits the British Living Room
Whenever bay windows are present, new-build apartments will have a kitchen and a living room adjoining each other. On all occasions, corner sofas do the job well.
It Uses the Corners Properly
No matter the room, every single one has a corner left useless, which ends up either with a lamp collecting dust or with the plant simply dying without care. The corner sofa occupies this unused part of the room, which means that corner sofas are capable of seating more people than traditional 3 pieces of furniture.
It Organises A Studio Apartment
When it comes to open-plan apartments, the back of the corner sofa can serve as an invisible wall. Moreover, one may separate the cooking zone from the place of relaxation by simply moving the sofa away from the kitchen.
It Accommodates All Family Members
The corner sofa can deal with all kinds of situations when the whole family gathers together. You don't have to fight your family members for a place in the corner anymore.
L-Shaped Sofas, Corner Sofas and U-Shapes: What's the Difference?
When we talk about retail in the UK, both the terms 'corner sofa' and 'L-shaped sofas' have the same meaning and refer to a sofa with two arms making a right angle. The difference between the sofas is all about their shapes.
Classic L shape
A classic L-shaped sofa has two arms that are placed at a right angle, one of which is longer or shorter. This shape is the most practical of all for the average-sized room and can be comfortably placed against two walls.
Chaise end
There are some types of L-shaped sofas that include a chaise, which is a sofa extension constructed in a way allowing one to stretch their legs. However, it adds to the overall length of the sofa and might obstruct your path.
U shape
A U-shaped sofa makes three corners around a space. A Bavella U-shaped sofa can be regarded as an ideal piece of furniture for a big living room but occupies a lot of space.
Corner Sofa or 3+2 Sofa Set?
Both can serve their purpose. The choice depends on your personal use.
When to Choose a Corner Sofa
Select a corner model if you enjoy lounging rather than sitting, you have limited space, or you prefer one solid piece of furniture. A corner sofa consists of one solid piece of furniture with cushions connected at the back.
When to Choose a Sofa Set
A 3+2 set offers you options: you can place the two-seater in front of a window or have something facing your TV. Moreover, it is a good choice if you prefer a formal look. Consider the Richmond Chesterfield collection or Maryland 3+2 models.
The Five-Second Rule
When you think of the last time you watched Netflix, you can recall if you were sitting close to each other. If you were side by side, opt for a corner sofa. If you each had your own chair, it’s likely a sofa set is just what you need.
How to Measure Before You Buy
A costly sofa that does not enter the main door is rather a British type of bittersweet feeling. Do the calculations right.
Inspect the Room
Take measurements of the walls where the sofa will be positioned and outline the shape of the sofa on the floor with tape. Stroll around it to get the overall impression. If you can barely move, this will become obvious in five minutes rather than five weeks.
Aim to leave 75 centimetres for pathways and about 40-45 cm in between the sofa and the coffee table.
Check the entryway
In general, UK doorways are from 76 to 83 cm wide, and a lot of hallways and staircases have curved areas. It is necessary to find the narrowest spot in the entryway so that you could get the sofa through it. Please do not forget to measure the diagonal depth of the sofa as well. Our page with delivery information will inform you how the furniture will be delivered so you can prepare for it properly.
Decide on Left-Hand or Right-Hand
Terms in trade are LHF (left-hand facing) and RHF (right-hand facing). Stand facing the sofa as though about to sit on it, and see what side the longer section, or chaise, is located on. Always read the product page regarding whether or not the corner section is fixed or can be interchanged when needed.
Our Pick of Modern Corner Sofas by Style
Find out how the corner sofas at Homes Choice vary according to look and lifestyle. Be sure to check each product page for exact measurements and material information before making a purchase decision.
Warm and Neutral
Browns, beiges, and creams create a cosy atmosphere in the living room and pair well with wood floors and light walls. The Shannon Corner Sofa in Brown/Beige, the Dino Corner Sofa in Beige/Brown, the Maryland Corner Sofa in Brown, and the AV Cream Corner Sofa all fall into this category.
Cool Greys
Grey is the safest option since it goes well with almost any wall colour and can hide many mistakes. Ibiza Light Grey, Hawaii Light Grey, Erith Grey, and Laguna Steel create a calm and modern decoration, allowing cushions and paintings to shine.
Dark and Dramatic
Dark colours always make a strong impression and bring weight into a big room. Choose Shannon Black/Grey, Dino Black/Grey, NAV Black/Grey, or Finchley Blue/Black corner sofas for the darker look of the living room.
Built For Movie Nights
The Recliner Corner Sofa in Grey with LED Lights, along with its black version, has the reclining seat along with built-in LED light usage, which is the closest one may be able to get to the idea of home cinema with regard to the sofa.
Meant For Large Family Lounge
In case you have a space on the ground, the Bavella U-shape will surely provide everyone with an appropriate place to rest and plenty of extra room.
It Is Worth Considering
Three more options to consider are Verona Scatter Back, Rio and Stockley. The scatter back form gives the sofa a relaxed and casual look thanks to loose back cushions.
For Hosting Guests Overnight
Do you want a corner that could also transform into a spare bed? Lyon L-Shaped Sofa Bed comes in light grey, dark grey, brown and blue. Perfect for the times when you have a guest over for the night.
Choosing Colour and Fabric Without Regrets
Choose Colour According to Light
Rooms with north-facing windows have less intense, cooler daylight, so opt for warm tones such as brown, cream, and beige to avoid them feeling too dark. In south-facing rooms, the opposite is true. Here cool tones appear crisp rather than chilly.
Think About Children and Pets
Mid-shades and dark tones do a better job at hiding stains than light shades. Don’t forget to read the label so you know what’s washable, and consider your dog’s sleeping habits carefully before buying a cream-coloured sofa.
Let Cushions Do the Seasonal Work
With a neutral-coloured sofa, you can change scatter cushions and throws throughout the year. Use jewel colours for fall and change to fresh linens for the hot summer months, and your lounge will feel new without buying a new sofa.
How to Place Living Room Corner Sofas
Float or Push It?
Limited floor space? Push the couch into a corner. Plenty of room? Pull it at least 10-15 cm away from the wall to give it a less cramped look, or float the couch inside the space altogether to mark out a corner in case of an open-plan arrangement. Pair it up with a console table behind to offer functionality and a polished look.
Choose the Right Rug
Make the rug size so that at least the front legs of the couch are sitting on it. If the rug is too small, the arrangement will appear liberated.
Check the Sightlines
Keep the longest edge of the couch against the screen or fireplace, and avoid having the back of any doors in the line of sight. If you are struggling for ideas when it comes to decorating your living room, look at small-living-room furniture hacks for many more layout ideas.
Layer Lighting
By placing a floor lamp in one corner and a table lamp on the side table next to the sofa, you can achieve a well-lit, cosy room without relying on the overhead lamp.
The Corner Sofa Buying Checklist
Examine the Fire Safety Label.
Upholstered furniture available in the UK has to feature a fire safety label in line with Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations. A sofa without the label is one to leave.
Enquire About Seat Filling, Frame, and Comfort Level
Make sure to pay attention to the component parts of the sofa. Check out the product description and look for details about the frame, seat filling, and the back. If you have the opportunity, try the sofa in person for at least several minutes.
Read the Fine Print.
It's important to know how the sofa is delivered, who will be carrying it, and what will happen in case of potential problems. Therefore, be sure to read the shipping and return policy before making the purchase.
FAQs
How much room should I set aside for fitting in a corner sofa?
As a general guideline, it is best to have at least two unencumbered walls that align with the longest parts of the sofa itself, along with at least another 75 cm of walking space. Always check the real sofa measurements with the physical measurements needed for your floor plan.
Are corner sofas suitable for small sitting rooms?
Yes, but only if the proportions are right. An L-shaped sofa generally can sit more people than a couch of the same size; however, a chaise end or a deep sofa can make a small area feel crowded.
Is a corner sofa still in style?
For sure. Straight lines combined with neutral colours and versatile configurations of that type of sofa make them popular among customers. They are now being considered a standard type of family sofa in the UK.
Should I pick a left or right corner couch?
You should select the layout of your room to know from which wall the long part will be situated, where doors are positioned and where you want to place it. Go to the place where the couch will be installed and picture it from the door position.
Can I have a corner couch in an open room?
Absolutely, this type of furniture works best in cases like that since its back part divides the living area from the rest of the layout.
Ready to Look for a Couch?
Is it time to update the seating in your living room? Check out our full line-up of corner sofas at Homes Choice. From plain earthy tones to chic modern grays, our selection has something for everyone. You may also want to look at recliner and U-shaped sofas as well.