Luxury designer sofas are more than just pieces of furniture designed for sitting and carry much more responsibility in general design outcomes than we often acknowledge. These additions to your home should not only offer a comfortable and inviting space to relax while enjoying a movie as a family or a conversation with guests; they should also act as a visually appealing focal point that sets the tone for the rest of your home. Corner sofas are a true testament to a sofa’s ability to uphold their original function as well as act as a curated work of art that reflects the homeowner’s personal taste and personality.

A woman relaxing on a cosy grey fabric corner sofa in a luxurious room, gazing at the stunning view outside.

With most of the UK coming home after an exhausting day of work to unwind as you enjoy your favourite show, the last thing you want to be burdened with is a settee that adds visual impact but lacks comfort, or vice versa. People often assume that contemporary furniture are designed solely for their aesthetic appeal and can’t be expected to be comfortable, but design experts beg to differ.

Let’s break that misconception right now as we delve into the extraordinary characteristics of luxury corner sofas and their underestimated ergonomics.

You might be surprised to learn that corner sofas don’t only come in large, grey, L shapes as you commonly see on billboards or advertisements. There are a plethora of shapes, designs and colours to choose from that complement any traditional as well as contemporary atmosphere. There’s also a variety of different shapes you can create when selecting the right brand.

Different Shapes and Types of Corner Sofas

Deciding on a shape depends on your space and layout, however, so before you can make a decision on which shape is best for you, review where your sofa will be situated and how you need the layout to be arranged. When you have those questions answered, this list of various couch shapes will help you pick the best one.

L-Shapes

These we see quite often as they have been associated with refinement and grandeur. L-shaped corner sofas are generally promoted as they are functional, elegant and convenient in almost any space. Even small apartments receive an added touch of luxury with these additions, as they not only create a comfortable and modern seating nook, they also come in high-quality materials, ensuring longevity. The fact that they take up less space is a major selling point for this style.

U-Shapes

This creation prioritises comfortability and intimate interactions. The shape of this sofa ensures everyone seated has ample seating space and can still engage comfortably with everyone. They are also highly convenient for lying down when it’s just you and you want to put your feet up as you enjoy your movie. U-shaped corner sofas are also fantastic options for both large and smaller spaces. When the seats at the ends of the U are not being used for seating, you can add a stylish tray and use this area for serving or display.

C-Shapes

These are similar to U-shapes but offer softer curves and fit exceptionally well in rooms that have an abundance of angles and lines. The gentle curves soften up the space and create a more inviting space while offering ample seating in the form of a masterpiece in interior art. Their curves make them an easy fit for most spaces; however, they demand the spotlight and should not be surrounded by excessive embellishments.

Recliners

These are perfect for those planning to spend much of their time here. This is because recliner sofas extend the legs and offer full-body support when you want to lay back and rest. People have often thought that this style is outdated and doesn’t suit the modern aesthetic, but design connoisseurs have incorporated the comfort and convenience of the bulky recliners of the past into updated, chic alternatives that blend seamlessly with minimalist or any contemporary style.

Chaise

While chaise sofas can often be created in an L-shaped style, their bumpers are generally movable and can be placed on either end of the sofa. This not only makes it easy to change the layout as needed but also allows the separate piece to be utilized as an ottoman or serving table. You can also find innovative chaise sofas like the angular chaise, which does not always come as a separate piece of the sofa, but its angled end allows for some variation in its placement and general visual appeal.

An elegant grey L-shaped corner sofa complementing a wooden coffee table in a spacious living room.

Things to Consider When Buying a Corner Sofa

As much as we’d like to buy the designs and styles that speak to our souls, it’s imperative that we consider things that may limit us. We cannot aim to only appreciate the look and feel of our purchase; we should also ensure we get the most out of them in terms of function and durability. Here is what our experts advise you to think about before making any rash decisions:

Function

What exactly will you be using your corner sofa for? Do you expect high traffic, or will it be occasional seating? You also need to think about whether you have small children and pets that may put your sofa through harder wear than average.

Style

What is the aesthetic of your home currently, or what will it be? Are you looking for something to complement it or something to match the style exactly? Be careful not to drift too far from the existing aesthetic, as it can reduce coherence.

Maintenance

Modern life is demanding and fast-paced, so we don’t have time to spend cleaning sofas all day. This is something you should think about when deciding which material to use. It’s essential that you buy something you know you’ll be able to adequately maintain, as this will extend its shelf life.

Cushion comfort

Padding is extremely important, as this will determine how comfortable you and your guests are. That said, some people like super soft padding while others prefer some firmness. This is why educating yourself on the various padding options and testing them out is crucial.

Frame and upholstery

Luxury brands deliver comfort paired with only the finest materials for frames and upholstery. Be sure to look for solid woods like walnut, oak and beech and you’re sure to get your money’s worth. The upholstery is also important, as this is the first layer of contact, so it should be durable yet elegant. You can choose from leather, velvet, polyester, wool, chenille and more.

A stylish white L-shaped corner sofa with yellow and white cushions, paired with a stunning coffee table and pouf in a contemporary living area.

Choosing the Perfect Placement and Position for Your Corner Sofa

Placement can be a nightmare because it’s often hard to visualise where your sofa should go before buying it. It’s important that you also be mindful not to place your corner sofa in front of, or too close to, any radiators or doors. Placing them in front of the radiator will not only block the heat emitted but could cause damage to your sofa and may even lead to other safety risks.

Keep them as far from doors as possible, or, at the very least, ensure your door can open and close comfortably. Use these tips to help get a clear picture of where it should go:

Create a bay window

Corner sofas can elevate your space when placed below a large window. This layout creates a breathtaking focal point as long as it doesn’t block any natural light from entering.

Place it in the centre of the room

If your space is large enough, set your corner sofa in the middle of the room. This can add opulence and draw attention to your sofa as the centrepiece of the area. It also ensures there isn’t random vastness in the layout and each space is utilised effortlessly.

Put it in the corner

This is essentially what it was designed for, so this placement is perfect. Placing it against walls that are unused is vital, as you don’t want to obstruct or limit movement around the rest of the room.

A stunning white Chesterfield corner sofa with black and white cushions, paired with modern coffee tables in a luxurious room with large glass windows

Corner vs Modular Sofas

As with everything, deciding which is best between corner and modular sofas depends on your personal needs and preferences. Corner sofas offer the comfort of abundant, fixed seating, whereas modular sofas offer the convenience of rearrangement.

Modular sofas are a common choice because of their elegant designs and incredible functionality. They can adapt to nearly any space and be changed as frequently as needed.

Another plus is that should one piece of the puzzle be damaged, the entire puzzle doesn’t have to be replaced. Simply take the damaged section to a knowledgeable professional and slot it back in as if nothing ever happened.

Corner sofas offer ample space that complements any aesthetic choice you can think of. They tie the entire space together and are great for resting when needed. Some of them come with hidden storage, which adds to their functionality.

Stylish grey U-shaped corner sofa with printed cushions, contrasted with a black coffee table, placed in a cosy living room.

Designers’ Tips on Styling Corner Sofas

Elevate your already refined aesthetic by keeping these key tips in mind:

Rugs

Rugs not only add depth but also create an organized layout that accentuates your centrepiece.

Throws

These blankets add warmth and refinement but are also handy when it’s chilly.

Matching chair

Add a matching accent chair if you have the space to do so. It adds coherence and is like the cherry on top. Make sure to arrange it so it faces the sofa.

Cushions

Cushions, much like throws, not only add warmth and visual impact, they are useful when you need lumbar support if you’re lying down.

Smaller furniture

Floor lamps, footstools and plants add a homey touch when done in moderation. One of each should suffice, but again, your space will determine this.

A client seated on a cosy linen corner sofa while a showroom expert details its comfort and key features.

How FCI London Can Help You Find the Best Luxury Corner Sofas

The creative team at FCI London possesses a wealth of knowledge that has been accumulated over decades of firsthand experience with the best luxury brands from across the globe.

Our friendly team of experts are dedicated to you and your design goals and have a plethora of standard as well as custom options to share with you. Come and visit our stunning 30,000-square-foot showroom and see for yourself. Our collection consists of high-end materials and the most revered designs that are bound to find a place in your home. Book your free consultation today and prepare yourself for a design journey that you won’t want to end.

Book an Appointment with London's Best Interior Design Team

From picking out functional modular units to layouts and customisation options, the FCI team is on hand to give you the best advice. Schedule an appointment to visit our spectacular 30,000 sq. ft showroom and we’ll gift you a free one-time sofa design consultation.

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