# L-shaped sofa or straight sofa? How to choose
URL: https://www.enzofurniture.net/guides/l-shaped-vs-straight-sofa
Published: 2026-10-07 · Updated: 2026-10-07 · By Enzo

When an L-shaped (corner) sofa is the better choice, when a straight sofa is, and how to decide between a left-hand and a right-hand layout.

## What is an L-shaped sofa?
An L-shaped sofa, also called a corner sofa or sectional, is a sofa with a long side and a shorter side (the chaise) that meets it at a right angle. It seats more people in the same footprint than a straight sofa because it uses the corner of the room.

## When is an L-shaped sofa the better choice?
Choose an L-shaped sofa when you want more seating, when the sofa will sit in a corner or divide an open-plan room, or when you like to stretch your legs out on a chaise.

## When is a straight sofa the better choice?
A straight sofa suits narrower rooms, rooms where the sofa sits against a single wall, and spaces where you want to rearrange the furniture often. It is also the simpler choice if you move home regularly.

## Left-hand or right-hand L-shape?
Stand facing the sofa. If the chaise is on your left, it is a left-hand sofa; if it is on your right, a right-hand sofa. Pick the side that leaves the chaise in the corner or against the wall, not in the walkway.
Enzo makes its L-shaped sofas in both layouts, so you choose the hand on the product page.

## What size should an L-shaped sofa be?
Measure the corner wall and the adjoining wall, then leave at least 75 cm of walkway in front of the chaise. L-shaped sofas are typically 250 to 420 cm on the long side. You can set the length you need when you order.

Related: [L-shaped sofas](https://www.enzofurniture.net/shop/l-shaped) · [Sofas](https://www.enzofurniture.net/shop/sofas)