With a corner lounge set, everything comes down to one spot: the corner where it will stand. That spot determines not only whether the size fits, but also the door, the sun, the wind and the view. You also have to choose between a left-hand and a right-hand version, and brands don't all use those words in the same way. In this guide you'll learn how to read your corner, where the long side should go, how to check the version on a product page, and what else comes with the set: a table, cushions or not. With a short decision test and examples from the range.
In brief: first decide on your viewpoint: stand in front of the corner, facing it. Read your corner: the long side goes along the wall with the most space, not in front of the door, and looks out over the garden or the sun. Check the version in the photo, not by the word left or right. If you're unsure, choose a symmetrical set or a set with a movable centre piece. Do the decision test.
What you'll find in other guides
There's more to say about corner lounge sets than fits in one article. This guide covers the location and the version. For the rest, we point you onwards:
- Models side by side: the best corner lounge sets of 2026 and the top 10 lounge sets.
- The seating itself (lounge or dining, seat height, materials): buying a corner bench for the garden.
- Walking space and the rule of thumb: how much space you need for a lounge set.
- Fixed set or separate elements: buying a modular lounge set.
- Reading the product page properly: buying a lounge set: what should you look out for?
Not sure yet whether a lounge set is right for you? The selection guide will help you along in a few steps.
Left or right: where do you look from?
Most corner sets have one long side and one short side. The set then comes in two versions, left and right. The problem: that word only means something if you know from which point you're looking. If you stand in front of the bench, left is something different than when you're sitting on it and looking forward.
Brands aren't consistent about this, and sometimes one product page contradicts itself. The Sergio lounge diningset 3-delig rechts has "rechts" (right) in the title, while the description refers to "a generous arrangement with a left-hand corner". If you order based on the word alone, you're guessing.
So agree on one viewpoint with yourself and stick to it: stand on the terrace, facing the corner where the set will go. From there, note whether the long side should come from your left or your right. Product photos of corner sets are almost always taken from the front, so you'll be comparing like with like.
| Shape | Choose left or right? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Unequal sides, fixed | Yes, when ordering | Esmee, Corsica |
| Movable centre piece | Yourself, when setting up | Teramon |
| Symmetrical | Not necessary | Prinos |
How to check the version
Place your sketch next to the main photo and the dimension drawing, if there is one. Find the long side in the photo and check whether it's on the same side as in your sketch. If the title, description and photo don't match, ask the retailer before you order.
Reading your corner in 5 steps
Before you look at models, look at the corner itself. Set aside a quarter of an hour, ideally at the time of day you'll be sitting there most.
Stand in front of the corner, facing it, and draw the two walls, fences or edges. Note the free length along each side, measured up to the first obstacle. The side with the most space is the first candidate for the long side.
Draw the garden door or sliding patio door, the route to the garden, the shed or the bin. Nothing should be placed in front of these. The short side ideally ends before the walking route, so you can pass it without obstruction.
In the Netherlands the sun rises in the east, is in the south around midday and sets in the west. If you mainly sit outside in the evening, position the long side so that most seats catch the evening sun. Also consider where you want shade, and whether a parasol could go there.
A wall or fence behind you provides shelter and privacy. If the wind often blows from one direction on your terrace, or if the neighbours can see in from one side, put the long side with its back to that side. Then most people sit out of the wind and out of view.
Most people sit on the long side, and they look straight ahead. Let that side look out over what you most like to see: the garden, the border or the pond, not the shed or the back of the house.
To compare what the steps reveal, put them side by side like this:
| In your corner | Long side | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Door or sliding patio door on one side | On the other side | Walking route stays clear |
| One side clearly longer | Along that side | More seats, less cramped |
| Fence or wall behind you | Against it | Sheltered, no walking space needed |
| Window, tap or drainpipe | Not in front of it | Accessible and no wet back |
| Best view | Looks out over it | Most people will see it |
If two rules conflict, for example the door on the long side but also the best sun there, the walking route takes priority. A bench you have to walk around every day is more of a nuisance than a slightly less impressive view. You can read more about shade for a seating corner in where to put your parasol.
On a sunny evening, arrange a few garden chairs in the shape of the L in your corner and sit there for half an hour. You'll immediately notice where the sun falls, where the draught is, and whether you can still easily get in and out through the door.
Decision test: long side left or right?
Three questions about your corner, viewed from your viewpoint: you're standing in front of the corner, facing it.
Long side left or right: which corner set suits your corner?
Along which side of your corner do you have the most free length?
- Along the left-hand side
- Along the right-hand side
- Both sides are roughly the same length
On which side of the corner is the garden door or the walking route?
- On the right-hand side
- On the left-hand side
- Not near the corner, or equally far away on both sides
Is there something on one of the sides that you want to keep clear, such as a low window, outdoor tap or drainpipe?
- Yes, on the right-hand side
- Yes, on the left-hand side
- No, both sides are clear
Symmetrical or movable Your corner doesn't give a clear direction, or the signals contradict each other. Then choose a set where left or right doesn't matter: a symmetrical one, or one with a centre piece you can place on the left or right yourself.
Long side left Seen from the front, the long side should be on your left, leaving the right-hand side open. Look for a set in that version, but check on the photo which side the long side is really on: whether a retailer calls it left or right varies by brand.
Long side right Seen from the front, the long side should be on your right, leaving the left-hand side open. Compare your sketch with the product photo, not just with the word in the title, and check whether that version is available.
The size of the corner
A corner set has two dimensions that matter, and the product page usually only gives one:
- The outer dimensions: the length of both sides of the L, such as 266.5 x 203.5 cm for the Teramon. This determines whether the set fits in your corner. How much walking space to add is explained in how much space you need for a lounge set.
- The inner dimensions: the free floor space inside the L. You work this out by subtracting the depth of the seating from each side. The table has to fit in there, with room for your legs. If the depth of the seating isn't on the page, ask for it.
Also pay attention to the corner piece itself. In a right-angled corner, two people sit with their knees close together. An angled trapezoid corner, such as the one on the Corsano, offers more room there, but also extends further into your terrace. For a corner like that, measure the diagonal side too.
Measure the corner yourself as well
Not every corner of a terrace is perfectly square, and a wall with a plinth or a fence with posts can take up a few extra centimetres. Measure the length along both sides at seat height, not just at ground level.
L-shape or U-shape?
The L-shape is the standard corner set: two sides and a corner piece. A U-shape has three sides and therefore two corner pieces. That gives more seats, but the set then extends onto the terrace at two open ends and needs walking space on more sides. A U-shape is usually assembled from separate elements; which ranges allow this is explained in buying a modular lounge set. For a corner between a wall and a fence, an L-shape is almost always the logical choice.
With or without a table?
Whether a table is included with the set varies by model. There's almost always one in the photo, but that tells you nothing. Check the description and the specifications for "Table included".
| What's included | Suits | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Low lounge table | Drinks, lounging | Prinos: 69 x 69 cm |
| Dining table | Lounging and eating | Corsica: 140 x 80 cm |
| No table | Choosing your own table | Teramon, Corsano |
Without a table, choose one that fits the inner dimensions of the L. Have a look at the lounge tables. If you want to eat at the set, read buying a dining lounge set first: it explains how seat height and table height need to match.
Cushions: how many and where do you keep them?
A corner set has a lot of cushions. In the sets in this guide, the number ranges from 9 (Esmee, Prinos) to 15 (Blue bird). They need to be kept somewhere dry during rain and in winter. Factor that space in before you order, for example a storage box next to the corner or a shelf in the shed. Tips are in storing garden cushions.
The location of your corner plays a role here too. If the set sits in full sun all afternoon, the covers will fade faster; read garden cushions faded by the sun. The cushion covers of the sets below are made of polyester. If you're ready for new ones, have a look at the lounge cushions.
Five corner sets from the range
Below are five corner sets that show how differently left, right and the table can be arranged. The dimensions come from the product information; the current prices are shown on the cards.
Esmee: in a left-hand and a right-hand version
The Esmee is an aluminium corner set in carbon black measuring 248 x 179 cm, with a glass-top table and 9 cushions. Because the sides are unequal, it's available as left and as right. A good example for placing your sketch next to two photos.
Esmee lounge set 3-piece left
Note: on the photos of both versions, check which side the long side is on, and order the version that matches your sketch.
Corsica: lounge dining set with sunbed function
The Corsica is a lounge dining set measuring 271.5 x 209.5 cm with an aluminium frame. You get two bench sections that together form the L, a dining table measuring 140 x 80 cm with a slate-effect ceramic glass top, and a sport bench. According to the description, you stand the seating section upright on the long side, so that side becomes a sunbed.
Corsica lounge dining set 4-piece right
Note: the long side is also the lying area here. Place that side where you want the sun. There is also a left-hand version.
Blue bird: wicker, and now only as left
The Blue bird is a lounge-dining set measuring 251 x 205 cm with an aluminium frame, grey wicker and a table with a glass top. With a seat height of 46 cm, you sit upright enough to eat at the table. You get 15 cushions with a 10 cm seat cushion.
Blue bird lounge-dining set 5-piece left
Teramon: you choose the long side
The Teramon consists of a corner piece, two bench sections and a centre piece. You place that centre piece to the left or right of the corner, so you decide yourself where the long side goes. Together the bench measures 266.5 x 203.5 cm, with dark grey rope, a seat height of 46 cm and 11 cushions.
Teramon corner lounge set 4-piece
Why: the safe choice if you're unsure or might move later. Do budget for a table separately, as the specifications say "Table included: No".
Prinos: symmetrical, so no choice needed
The Prinos is a fully aluminium corner set measuring 240.5 x 240.5 cm: both sides are the same length. Two bench sections and a corner piece form the bench, with trays on both sides for drinks or snacks. A square lounge table measuring 69 x 69 cm is included.
Prinos aluminium lounge set 4-piece
Note: a symmetrical set needs the same amount of space on both sides. If your corner has one short side, an unequal set will often fit better.
Which set suits your corner?
| Your corner | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One long side, one short side | Esmee | Left and right versions |
| Lounging and eating in the corner | Corsica | Dining table, sunbed function |
| Left-hand version, wicker | Blue bird | Seat height 46 cm |
| Unsure or planning to move | Teramon | Movable centre piece |
| Two equal sides | Prinos | Symmetrical |
How to choose the version
- Choose one viewpoint: in front of the corner, facing it
- Long side along the most space, not in front of the door or walking route
- Let the long side look out over the garden or the sun you want
- Compare your sketch with the photo, not with the word left or right
- If you're unsure, choose symmetrical or a movable centre piece
Also worth a look:
Esmee: right-hand version
View set →
Corsica: left-hand version
View set →
Corsano: with trapezoid corner
View bench →Or view all corner lounge sets, dining lounge sets and modular lounge sets.
Common mistakes
Ordering based on the word left or right
Brands don't all look from the same point, and sometimes the title and description say different things. Always compare the photo with your own sketch.
The long side in front of the door
A bench that sticks out in front of the sliding patio door or garden path will be in your way every day. The walking route takes priority over the view.
Only looking in the afternoon
If you only look at the corner on a free afternoon, you may miss that the evening sun disappears behind the fence. Look at the time of day you'll actually be sitting there.
Assuming the table in the photo is included
For some corner sets, the specifications say "Table included: No". In that case, budget for a table and make sure it fits the inner dimensions of the L.
No place for the cushions
Nine to fifteen cushions take up more room in the shed than you might think. Sort out storage before the set is in place.
Will it stay outside?
An aluminium frame can stay outdoors all year, preferably under a breathable cover; the cushions can't. Read can a lounge set stay outside and have a look at the protective covers. Measure your set before choosing a cover.
Checklist before you order
- Viewpoint chosen: in front of the corner, facing it
- Free length measured along both sides, up to the first obstacle
- Door, walking route, window, tap and drainpipe marked on the sketch
- Sun and wind checked at the time you'll be sitting there
- Long side chosen and compared with the product photo
- Checked whether a table is included and whether it fits in the L
- Storage arranged for the cushions, and a cover if needed
- Walking space added up using the rule of thumb
Frequently asked questions
What does left or right mean for a corner lounge set?
It indicates which side the long side or the corner of the sofa is on. Manufacturers don't all measure from the same point: some look from the front, others from the seated position. For the Sergio 3-piece right, the description even mentions a left-hand corner. So don't rely on the word alone. Go by the product photo and the dimension drawing.
Where should the long side of a corner lounge set go?
Along the wall or fence where you have the most space, and not in front of a door, sliding patio door or walkway. Most people sit on the long side, so make sure it faces what you most enjoy looking at: the garden or the evening sun. The short side can end where your terrace needs to stay open.
How do you position a corner lounge set for the evening sun?
The sun sets in the west. If you want the evening sun on your face, place the long side with its back to the east, so that most seats face west. If you'd rather have the sun at your back and the garden in front of you, turn it around. A parasol beside the corner provides shade when it gets too hot.
Does a corner lounge set always come with a table?
No. The Prinos comes with a 69 x 69 cm lounge table, and lounge dining sets such as the Corsica include a 140 x 80 cm dining table. For the Teramon and the Corsano, the specifications state Included table: No. Check the description to see which parts you get, as a table in the photo is no guarantee.
Can I set up a left-hand corner lounge set as a right-hand one later?
With a fixed design, usually not, as the sofa sections and armrests are made for one side. With the Teramon, you can place the middle element to the left or right of the corner element. With a set that has equal sides, such as the Prinos at 240.5 x 240.5 cm, the direction makes no difference. If you're unsure about the position, choose such a set.
