A corner sofa is the easiest way to really use a corner of your terrace. Two seating sections in an L-shape give you more seats than loose chairs and keep everyone together. Still, plenty can go wrong when buying one: the sofa turns out to be too big, the long side ends up on the wrong side, or you sit too low to eat at the table. In this guide you'll read how to choose the right corner sofa: lounge or dining, left or right, which material, and how to measure your corner properly. With examples from our range.
In short: start by choosing lounge or dining: do you mainly want to relax, or also eat at the table? Measure your corner and add 60 to 90 cm of walking space to the size of the sofa. Unsure about left or right? Choose a symmetrical sofa or a set with a movable middle element. Aluminium with powder coating is the easiest to maintain.
What exactly is a corner sofa?
A corner sofa is an L-shaped garden sofa, usually made up of separate parts: two seating sections, a corner element and sometimes a middle element. You'll find them in two types:
- Lounge corner sofa: low and deep, with thick cushions. Designed for relaxing, often with a low lounge table in front.
- Dining corner sofa: somewhat higher and more upright, and sold as a lounge dining set with a dining table. You can lounge on it and eat from it too.
Corner sofas are often sold as part of a set, so you'll mainly find them among the corner lounge sets and the dining lounge sets. Looking for a complete set with a table and want to compare models side by side? Then read the best corner lounge sets of 2026 or buying a corner lounge set: what should you look for?. This guide is about the sofa itself.
Lounge or dining corner sofa?
This is the most important choice, and it depends on how you're going to use the sofa. Do you often eat outside, or do you mainly sit with a drink in the evening sun?
| Type | Seating | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge corner sofa | Low, deep, thick cushions | Relaxing, reading, drinks |
| Dining corner sofa | Higher, more upright back | Eating and lounging in one |
| Separate sofa sections | Varies per range | Arranging your own layout |
A dining corner sofa saves space: you no longer need a separate garden set. The downside is that you sink in less deeply than in a proper lounge sofa. You can read more about this type in buying a dining lounge set.
Measuring your corner in 4 steps
Most wrong purchases aren't about quality, but about size and direction. Grab a tape measure and take ten minutes.
From the corner, measure how much free space there is along each wall, fence or edge. Watch out for doors, outward-opening windows, downpipes, outdoor taps and power sockets.
A corner sofa is often 80 to 100 cm deep, and the cushions sometimes stick out a little further. Check whether there's still enough terrace left over for a table and a walking route.
Keep at least 60 to 90 cm free along the open sides. If a dining table is coming too, also allow room for stools or chairs on the other side of the table.
Mark the outer dimensions with masking tape or string. Walk around it a few times and place a chair where the table would go. That way you can see straight away whether the terrace becomes too crowded.
You can read in detail how much space you need in total in how much space do you need for a lounge set.
Left, right or symmetrical?
Many corner sofas have a long side and a short side. Then you have to choose between a left-hand and a right-hand version. There are three types:
- Symmetrical: both sides are the same length, such as the Levanto corner sofa measuring 231.5 x 231.5 cm. Left or right doesn't matter then.
- Asymmetrical, fixed: the long side is on one side. Check carefully which version you're ordering.
- Asymmetrical, movable: the middle element can be placed to the left or right of the corner. With the Teramon, you decide for yourself which side the long side goes on.
Also pay attention to the shape of the corner. Most corner sofas have a right-angled corner, but some have an angled trapezoid corner, such as the Corsano. That corner offers more room, but also takes up more space. You'll notice this, among other things, when choosing a cover.
Not sure about left or right? Sit in the corner where the sofa will go and look at which side you want the view. Compare that with the photo of the sofa, not just with the word in the product name.
Prefer something flexible?
A sofa with separate parts can be arranged differently later on, for example if you move or redesign the terrace. Take a look at the modular lounge sets or read buying a modular lounge set.
Materials compared
The corner sofas in this overview all have an aluminium frame with a powder coating. The difference lies in the finish of the backrest and armrests.
| Finish | Look | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Full aluminium | Sleek and modern | Soapy water, nothing else |
| Teak look on aluminium | Warm, like wood | Soapy water, no oil |
| Rope | Soft and luxurious | Lukewarm water, soft brush |
| Wicker (PE) | Classic lounge look | Rinse, brush |
| Wood (acacia, teak) | Natural | Oil now and then |
Pay attention to the difference between teak look and real wood: with the Sardinia and Elati, it's a print or finish on aluminium. That keeps its colour and doesn't need oil. Torn between rope and wicker? Then read rope or wicker. For a broader comparison, there's the comparison of garden bench materials.
Comfort: seat height, seat depth and cushions
In a product photo, many corner sofas look alike. The specifications show you how they really feel to sit in:
- Seat height: around 40 to 42 cm is for lounging, around 44 to 46 cm sits more upright and makes it easier to get up. The latter is also the height for eating at the table.
- Seat depth: 50 to 55 cm sits upright, 60 cm or more is truly sinking in. The Levanto has a seat depth of 61 cm, the Sardinia 51 cm.
- Cushion thickness: the seat cushions in this overview range from 8 cm (Elati) to 25 cm (Levanto). Thicker feels softer, but also sinks more.
- Cushion cover: most covers are polyester and water-repellent. That isn't the same as waterproof, so store them dry when it rains.
Want to replace old cushions or add decorative ones? Have a look at the lounge cushions.
Five corner sofas from our range
To make the choices concrete, below you'll find five corner sofas: two for lounging and three for eating as well. The current prices are shown on the cards.
| Model | Seat height | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Corsano (lounge) | 45 cm | 304 x 239 cm |
| Levanto (lounge) | 42 cm | 231.5 x 231.5 cm |
| Sardinia (dining) | 46 cm | 261 x 202 cm |
| Allasio (dining) | 43 cm | 266.6 x 205 cm |
| Elati (dining) | 44 cm | 281 x 216 cm |
Corsano: spacious lounge corner sofa in rope
The Corsano is a very spacious corner sofa measuring 304 x 239 cm for 6 people. The aluminium frame has an anthracite powder coating, and the sides are finished in taupe rope with an open weave pattern. Thanks to the trapezoid corner and the middle element, there's plenty of room in the corner too. It comes with 11 cushions, with seat cushions of 12 cm.
Corsano rope lounge corner sofa
Note: at just over 3 metres along the long side, this is a sofa for a large terrace.
Levanto: symmetrical and deep
The Levanto consists of a corner element and two seating sections, together measuring 231.5 x 231.5 cm. Because both sides are the same length, you don't have to think about left or right. With a seat depth of 61 cm, wide armrests of 12 cm and cushions 25 cm thick, this is a proper lounge sofa for 5 people.
Levanto corner lounge set 3-piece
Note: with a seat height of 42 cm and cushions this thick, this isn't a sofa to sit at a dining table on.
Sardinia: dining corner sofa in teak look
The Sardinia is a lounge dining set with a corner sofa measuring 261 x 202 cm and a table of 150 x 84 cm. Frame and table are aluminium with a teak look finish, with sand-coloured rope details. The set consists of two seating sections, a corner element, a middle element and the table.
Sardinia lounge dining set 5-piece
Why: the highest seat in this overview, so the most suitable for eating at the table. The 13 cushions are 12 cm thick.
Allasio: dining corner sofa with movable middle element
The Allasio has a corner sofa measuring 266.6 x 205 cm for 6 people, with a dark grey aluminium frame and backrests and armrests in natural rope. The dining table of 170 x 89.5 cm has a Vironwood top. Thanks to the loose middle element, you can adjust the layout to suit your terrace.
Allasio lounge-dining corner set 5-piece
Why: a seat height of 43 cm with a slightly more upright backrest: a good middle ground between lounging and dining.
Elati: large dining corner sofa
The Elati is the largest dining corner sofa in this overview: 281 x 216 cm, with a seat depth of 53 cm and room for 6 people. The backrests and armrests have a teak look print on aluminium. The table measures 160 x 90 cm, and you get 13 cushions.
Elati lounge-dining corner set 5-piece
Note: the seat cushions are 8 cm thick. That feels firm and upright, pleasant at the table, but less lazy than a lounge sofa.
Which corner sofa suits you?
| Your situation | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mainly lounging, large terrace | Corsano | Spacious, trapezoid corner |
| Unsure about left or right | Levanto | Both sides equal |
| Often eating outside | Sardinia | Seat height 46 cm |
| Eating and lounging, flexible | Allasio | Movable middle element |
| Large family, lots of guests | Elati | 281 cm, table 160 cm |
How to choose quickly
- First decide whether you want to eat on the sofa: that determines the seat height
- Measure your corner and add walking space before you look at models
- If you're unsure about the direction, choose symmetrical or a movable middle element
- Choose aluminium or teak look if you want low maintenance
Also worth a look:
Masone lounge corner sofa
View sofa →
Teramon: left or right
View set →All dining lounge sets
View range →Or browse all corner lounge sets, aluminium lounge sets and garden benches.
Common mistakes
Only measuring the sofa
A corner sofa that fits exactly into the corner makes the terrace unusable if you can no longer get past it. Always add walking space and the space needed for a table.
Ordering the wrong version
Left and right don't mean the same thing with every brand. Check the photo or dimensional drawing to see which side the long side is on.
Buying a lounge sofa to eat on
You eat awkwardly from a low sofa with thick cushions. If you often eat outside, choose a dining corner sofa with a seat height of around 44 to 46 cm.
Forgetting the trapezoid corner
An angled corner takes up more space than a right-angled one and needs a different cover. Measure the diagonal too if your sofa has a trapezoid corner.
Leaving cushions outside
Water-repellent is not waterproof. Wet cushions will go mouldy. Read how to store garden cushions.
Protecting your corner sofa
A cover keeps leaves, bird droppings and moisture off your sofa and spares the cushions and the rope. Choose a cover shaped to your sofa: L-shape, trapezoid, or a left or right version. Measure the outer dimensions of your sofa and choose a cover that is just a little larger. Breathable covers let moisture escape and prevent mould.
Coverit L-shape cover 270 x 270
View cover →
AeroCover trapezoid 270 x 270
View cover →
AeroCover left 355 x 275
View cover →You'll find more sizes in our lounge set covers and protective covers. Look after rope with lukewarm water and a soft brush; also read how to care for rope and can a lounge set stay outside?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a corner sofa and a corner lounge set?
A corner sofa is the L-shaped sofa itself. A corner lounge set is the sofa plus the accessories that go with it, such as a lounge table or a stool. In practice the terms are used interchangeably: many corner sofas are sold as a set, and a lounge dining set with a corner sofa includes a dining table as well.
How do I know whether I need a left-facing or right-facing corner sofa?
First determine which side the long section should be on. Then compare that with the product photo or dimension drawing, as brands don't all use the same orientation. A symmetrical corner sofa, such as the Levanto measuring 231.5 x 231.5 cm, or a set with a movable middle element, such as the Teramon, solves this problem.
What seat height is good for a corner sofa when you want to eat there?
If you want to eat at the table, choose a corner sofa with a seat height of around 43 to 46 cm and a table that matches it. The Sardinia (46 cm), Elati (44 cm) and Allasio (43 cm) are lounge dining sets designed for this. A low lounge sofa at around 40 cm is very comfortable to sit on, but less pleasant for eating.
How much space do I need for a corner sofa with a table?
Add at least 60 to 90 cm of walking space along the open sides to the dimensions of the sofa. If there is a dining table, also allow room for the stools or chairs on the opposite side of the table. A 261 x 202 cm corner sofa with a table quickly requires a clear floor area of over 3.5 by 3 metres.
Can a corner sofa stay outside all winter?
An aluminium frame with powder coating can stay outdoors, preferably under a breathable cover in an L-shape or trapezoid shape. Store the cushions dry: the polyester covers are water-repellent, not waterproof. This prevents mould and keeps the cushions looking good for longer.
