Whether you’re furnishing a snug space or creating a sociable centrepiece in a family home, a corner sofa ticks every box by offering comfort, flexibility, and a layout that makes the most of your room.

Read on for helpful tips on finding the perfect corner sofa for you and your home.

Different types of corner sofas

Juno corner sofa

Not all corner sofas are created equal, and understanding the different formats can help you choose the right one for your home.

L-shaped sofas are perhaps the most recognisable, with their neat right-angle shape that tucks easily into corners, making them ideal for traditional living rooms. U-shaped sofas, by contrast, are better suited to larger spaces and sociable layouts, as they provide ample seating and an immersive, enveloping feel.

For those who like to change things up or move frequently, modular sofas are an excellent choice. These come in individual units that you can rearrange, add to, or reduce as your space and lifestyle evolve. If lounging is a top priority, a chaise corner sofa adds that extra legroom without overwhelming the room.

Eloise right hand chaise sofa

You’ll also come across left-hand and right-hand facing options, terms that refer to which side the longer section or chaise sits on when you’re looking directly at the settee. Choosing the right orientation is key to ensuring the piece works with your space.

How to measure for a corner sofa

Malvern modular sofa | @ourhomeatwillowcroft

Getting your measurements right is essential when buying a corner sofa, and it’s easier than you might think. Begin by measuring the floor space where the sofa will go, both the width and the depth. It’s important to account for features like radiators, windowsills, and alcoves, so nothing gets in the way once your new sofa arrives.

Many people find it helpful to mark out the sofa’s footprint with masking tape or use newspaper to create a floor template. This gives a clearer sense of how much space it will take up and whether it will obstruct movement in the room.

Beyond the sofa’s destination, don’t forget to measure all access routes, including doorways, staircases, and tight hallway corners. Some homes require a bit of creative thinking, such as opting for sofas without arms or modular pieces, which can make delivery easier. It’s always worth referring to our Will It Fit guide prior to purchasing for added reassurance.

For more handy tips, check out our guide to arranging your corner sofa layout.

Corner sofas for small living rooms

Inca corner sofa | @lifeathumber19

If you’re working with limited square footage, you might worry that a corner sofa could dominate your space. In reality, the right sofa can actually make a small room feel more spacious and more functional by maximising the area available, such as 3 seat corner sofas.

Positioning is everything. Placing the sofa against two adjoining walls is the most space-efficient layout, creating a defined seating zone while keeping the rest of the room open. Alternatively, consider “floating” the sofa slightly away from the wall with a rug underneath to help zone the area, a technique that works especially well in open-plan settings.

Choosing a slim-armed or low-profile design with elevated legs can also help the sofa feel lighter in the space, like our Thornley sofa collection.

Which materials to consider

Ezra corner sofa

Your choice of material plays a huge role in how your corner sofa looks, feels, and performs over time. Fabric corner sofas remain the go-to for comfort and warmth, with textured weaves and soft-touch finishes offering a homely appeal. Velvet, meanwhile, has surged in popularity for its luxurious appearance and deep, rich tones that add drama to a space.

If you’re looking for something more low-maintenance, leather corner sofas are a classic choice. They’re durable, easy to wipe down, and add character with age.

Think about your lifestyle when making your selection. Households with allergies may benefit from smoother surfaces like leather or tightly woven fabrics that don’t trap dust. And if spills are a concern, removable and washable covers could be a game-changer.

Make the most of storage

Eastley chaise sofa bed

A growing number of corner sofas now come with smart storage solutions built right in. These are ideal for stashing throws, games, and anything else you want to keep close to hand but out of sight. For those without a guest bedroom, a corner sofa bed provides the perfect solution, offering a spacious seat by day and a comfy sleep spot by night.

These multi-functional options are ideal for homes where every square inch counts, combining everyday comfort with occasional flexibility.

How to style a corner sofa

Malvern modular sofa | @budgethomeinterior_

Styling a corner sofa isn’t just about cushions and throws; it’s about creating a visual anchor for your room. Start by choosing a colour palette that complements the rest of your decor. For example, a grey corner sofa can be a beautifully versatile base, letting you play with colour pops like rust, sage, or denim blue.

Cushions add texture and depth by layering different sizes and patterns for a curated look. Add a tactile throw over the chaise or armrest for warmth and softness.

In open-plan spaces, your corner sofa can help define distinct zones. A well-placed rug beneath it instantly grounds the area. Pair it with a coffee table, side tables or even an accent chair to create a balanced, inviting setup.

If you need a little extra inspiration, read our blog post about how to style your sofa.

Ready to transform your space? Explore our full corner sofa range online or visit one of our showrooms to narrow down your choice. We’d love to see your sofa selection, so don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or TikTok using #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome.

The post How to choose a corner sofa appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Our extensive collection of sofas are available in a wide range of durable fabrics that complement our exclusively designed styles, with upholstery choices including velvet, super soft polyester, and textured weaves, along with genuine leather for a timeless, luxe finish.

To help you decide which upholstery is best for you, read on to discover everything you need to consider when choosing your next sofa or soft seating.

Family-friendly fabrics

Your sofa shouldn’t be reserved for formal kid-free zones. When your home life centres around children, friends, family, and entertaining, make sure your sofa upholstery is ready to take on your busy schedule.

Many of our fabrics have been subjected to a clever process called the Martindale Test, because with family life, wearability and texture are so important. This test uses special machinery to determine how long a fabric will last on a sofa without showing wear. We only use fabric upholstery that has achieved a rating for heavy domestic use, making it perfect for children and adults alike.

Darker coloured fabrics are incredibly forgiving when you have kids. They’re perfect for disguising everyday messes, and are incredibly hard wearing – no matter how many cheeky monkeys decide to use your sofa cushions as indoor trampolines.

For your four-legged friends

For those of us with furry friends, keeping a sofa looking fresh can be a challenge, no matter the upholstery. Thankfully, we’ve created leather and fabric care kits which cover you for most pet-related incidents. With a mild cleanser, fresh stain remover, old or resistant stain cleaner, plus grease and oil cleanser and a deodoriser, no matter how messy your furry friend is, you can still keep your sofa looking like new.

If you don’t have a cleaning kit, a top industry secret for cleaning up small stains and dirt in a pinch is baby wipes. They don’t have any harsh chemicals that will damage the fibres, and are great at dealing with life’s little messes.

Longing for leather

Whether you favour classic or contemporary design, our leather sofas cover the whole design spectrum to offer comfortable and stylish seating that works for every home.

It’s also a great choice for everyday living. Its wipeable surface is easy to keep clean and it is incredibly durable. Our leather sofas are upholstered all over in genuine leather that takes on a beautiful character as they age.

Luxurious velvet

Montgomery sofa | @renovationtowers

Velvet is a hugely popular choice for sofas and easily adds a luxe finish to any room. The tactile fabric brings a regal touch that works beautifully in jewel tones, understated neutrals or statement brights.

If the idea of a velvet sofa is too much, try a velvet loveseat or armchair as an accent piece in living rooms, kitchen/diners or bedrooms. Contrary to what many people think, velvet is a durable choice that’s hard-wearing and designed to stand the test of time.

Always on the move

Malvern modular sofa | @budgethomeinterior_

For renters, or those planning on moving house, finding a sofa that will work across decor schemes and different room configurations can seem impossible, but clever upholstery choices can make this easier.

If you’ve found a sofa that you love and find comfortable, you’ve already done the hard work. The best way to make sure it looks great through all your home moves is to choose a neutral base colour for the upholstery, that will work no matter the space.

Inject a personal touch with accessories that reflect your home now, and know you can change it up for the future. Picking a smaller or more compact sofa is another great tip for making it last through several moves. Or, if you’re looking for something larger, modular sofas – made of individual units that can be configured or reconfigured into the shape you want – offer great flexibility.

We offer a wide range of soothing neutral colours and sofa sizes that are an ideal choice for people on the move. Plus, many of our sofas come with scatter cushions in reversible patterns, making it easy to change your sofa style.

Choosing the best upholstery shouldn’t be a chore. At the end of the day, the most important thing to do is to choose a high quality sofa that you love. Browse our complete selection of sofas and find the one that’s right for you.

We’d love to see your Oak Furnitureland sofa in its new home. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland on Instagram to share your stylish pics.

The post How to choose the best upholstery for your sofa appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.