A corner sofa is ideal for movie nights, lounging with loved ones, or stretching out after a long day. Yet with so many options to choose from, finding a model that suits your budget, lifestyle, and décor can be tricky. Need some pointers? This expert guide has got you covered. 

Scroll down for top tips on buying the perfect corner sofa for your home today!

The Benefits of a Corner Sofa: A Perfect Fit for all Homes

Check out the various benefits of sofa corner setups to discover why they are a firm favourite for many households:  

Plenty of Room for Everyone

Some models comfortably seat five or more people. So whether you like entertaining guests or want your kids to have plenty of room when settling down for the evening, this well-designed furniture is a perfect addition to your home.

Expert Insight: Compact corner sofas are ideal for apartments. A small corner sofa makes the most of every inch of space to maximise the seating capacity of your living space. 

Creates a Focal Point 

With wraparound seating and clean angles, corner sofas draw the eye as well as enhance the shape and entire look of your room. This furniture defines the lounging area in open-plan rooms. Equally, this type of settee gives smaller spaces structure without cramping your layout and style.

Multi-Purpose

Many models feature hidden storage to keep your living space tidy and clutter-free. Also, some include a pull-out bed for overnight guests, allowing you to transform living areas into cosy bedrooms.

Expert insight: Love hosting social events like movie nights and book clubs, or just want to ensure adequate space between kids and adults? Then buy a modular sofa. These models let you move pieces around to create different layouts in just a few minutes.

Designs for Every Style 

Corner sofas come in all shapes and sizes – from chaise corner sofas and curved corner sofas to sleek L-shaped corner sofas. Therefore, you can easily find models that complement a minimalist modern décor, a traditional interior, or more individual looks. 

Expert insight: Unsure which corner sofa style fits your space? Start by looking at your room’s existing lines and layout. A clean-lined L-shaped corner sofa blends well in modern, minimalist homes, while a curved or Chesterfield-style design can soften a boxy room or add character to more traditional interiors.

Figure Out What Works for You and Your Room

Before searching online or visiting retailers, consider the following to make sure you find your perfect match:

Who’s Sitting There?

Think about how you want to use your sofa. Do you regularly host family or friends and have lots of floor space? Go for a 5 or 7 seater corner sofa. Have a smaller space and just need a place to sit with your partner or flatmate? Then compact suites with hidden storage features are likely a better option.

Get out the Measuring Tape

Measure your wall lengths and floor space. Leave at least 45cm (about 18 inches) between the sofa and other furniture so there’s enough space to move around comfortably. When taking the measurements, ask yourself: Will anything block windows, doors, or radiators? Is there space for side tables or a coffee table?

Also, don’t forget to size up doorways, hallways, and staircases your sofa will pass through to ensure a smooth delivery.  

Our recommendation: Measure twice to be sure. It's easy to get things wrong the first time, especially when juggling the measurements of wall space, furniture gaps, and access points. A quick double check before can save you from an unnecessary return.

Pick the Right Orientation for Your Layout

Corner sofas come in left-hand and right-hand designs, so take some time to decide which one is best for your layout. Picture how you and others move around the room and where other furniture sits. Also, imagine sitting on the sofa. Does the longer side work better on the right or the left? 

Expert insight: Still unsure of what you want? Consider a modular corner sofa. They have separate, movable sections, so you can experiment with the orientation before settling on the layout that suits your room.

Make Sure It Works With the Room

A corner sofa should enhance your space, not take over. Think about the room’s natural flow. Will the settee block a doorway, cover a radiator, or cut off light from a window? Ideally, your new furniture will strike a perfect balance with the space, not dominate it. 

Expert tip: To help visualise how different sofas will look in your room, use their measurements and mark out the shape with masking tape. This is a great way to check proportions and spot any awkward gaps before you buy.

Different Corner Styles: What’s Your Type?

Corner sofas come in all shapes and sizes. Scroll down to discover which type best suits your lifestyle and living space.

• L-Shaped Corner Sofa: Whether you go for a left-hand or right-hand configuration, an L shape corner sofa fits neatly into most living rooms 
• Chaise Corner Sofa: This design gives you extra legroom, making it ideal for enjoying a good book, binge-watching a series, or taking a quick nap
• Modular Corner Sofa: Made of individual pieces that you can rearrange or expand over time, this is a smart option if you need to change seating plans for visits or like refreshing your layout regularly
• Corner Sofa Bed: This type gives you comfy seating and extra sleeping space – perfect for guest rooms and studios
• Traditional Corner Sofas: These timeless designs are a top choice for classic décors – think Chesterfield corner sofas with tufted buttons and rolled arms
• Modern Corner Sofas: With straight lines, low backs, and minimalist upholstery, these designs create a contemporary look
• Garden Corner Sofa: Built for outdoor use with weather-resistant materials, these sofas are perfect for patios, terraces, or garden lounging

Choose the Right Fabric

Even if you have a type of material in mind, one of the main things that should guide your fabric choice is your lifestyle.

Expert insight: Most of our customers are families, so we know better than most what materials suit them best. Microfiber or stain-resistant polyester sofas are tough, low-maintenance, and can handle juice spills and muddy paws. 

Scroll down to assess your options and discover which material will work best for you.

Natural Fabrics

If you love the look and feel of natural materials, consider the following:

• Cotton: Soft, breathable and suits most interiors
• Linen: Light and airy with a beautifully relaxed look
• Wool: Naturally warm and hard-wearing, ideal if you want a fabric that’s cosy and built to last

Expert insight: Cotton, linen, and wool are not naturally stain-resistant, and liquids can absorb quickly if not treated. Many of these fabrics are blended or treated to improve stain resistance, but untreated versions will need extra care in the event of a spill. 

Synthetic Fabrics

Life can get messy. These are your go-to choices for durability, easy cleaning, and everyday practicality:

• Polyester: Strong, budget-friendly and easy to clean, great for high-traffic homes and busy families
  
  
• Microfiber: Soft, stain-resistant and doesn’t trap dust, ideal for pets, allergies or young children

Other Popular Materials

These options are popular in UK homes:

• Leather Corner Sofas: Long-lasting, stylish and easy to wipe down, great for pet owners or allergy sufferers
  
  
• Velvet: Plush, bold and packed with personality, more suitable for quieter, low-traffic rooms

Are you in the market for a garden corner sofa? Designs made with synthetic rattan and water-repellent cushion fabrics like olefin or solution-dyed acrylic are your best bet, as they hold up in all weather and require little upkeep.

Sustainable Materials

Want to buy a new sofa made with sustainable materials? Then look out for GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Oeko-Tex (International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology), and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified fabrics. These labels mean the sofa meets strict standards for sustainability. 

Eco-friendly materials for the cover include: Organic cotton, hemp, linen, and recycled polyester. Moreover, FSC-certified wood and recycled metal frames ensure your sofa is built from responsibly sourced, renewable materials.

Also, don’t forget about the cushions! Natural latex provides a supportive, comfortable seat and is a biodegradable alternative to synthetic foam.

How to Evaluate the Quality and Comfort of a Sofa 

A good corner sofa should last for years. Along with choosing the right material, don’t overlook what’s beneath the surface. Here’s how to tell if the sofa you’re eyeing will be a long-lasting investment.

Check the Frame

The frame is the foundation of your sofa corner and plays a significant role in how long it’ll last. Solid hardwood (like oak or beech) is the most durable option and resists warping over time. Plywood is a budget-friendly alternative if it’s thick and layered properly. Also, Legs should be securely attached (ideally part of the frame, not just screwed on)

Expert insight: Although they’re often cheaper, avoid plastic or softwood frames (pine, spruce, and fir), as they’re more likely to crack or weaken with daily use than their hardwood cousins.

Assess the Suspension 

The suspension gives your sofa its bounce, support, and shape retention. Here are the most common options in the UK:

• Eight-Way Hand-Tied Springs: Premium quality with strong, flexible support
  
  
• Sinuous (Zig-Zag) Springs: Commonly used and durable, offering firm and balanced comfort
  
  
• Webbing: Lightweight and best suited to sofas that won’t get constant, heavy use

Choose Cushions that Stay Plush

Not all seat cushions are created equal. High-density foam is firm, supportive, and keeps its shape well over time. Foam and down blends are not quite as long-lasting but usually offer a softer, more luxurious feel. 

Be aware that loose-fill cushions usually need regular plumping to maintain their shape.

Look at the Upholstery Finish 

Signs of a quality finish are tight seams and neat stitching. Quality upholstery should feel well-fitted. Wrinkles, sagging, or gaps are big red flags of a poorly made sofa.

Budgeting for Your Corner Sofa: Pay the Right Price

Deciding on a budget for a corner sofa is about balancing what you want with what you really need.

Start by listing your non-negotiables (like seating capacity or pet-friendly fabric), then see where you might flex if prices are too high. And don’t forget that many retailers (including us) offer zero-fee finance plans so you can spread the cost without paying extra.

Prices start at around £300-£500 for simple, compact styles with basic upholstery. However, expect to pay between £600-£1,400 for mid-range models with better fabrics, firmer cushions, or features like a built-in chaise. 

For larger, modular, or high-end pieces – such as leather corner sofas, sofa beds, or reclining designs – the cost can be anywhere north of £1,500.

What Affects the Price?

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for a corner sofa:

• Brand Reputation: Established names – like Heals, John Lewis, and Loaf –  often charge more because of their high standing in the industry
  
  
• Size and Shape: A 7 seater corner sofa or extra-large modular design will naturally cost more than a compact 2 or 3 seater, as it requires more material
  
  
• Materials Used: Real leather and crushed velvet sofas usually come with a premium price tag
  
  
• Build and Features: Expect to pay more for hand-crafted pieces, recliner corner sofas, or models with pull-out beds and hidden storage compartments
  
  

Extra Costs to Keep in Mind

These extras can bump up your total spend, so don’t forget to factor them in when drawing up your budget:

• Delivery and Assembly: Some retailers offer free delivery, but others may charge depending on your location or how easy the sofa is to get in
  
  
• Warranties and Protection Plans: These are optional but worth considering if you want peace of mind for spills, stains, or wear over time
  
  
• Finance or Instalments: If you’re paying monthly, always check whether it’s interest-free or comes with added costs down the line
  
  

The Buying Process Step-by-Step

Now you have some expert tips, follow these steps to ensure you buy the perfect sofa for your budget and home:

1. Do Your Research

Start by comparing materials, sizes, and configurations. Keep in mind how you’ll use your sofa day to day when assessing your options, and read verified reviews on sites like Trustpilot to understand long-term comfort and durability. Also, check details like return windows, warranty cover, and delivery terms upfront.

2. Test It Out

Visiting a showroom and taking a seat gives you a feel for seat depth, cushion firmness, and overall comfort. Sit, stretch out, and check if the style suits your needs.

No showroom nearby or short on time? No problem. Many retailers offer detailed photos, videos, customer feedback, and flexible return policies. Just be sure to double-check terms like trial periods and return fees before ordering.

3. Measure, Then Measure Again

Double-check your room dimensions with your chosen sofa before buying to ensure space for moving around your new furniture (around 45cm or 18 inches is ideal). Measure doorways, staircases, and hallways to ensure smooth delivery. 

4. Buy Your New Sofa

Once you’ve found the right model and double-checked your measurements, it’s time to order. If you're budgeting carefully, look for 0% finance or split-payment options to spread the cost without added fees.

5. Plan for Delivery

Some corner sofas arrive in sections, allowing for an easier delivery. Others don’t. If in doubt, contact the seller to get exact delivery dimensions and ask how the sofa comes packaged and assembled.

On delivery day, make sure doorways, hallways, staircases, and lifts are clear and wide enough to fit the sofa through comfortably. 

How to Keep Your Corner Sofa Looking Its Best

Once you’ve bought your ideal sofa, follow these top tips to keep your corner settee in great shape:

• Vacuum weekly to lift out dust, crumbs, and pet hair – especially in those hard-to-reach areas typical of a deep corner sofa design
• Tackle spills fast with a gentle, fabric-safe cleaner before they set in
• Rotate and plump cushions to keep them firm and evenly worn
• Keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fabric fading or leather cracking
• Use sofa covers to add protection in homes with pets or kids
• Consider professional couch cleaning once or twice a year for a refresh, especially for delicate fabrics like velvet
  
  
  

How to Style Your Corner Sofa: Make It Yours

Proper styling ensures your corner sofa anchors your room and brings a sense of balance, texture, and comfort to your home.

Consider Your Colour Scheme

Build your palette around your corner sofa. Neutrals like beige, grey or soft cream work with almost anything, giving you flexibility to change up your décor later. Prefer something bolder? Deep green, navy, or terracotta can turn your sofa into a striking centrepiece.

Layer Up with Lighting

Light makes a huge difference to how your sofa looks and feels. Try placing a floor lamp behind the corner or adding a warm-glow table light nearby to create a relaxed, evening-ready atmosphere.

Add Texture and Depth

Cushions, throws, and rugs can soften the edges of the sofa and create contrast. Mix up materials like linen, wool, or bouclé for a layered look. Also, a textured rug under your corner sofa can help define the space and give a centre stage for your furniture, especially in open-plan rooms.

Bring In Personality

Your sofa should reflect you. Add side tables with books and candles, hang artwork above the backrest, or place plants beside the arms for a splash of green. A few well-placed accessories can make a world of difference.

Change with the Seasons

Swapping cushions and throws throughout the year keeps things fresh. Go cosy in winter with knits and deeper colours, and lighten up in spring and summer months with airy fabrics and soft tones.

Find a Corner Sofa That Fits Your Life

Offering the perfect mix of comfort, practicality, and style, the right corner sofa can maximise space and create an inviting hub to unwind and relax.

At The Online Sofa Shop, we’ve spent over 15 years helping UK customers find the perfect fit for their home. Our collection includes hundreds of corner sofas in every shape, size, and fabric – all available with fast delivery, flexible payment plans, and a 14-day free returns policy.

Browse our full range today and find a corner sofa that suits your space and your lifestyle.

Check out our range of quality corner sofas to find your perfect match today.

FAQs –  Your Corner Sofa Questions Answered

What’s the difference between a left-hand and right-hand corner sofa?

A left-hand corner sofa has the longer section on your left as you face it, whereas a right-hand corner sofa has it on your right. Think about which layout suits your room best.

Can a corner sofa fit in a small room?

Yes, compact corner sofas or small L-shaped design settees can fit well in small rooms. Just remember to measure your space before buying.

Are modular sofas worth it?

If you like flexibility, modular corner sofas are a wise investment. You can easily rearrange them, making them ideal for changing layouts.

What’s the best fabric for homes with pets?

Faux leather, stain-resistant polyester, and tightly woven fabrics are best. They resist scratches and are easy to clean, making life easier if you’ve got pets on the furniture.

Can I get a corner sofa with a sofa bed option?

Yes, corner sofa beds are great for guests and smaller homes. You’ll find plenty of options that combine roomy seating with hidden sleeping space.

How do I know what size corner sofa to buy?

Measure your available space and think about seating needs. For example, a 3 seater corner sofa works well in flats, while 6 or 7 seater designs are ideal for families or open-plan rooms.

Are corner sofas comfortable for lounging?

Corner sofas are made with lounging in mind. For maximum comfort, look for models with deep cushions, chaise ends, and soft-touch fabrics.