Whether you’re looking for the best corner sofa you can find on a budget, or a compact chaise sofa for a small living room, we’ve rounded up the most comfortable ones on the Real Homes team’s radar in this guide.
There are contemporary L-shaped sofas for a modern home, classic corner sofas to add character to a period property, and options that you won’t be able to resist curling up on for a movie marathon.
And, while a corner sofa doesn’t come cheap, we’ve done our best to compile options that combine the holy grail of style, comfort, and affordability, meaning you can stretch out and relax knowing you have one of the best deals going.
For plenty of sofa buying advice, you can scroll to the end of this guide or browse our guide to the best sofas of all shapes and sizes, but if you’re keen to see which corner sofas we’ve tried, tested, and rated, just scroll down to see our top picks.
Best corner sofas and l-shaped sofas
(Image credit: Sofa.com)
If you’re looking for a corner sofa for a small living room, then the Holly sofa is well worth having on your radar, with the design available in a versatile range of size options including an extra small 203cm width, all the way up to the more spacious, yet still compact, 266cm width option.
In fact, everything about the Holly design has small-scale living in mind, from the stylish high-legged design that lifts the sofa frame clear of the floor to add visual spaciousness, to the space-saving thinner armrests and not-too-deep-or-too-shallow seat depth.
The wide variety of sizes and configurations on offer is also matched by a broad choice of over seventy upholstery options, including some great family-friendly smart velvets and cottons, textured boucles, leather and linen-mix options. And the contemporary style has just enough of a nod to Mid-century design that we think it will work brilliantly in either a modern or period home. There’s also a matching armchair and upholstered footstool to complete the look.
In our opinion, this sofa also offers just the right mix of squish and support. The feather-wrapped foam seat cushions are just deep enough to curl up on, and if you prefer to sit upright then the soft-yet-firm back cushions have your back. And it’s not just the cushions doing the support work either, the high frame means you can lean back securely without the cushions gradually deflating like many models. We also liked the high armrests which mean there is back support if you like to sit sideways with your feet up too, although that height does make reaching for the coffee table a little harder.
(Image credit: Habitat)
On the flip side, if you’re looking for a large corner sofa, then Habitat’s Hendricks corner sofa offers a whole lot of lounging space for its relatively affordable price point; perfect if you have multiple housemates, family, or friends to seat comfortably.
There are two corner sofa size options available, both generously proportioned with 65cm deep seats that are great for stretching out all which ways, and while the colour choices may be limited, Habitat’s luxe-look velvet upholstery comes in some great shades that lend statement style to this contemporary design.
What’s more, we loved the comfort levels on all the models we tested. The seat is deep, especially if you’re on the shorter side, but we found it very comfortable for sitting or lounging, with comfortable seat cushions that have a nice amount of sink, and soft yet supportive back cushions. The padded armrests are also super comfortable, with the low arms a great height for resting your head for a nap.
Although the back may be a little low in height for some, this low profile design also works especially well in an open plan room where it won’t interrupt the flow from one zone to another, delivering a designer look without the designer price tag.
(Image credit: Furniture Village)
The most affordable corner sofas tend to be quite modern in appearance, but if you’re after seating that’s a little more timeless – and that won’t break the bank – then the Cory sofa’s blocky build could well fit the bill.
Having tested a few models in different upholstery options – with both the classic back cushion or scatter back cushion design – we’ve been impressed by their comfort levels, with a seat depth that’s the perfect compromise between loungey and upright to keep both sitters and curler-uppers content, and supportive back cushions with good height armrests.
There’s also a good selection of sizes on offer, including symmetrical corner sofa and L-shaped options, although with all configurations you will need to be able to accommodate the sofa’s fairly generous 280cm width, so this probably isn’t the first choice for those with small living rooms. Bear in mind its bulky, low-to-the-ground design will also make it feel visually heavier, so it’s best suited to a room with plenty of space to accommodate it.
Although, if space isn’t an issue, then this model also has a wide range of coordinating furniture available, including a matching footstool, armchair, and swivel chair, alongside multiple sofa and sofa bed options.
The downsides? Upholstery options are very limited, and lead times can be lengthy.
(Image credit: MADE)
Ever fancied reclining on a cloud whilst catching up on your favourite Netflix series? MADE’s Samona sofa aims to offer just that, with super soft, enveloping seat cushions that feel like sinking down into a deep puffy duvet and generous proportions that make it akin to climbing into bed in your living room.
That said, those super soft cushions did split opinion on our team, with some reviewers loving the enveloping experience, and others finding the whole thing a little too soft and claustrophobic for their liking… ‘like being eaten alive by your sofa’…
If you’re looking to find a sofa that’s super sink-in-able though – and you don’t mind doing some regular plumping of those fibre and feather-filled cushions – then this option comes in at a good price point, especially for the generous corner sofa version. Just bear in mind that this sofa is big, with a 340cm width that may not be the easiest to accommodate in a smaller home.
We tested the cotton and linen mix upholstered sofa, which in two light shades has a luxe-looking designer feel (although bear in mind the seat cushions aren’t reversible, so spillages won’t be easy to hide) or there are darker velvet options, including a rich pistachio green that caught our eye. There’s also a matching ottoman or footstool available separately for putting your feet up.
(Image credit: Furniture Village)
The Brondby corner sofa strikes a good balance between modern design and a look that won’t date, making it a useful all-rounder for many homes.
Available in either a 247 x 247cm square configuration or an L-shaped set-up, its medium-sized frame also makes it a versatile solution for most living rooms, with its shallower seat depth eliminating some of the bulk that larger corner sofas can add.
That does mean this design is perhaps better placed for sitting up straight on than curling up on, a feature that’s emphasized further by the slightly firmer foam seating that offers more support than some ‘sink-in’ seating, but as long as you don’t mind sacrificing a little lounging space, this is a well-priced option that can often be found with a hefty discount in Furniture Village’s fairly regular sales.
As one of brand’s best-selling corner sofas, this model also comes in a wider fabric selection than some of its other offerings, with thirty upholstery options available, as well as coordinating furniture in the form of a footstool and armchair.
(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)
The Bailey sofa is one of John Lewis & Partners’ bestselling sofa designs, and with its compact frame and on-trend Scandi-inspired looks, it’s easy to see why.
The sofa model also comes in a wide range of sizes and configurations meaning it’s easy to find an option to suit your home, including this left or right-hand facing L-shaped sofa configuration.
Turned wooden legs lift the sofa frame clear of the floor to add spaciousness to a smaller room, whilst over 120 upholstery options make easier work of finding a fabric to love.
Comfort-wise it offers a good in-between seat depth at 58cm – not too deep or too narrow – and the medium-firm sit is fine, if a little uninspiring, lacking some of the squish and sink-in-ability of other options on this list.
(Image credit: Snug)
Snug’s corner sofa-in-a-box arrives flat-packed, making it a great option for apartment dwellers, or those with awkward access. The brand also does away with long lead times, with most products available for delivery in well under seven days; perfect if you need some stylish seating, fast.
You will need to do some self-assembly on delivery, but there are no tools needed, and we found putting Snug’s furniture together super quick and easy based on our Snug Rebel sofa-in-a-box review. Plus, it means this corner sofa is equally easy to disassemble and rebuild; a big bonus if you’re renting or likely to move house anytime soon.
The sitting experience is on the firmer side, with more of a bouncy seat that you sit on top of rather than sinking into, but it’s still perfectly comfortable, and the curvaceous design certainly looks the part, offering stylish and contemporary seating that has a lot of built-in conveniences. Snug also offers a great range of coordinating furniture to create a whole easy-to-pack-up living room suite.
The only downsides? At well over £2,000 for the smallest corner sofa option, you are paying for the convenience this option offers, however, if access is tricky or you’re on a short deadline, that could well prove invaluable.
(Image credit: Sofa.com)
If you’re looking for a corner sofa that doesn’t scream contemporary, then Sofa.com’s Bluebell sofa is one of the most affordable (yet still comfortable) classic sofas we’ve come across.
Rolled arms, turned wooden legs on castor feet, and piped upholstery pack in plenty of traditional detail, but the Bluebell is also equipped for the modern world, offering low-maintenance feather-wrapped foam instead of traditional all-feather seat cushions to maintain shape and cut down on plumping.
As one of Sofa.com’s bestselling designs, this sofa also comes with a whole host of options to really make it your own. There are over ninety great-looking upholstery fabrics, four choices of leg finish, and plenty of configuration options, plus plenty of coordinating furniture, including a matching armchair and footstool.
(Image credit: IKEA)
IKEA’s Soderhamn sofa is all over Instagram for a reason, and that’s because it delivers a cool and contemporary look at a very affordable price point, especially if you’re looking for a large seating area.
The modular flat-packed design is also brilliant for homes that have awkward access as it can be built in situ, and the sectional units offer a wide scope to create the configuration that works best for your home – whether that’s corner, L-shaped, or U-shaped – plus it can easily be reconfigured to suit a new interior if you move home.
We’re also far more impressed by its comfort levels than we expected to be from its admittedly pretty thin seat cushions, mainly due to the mesh seat frame that allows for a little sink and makes the sitting experience gentler than expected. Those seats are deep, and very low though, so the style won’t be for everyone, but if you don’t mind your feet not touching the floor then the loose lumbar cushions make for a relaxed yet comfortable reclining position.
The standard upholstery options are limited, although IKEA’s replacement covers are a brilliant option for families and anyone who wants to extend their sofas lifespan beyond the inevitable spillages. If you want to switch things up a little more, then Stockholm-based Bemz has built an entire brand offering covers to restyle IKEA’s most popular sofa designs, with over 100 upholstery choices available for the Soderhamn, plus a great range of legs to swap out the default chrome the sofa comes with.
How to choose the best corner sofa for you
The best corner sofa for your home will depend on a range of factors, not least the size of your living room, your lifestyle, and of course, your budget. So what are the key things to consider when shopping for this super-spacious investment?
How big should your corner sofa be?
It may sound obvious, but size is one of the most important aspects to consider before falling in love with your dream couch.
Generally speaking, you may want the most spacious corner sofa your room and budget will allow, but it’s also important to make sure you measure carefully to ensure your sofa is going to work in your space.
It’s easy to fall in love with a roomy L-shaped sofa in a spacious furniture showroom, but back home that family-friendly corner sofa might make your living room feel cramped and cluttered.
A top tip is to measure out where the sofa will go in your room using masking tape to mark out all dimensions. As well as width, make sure to consider the height of the sofa – especially if you want to place it under a window sill or beneath existing architecture – and its depth to ensure there is plenty of space to walk around it comfortably.
And don’t just measure the room where your sofa will (hopefully) end up – unless you want a stressful few hours come delivery day! Ensure your chosen sofa will fit through doorways, around bending hallways, or up flights of stairs. Most retailers list packaging dimensions on their sites, so ensure these match the access you have.
And if your access is tricky? Don’t think that that means you have to rule out a corner or L-shaped sofa; modular sofas that are delivered in sections are great options for adding a large amount of seating to difficult rooms.
You’ll find more top tips for planning your living space in our round-up of the best living room layout ideas, as well as style inspiration in our modern living room ideas and small living room ideas sections.
What’s the most comfortable corner sofa?
Just like finding the best mattress for you, finding the most comfortable sofa for you will depend a lot on personal preference, and there is nothing that can quite replace going into the showroom and sit-testing a few of your favourite styles. We’ve rounded up the most important things to look out for when considering comfort.
Cushions
Sofa cushions come in a range of materials and constructions, but the two most commonly found are foam and feathers.
A foam cushion is more generally used at the budget end of the market and offers a fairly firm sit depending on the type used. The benefit of foam is that it’s quick to spring back into shape after being depressed, although over time you may find a depression in your favourite sitting spot.
At the other end of the scale are feather cushions. These are generally more expensive but provide a more plumptious seat, although the feathers can gradually shift so you’ll need to do more plumping.
Generally speaking, the happy place is with the best of both worlds, and many sofa manufacturers now offer foam cushion cores that are wrapped in a layer of soft feathers – providing comfort and retaining the sofa shape.
Height
If you’re using a sofa to zone a room, then a low-to-the-ground model can offer a great way to create dedicated areas without breaking up the space too much, but, the flipside is that (once past a certain age perhaps) low seating can be harder to get up from and can encourage you to sprawl more than sit.
Ergonomically, the recommended seating position is to have your thigh bones parallel to the floor, which for most of us means sofa seating that’s a roundabout knee height when standing.
Backrest
Whilst some love the look of a low-profile sofa, if you’re lounging for long then adequate back support is going to make sitting more comfortable.
Look for models that have a dedicated backrest, rather than sofas that offer a low back and then rely on taller cushions to provide support.
How to clean your sofa
You’ve found the perfect couch for you, plumped the cushions and planned the Sofa-based Netflix marathon. But what happens when disaster strikes and your new sofa gets its first spillage? Never fear. Our guide to how to clean a sofa will have you sorted pronto, along with our round-up of the best upholstery cleaners for your sofa fabric type.
Want more living room inspiration?
Find out how best to use your space in our guide to how to design a living room, or stay on top of the latest trends and easy decor updates on our dedicated living room ideas page. And if you’re struggling with how to make the most of a compact lounge, then find top tricks and tricks in our guide to how to choose furniture for a small living room.
How we chose the sofas included in this guide
To find the best corner sofas for all budgets we walked multiple miles around multiple sofa showrooms and toned our glutes doing sit test after sit test to try out all the latest releases, plus grilled the Real Homes team for their expert knowledge, along with their friends, and their friend’s friends, to find out how their sofa choices are holding up to the rigours of day to day life. We also take into account the wider views of those who own each product, whether that’s via online reviews or social media. Click here to find out more about how we review products on Real Homes.
