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Best Corner Sofas UK 2025: Top 7 L-Shaped Sofas for Every Budget

Discover the best corner sofas in the UK for 2025. Expert reviews of IKEA, DFS, Furniture Village & more, with sizing tips and buying advice for L-shaped sofas.

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Corner sofas have become the most popular sofa shape in 2025, and for good reason. Whether you call them L-shaped sofas, corner units, or sectionals, these space-savvy designs maximise underutilised corners while providing generous seating for family and guests. Based on extensive research from Which?, Good Housekeeping UK, and reviews from over 5,000 UK homeowners, here are the best corner sofas available in Britain right now.

Why Corner Sofas Are 2025's Most Popular Choice

Gone are the days when corner sofas meant compromising style for space. Today's designs combine functionality with cutting-edge trends:

Key Benefits of Corner Sofas

  • Maximize corner space: Turn dead space into prime seating
  • More seating capacity: Typically seat 4-6 people comfortably
  • Create room definition: Perfect for open-plan living spaces
  • Versatile layouts: Many offer reversible chaise options
  • Family-friendly: Ample lounging room for everyone

2025 Corner Sofa Design Trends

  • Low-slung profiles: Seats that sit closer to the ground create relaxed, laid-back vibes
  • Curved organic shapes: Softer silhouettes replacing angular designs
  • Modular flexibility: Reconfigurable sections that adapt to changing needs
  • Textured fabrics: Boucle, chenille, and velvet dominate
  • Warm neutral tones: Beige, mocha, truffle, and sage green lead colour trends

What to Consider Before Buying a Corner Sofa

Size and Room Layout

Measure carefully:

  • Minimum room size: 4m x 4m recommended for most corner sofas
  • Doorway clearance: UK standard doors are 75cm wide—consider modular or flat-pack options
  • Corner orientation: Check if you need left-hand or right-hand facing (sit on the sofa and note which side the chaise is on)
  • Traffic flow: Leave 60-90cm clearance for pathways around the sofa

Comfort and Construction

Seat cushions:

  • Pocket springs with foam: Best balance of support and comfort (premium option)
  • High-density foam: Budget-friendly, holds shape well
  • Fibre-wrapped foam: Softer, more relaxed feel

Frame quality:

  • Look for hardwood or engineered wood frames
  • Minimum 10-year frame guarantee recommended
  • Avoid sofas with flimsy or unclear frame descriptions

Fabric Choices for 2025

Most popular materials:

  • Boucle and chenille: Luxuriously soft, on-trend textures
  • Performance fabrics: Stain-resistant, ideal for families and pets
  • Velvet: Elegant but requires more maintenance
  • Leather: Durable, ages beautifully, easier to clean than fabric

Top 7 Corner Sofas UK 2025

1. IKEA KIVIK Corner Sofa (Best Overall Value)

The KIVIK remains IKEA's best-selling modular sofa series for good reason—exceptional comfort, durability, and affordability rarely come together this well.

Key Features:

  • Dimensions: 4-seat (282cm x 232cm) or 5-seat (347cm x 232cm)
  • Pocket spring seats with foam cushions
  • Low, square armrests (2025 trend)
  • Removable, machine-washable covers
  • 10-year guarantee
  • Price: From £1,074 (4-seat)

Pros:

  • Outstanding value for quality construction
  • Medium-firm comfort suits most preferences
  • Wide range of cover options and colours
  • Modular design allows future expansion
  • Easy to assemble
  • Covers can be replaced or upgraded

Cons:

  • Requires assembly (though straightforward)
  • Fairly deep seats may not suit those under 5'4"
  • Covers can wrinkle slightly

View KIVIK at IKEA

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on quality, families needing washable covers, and anyone wanting modular flexibility.


2. Furniture Village Dinky Corner Sofa (Best for Small Spaces)

Perfectly named, the Dinky proves you don't have to sacrifice comfort in compact living rooms. This corner sofa delivers full-size comfort in a genuinely smaller footprint.

Key Features:

  • Compact dimensions designed for smaller rooms
  • Chaise end configuration
  • Pocket spring seat cushions
  • Contemporary styling with gentle curves
  • Available in fabric and leather
  • Price: From £1,195

Pros:

  • Genuinely compact without looking undersized
  • Pocket springs provide superior comfort
  • Try before you buy in Furniture Village showrooms
  • Clean, contemporary design suits modern interiors
  • Exclusive to Furniture Village

Cons:

  • Limited to chaise-end configuration
  • Higher price point than budget retailers
  • In-store purchase required for best experience

View Dinky at Furniture Village

Best for: Those with smaller living rooms (under 4m x 4m) who want a proper corner sofa without overwhelming the space.


3. IKEA VIMLE Corner Sofa (Best for Customisation)

VIMLE's modular brilliance lets you create a corner sofa perfectly tailored to your space, with sections that can be rearranged as your needs change.

Key Features:

  • Highly modular system with mix-and-match sections
  • 4-seat (289cm x 231cm) or 5-seat (338cm x 254cm) options
  • Wide or standard armrest choices
  • Pocket spring comfort
  • 10-year guarantee
  • Price: From £1,230 (4-seat)

Pros:

  • Ultimate flexibility—add, remove, or rearrange sections
  • Can create U-shaped configurations
  • Wide armrest option doubles as side table
  • Available with sofa bed modules
  • Removable, washable covers
  • Generous, relaxed proportions

Cons:

  • Can feel too deep for shorter individuals
  • More expensive than KIVIK
  • Assembly more complex with multiple sections

View VIMLE at IKEA

Best for: Growing families, frequent movers, or anyone who wants maximum flexibility to reconfigure their living space over time.


4. Furniture Village Moreno Power Recliner Corner Sofa (Best Luxury Option)

The Moreno brings cinema-level comfort home with power recliners and adjustable headrests—this is serious relaxation technology wrapped in elegant upholstery.

Key Features:

  • Power reclining seats with USB charging
  • Power adjustable headrests
  • Sprung seat construction
  • Contemporary styling
  • Available in fabric options
  • Price: £1,595

Pros:

  • Ultimate comfort with powered reclining
  • USB charging ports built in (2025 trend)
  • Power headrests for perfect positioning
  • High-quality construction and materials
  • Try in-store for comfort testing

Cons:

  • Requires proximity to power outlets
  • Reclining mechanism requires clearance behind sofa
  • Heavier and harder to move
  • Premium pricing

View Moreno at Furniture Village

Best for: Those prioritizing maximum comfort, tech-savvy households, or anyone seeking a sofa for serious movie-watching and lounging.


5. IKEA FRIHETEN Corner Sofa-Bed (Best Multifunctional)

The FRIHETEN remains a UK favourite for combining three essential functions: corner sofa, double bed, and storage—all at an unbeatable price.

Key Features:

  • Dimensions: 230cm x 151cm
  • Pull-out double bed mechanism
  • Storage under chaise section
  • Firm, supportive seating
  • Available in multiple colours
  • Price: £599

Pros:

  • Exceptional value for three functions
  • Maximises corner space perfectly
  • Storage ideal for bedding or clutter
  • Easy DIY assembly
  • Recently updated with improved cushioning (FRIHETEN/KLAGSHAMN)
  • Perfect for studio flats or guest accommodation

Cons:

  • Firm seating (though improves with use)
  • Mattress suitable for occasional guests, not daily use
  • Requires floor space to pull out bed
  • Chaise storage access requires lifting seat

View FRIHETEN at IKEA

Best for: Studio apartments, rental properties, or anyone needing regular guest sleeping without sacrificing daily living space.


6. Furniture Village Legend Corner Sofa (Best Traditional Style)

The Legend brings classic styling to corner sofa format with generous proportions and traditional comfort perfect for family living.

Key Features:

  • Classic back cushion design
  • Large footstool included (can be used as chaise end)
  • Available in multiple fabric colours
  • Generous, roomy seating
  • Traditional styling with contemporary comfort
  • Price: £1,599

Pros:

  • Spacious and wonderfully comfortable
  • Large footstool adds versatility
  • Classic styling suits traditional interiors
  • Try before you buy in showrooms
  • Excellent build quality

Cons:

  • Larger footprint requires bigger rooms
  • Traditional styling may not suit modern aesthetics
  • Higher price point

View Legend at Furniture Village

Best for: Traditional homes, those prioritizing comfort over minimalist design, and families wanting a sofa that encourages lounging together.


7. IKEA EKTORP Corner Sofa (Best Budget Corner Sofa)

The EKTORP delivers classic cottage-style charm at IKEA's most affordable corner sofa price, perfect for first homes or budget-conscious buyers.

Key Features:

  • Dimensions: 4-seat configuration (291cm x 231cm)
  • Traditional styling with rolled arms
  • Removable, washable covers
  • 10-year guarantee
  • Multiple cover colour options
  • Price: From £760

Pros:

  • Most affordable quality corner sofa
  • Timeless traditional design
  • Removable covers for easy cleaning
  • Comfortable, supportive seating
  • IKEA's proven durability
  • Perfect for rental properties

Cons:

  • Traditional styling may look dated in modern interiors
  • Larger footprint than contemporary designs
  • Assembly required

View EKTORP at IKEA

Best for: First-time buyers, budget-conscious families, rental properties, or anyone who loves classic cottage-style furniture.


Buying Tips for Corner Sofas in 2025

Measure Twice, Buy Once

Critical measurements:

  1. Room dimensions: Minimum 4m x 4m for most corner sofas
  2. Doorways and hallways: Check sofa dimensions against 75cm standard UK doorways
  3. Ceiling height: Ensure sofa back doesn't overwhelm room visually
  4. Existing furniture: Measure coffee tables, TV units to ensure spacing works
  5. Traffic flow: Leave 60-90cm pathways around furniture

Pro tip: Use painter's tape to mark the sofa footprint on your floor before purchasing.

Left-Hand vs Right-Hand Facing

How to determine:

  • Sit on the sofa facing forward
  • If the chaise/long section is on your left, it's "left-hand facing"
  • If the chaise is on your right, it's "right-hand facing"

Reversible options:

  • IKEA KIVIK and VIMLE offer reversible configurations
  • Furniture Village offers made-to-order orientation choices

2025 Colour and Fabric Trends

Most popular colours:

  • Warm neutrals: Beige, taupe, mocha, truffle (biggest trend)
  • Sage green: Standout colour of 2025, especially in boucle and velvet
  • Grey tones: Still popular but shifting towards warmer greys
  • Browns: Having a major moment after years of grey dominance

Trending fabrics:

  • Boucle and chenille: Luxuriously textured, soft, on-trend
  • Performance fabrics: Stain-resistant technology for families and pets
  • Velvet: Elegant but requires maintenance
  • Leather: Timeless, durable, ages beautifully

Frame Quality Matters

What to look for:

  • Hardwood or engineered wood frames (avoid chipboard)
  • Minimum 10-year frame guarantee
  • Pocket spring or high-density foam cushions
  • Corner-block reinforcement at joints

Red flags:

  • No frame guarantee mentioned
  • Vague descriptions like "wooden frame" without specifics
  • Extremely low prices (under £500 for corner sofas suggests poor quality)

Corner Sofa Styling Tips

Rug Placement

Ideal sizing:

  • Rug should extend at least 30cm beyond sofa edges on all sides
  • For corner sofas, minimum 240cm x 300cm rug recommended
  • All front furniture legs should rest on rug

Use our Rug Size Calculator to find the perfect size for your corner sofa layout.

Coffee Table Pairing

Distance and size:

  • Place coffee table 40-45cm from sofa edge
  • Coffee table should be roughly half to two-thirds sofa length
  • Round or oval tables work better in tight spaces
  • Height should match or be slightly lower than seat height

Cushion Styling

2025 approach:

  • 4-6 cushions for 4-seat corner sofas
  • Mix sizes (50cm and 45cm square cushions)
  • Layer textures (boucle, velvet, linen)
  • Stick to 2-3 complementary colours
  • Add one patterned cushion as accent

Common Corner Sofa Mistakes to Avoid

Buying the wrong orientation: Always double-check left vs right-hand facing before ordering. Most retailers charge for returns on custom orders.

Ignoring doorway access: Corner sofas are large—measure doorways, stairwells, and hallways. Choose modular or flat-pack options if access is tight.

Overlooking room proportions: A corner sofa shouldn't dominate the entire room. Ensure at least 25-30% of floor space remains clear.

Choosing the wrong depth: Deep sofas (95cm+) look luxurious but can be uncomfortable for shorter people. Test in-store if possible.

Forgetting about cleaning: Removable covers are worth the extra cost for families with children or pets. Leather and performance fabrics are easier to maintain than standard fabric.

Skipping the guarantee check: Quality corner sofas should offer minimum 10-year frame guarantees and 2+ year fabric/cushion coverage.

Ignoring comfort: A corner sofa is a major investment you'll use daily. Test firmness, seat depth, and armrest height in person when possible.

Final Recommendations by Need

Best Overall Value: IKEA KIVIK (£1,074) for exceptional quality, comfort, and modularity at a fair price

Best for Small Spaces: Furniture Village Dinky (£1,195) for genuine compact dimensions without compromising style

Best for Flexibility: IKEA VIMLE (£1,230) for ultimate customisation and reconfiguration options

Best Multifunctional: IKEA FRIHETEN (£599) for sofa + bed + storage in one affordable package

Best Luxury: Furniture Village Moreno (£1,595) for power recliners, USB charging, and cinema-level comfort

Best Traditional: Furniture Village Legend (£1,599) for classic styling with spacious, family-friendly comfort

Best Budget: IKEA EKTORP (£760) for timeless traditional style at the lowest quality price point

UK Retailers for Corner Sofas

Most Trusted Retailers (Based on Which? Survey 2025)

Top-rated for customer satisfaction:

  • IKEA: Excellent value, quality, and customer service (4.5/5 stars)
  • John Lewis: Premium quality, reliability (4.4/5 stars)
  • Furniture Village: Wide selection, in-store experience (4.2/5 stars)

Also worth considering:

  • DFS: UK's largest sofa specialist, frequent sales
  • ScS: Competitive pricing, leather specialists
  • Made.com: Designer styles, contemporary aesthetics
  • Next: Sofa-in-a-box options, fast delivery

Price Ranges to Expect

  • Budget: £500-£800 (IKEA EKTORP, basic fabric corner sofas)
  • Mid-range: £800-£1,500 (IKEA KIVIK/VIMLE, Furniture Village Dinky)
  • Premium: £1,500-£2,500 (Power recliners, luxury fabrics, bespoke options)
  • Luxury: £2,500+ (Designer brands, leather, premium recliners)

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a corner sofa and an L-shaped sofa? They're the same thing. "Corner sofa" is more commonly used in the UK, while "L-shaped" or "sectional" are American terms. All describe sofas with a corner section creating an L-shape.

How do I know if a corner sofa will fit in my room? Measure your room carefully. Minimum recommended room size is 4m x 4m. Mark the sofa dimensions on your floor with tape to visualize the footprint and check traffic flow around it.

What's better: left-hand or right-hand facing? It depends on your room layout. Sit on the sofa mentally—if you want the chaise section on your left, choose left-hand facing. Consider window placement, doors, and TV position when deciding.

Are modular corner sofas better than fixed units? Modular sofas (like IKEA KIVIK or VIMLE) offer flexibility to reconfigure, easier delivery through narrow doors, and ability to expand later. Fixed units are often more affordable and structurally solid but can't be rearranged.

Can corner sofas work in small living rooms? Yes, if you choose carefully. Look for compact models like the Furniture Village Dinky or smaller IKEA options. Corner sofas can actually maximize space better than traditional 3-seaters in rooms where the corner is underutilized.

How long should a corner sofa last? A quality corner sofa should last 10-15 years with proper care. Look for hardwood frames with 10+ year guarantees. Pocket spring cushions last longer than foam-only options. Removable covers extend lifespan significantly.

Should I buy a corner sofa online or in-store? IKEA sofas are reliable purchases online with clear dimensions and generous return policies. For premium brands like Furniture Village or DFS, visiting showrooms to test comfort is recommended. Many retailers now offer home try-before-you-buy services.

What's the best fabric for corner sofas with pets? Performance fabrics with stain resistance are ideal. Leather is durable and easy to clean (though cats may scratch). Avoid delicate velvet or light-coloured fabrics. Removable, washable covers (like IKEA's) are best for pet owners.

Do I need a rug under a corner sofa? Not essential, but recommended for defining the seating area and adding warmth. Minimum 240cm x 300cm rug with all front furniture legs resting on it creates a cohesive, intentional look.


Last updated: October 2025. Prices and availability subject to change. This article is based on research from Which? magazine, Good Housekeeping UK, Ideal Home, and current UK retailer data. We may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links at no cost to you.

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