The Daily Insight

Connected.Informed.Engaged.

You will especially hear this phrase when shopping for sectional sofas with attached chaises. This means that as you are facing the sofa, the arm is on the side mentioned. … The arm of chaise is on the right, because the sofa continues to the left.

What does left arm facing mean on a sectional?

Left Facing. The designation right-arm facing and left-arm facing, abbreviated as RAF and LAF, simply refer to the side on which the arm is placed if you are looking directly at the sectional piece.

What does left arm return sofa mean?

Sofa with Chaise. Sectional with Return: Similar to a chaise, but different; a return piece is an L-shaped extension that also has an arm running about half way down with a “bumper” (basically an attached ottoman) on the end.

How do you know if it's a left or right corner sofa?

If you are looking at the sofa, facing the longest edge, it is a right-hand sofa if the corner and the short edge are to your right. Obviously, then, it is a left-hand sofa if the corner and the short edge are to your left.

What is the difference between LAF and RAF sectional?

RAF stands for right arm facing and LAF stands for left arm facing. A single piece of a sectional often has only one arm or no arms at all; RAF and LAF are used to describe whether the arm is on the left or right side of a piece and whether the piece is on the left or right side of the sectional.

What is a sectional chaise?

Chaise Sectional: A sectional made up of half a normal sofa and half a chaise, which is a long chair designed for putting your feet up. Two-Chaise Sectional: A sectional with two chaises, one on each end. Double Width Chaise: A sectional chaise piece that is wider than an average chaise.

What should I look for when buying a sectional couch?

  • Take Measurements to Determine Your Desired Size. …
  • Think About Upholstery. …
  • Take the Color into Account. …
  • Find the Right Configuration. …
  • Choose the Perfect Comfort Level. …
  • Don’t Forget the Extra Features.

What is a reversible corner sofa?

The Willowfield Reversible Corner Suite is an adjustable corner model which is perfect for those with limited space. The chaise cushion can be flipped and moved to sit on either the left or right hand side of the sofa. The suite is covered in a soft yet hardwearing woven fabric.

What's a left hand corner sofa?

What does LHF and RHF mean? ‘LHF’ is an abbreviation of ‘Left Hand Facing’ Corner Sofa. ‘RHF’ means ‘Right Hand Facing’ Corner Sofa. Here’s the important bit: when you’re looking at the sofa front on (not from a sitting position) the LHF or RHF refers to the longest piece of the sofa.

Do corner sofas save space?

Do corner sofas save space? … A key benefit of corner sofas is that they provide ample seating for family and friends and take up less floor area than, say, a couple of two-seaters and a recliner. That gap between furniture items can certainly rob us of valuable space and prove to be damaging to our poor shins and toes!

Article first time published on

What are the pieces of a sectional called?

The majority of our sectional sofas have two parts – a sofa portion and a chaise portion. The chaise portion is the part of the sectional that sticks out into the room and allows you to stretch out your legs.

What is chaise in sofa?

The name is simply French for ‘long chair’ and essentially that is all a chaise longue is: a chair with a seat long enough to support the legs of the person sitting on it, so that it becomes a cross between a chair, a sofa and a daybed.

How are sectional sofas measured?

  1. Height 38-inches means 38 inches from the sectional base to the top of the back.
  2. Width 117-inches means 117 inches wide from right arm to left arm, including all sectional pieces between.
  3. Depth 88-inches means 88 inches from the front-facing edge to the back side of the sectional.

How do you know if a sectional is good quality?

Design is important because you want the sectional to fit your space, but to identify a high-quality sectional, ask how it’s made. The frame, cushions, spring system and upholstery indicate the sofa’s level of quality and durability.

Should Sectionals be against the wall?

The most common placement for a regular sofa is against the wall, but this doesn’t have to be the case for a sectional. If you can spare the real estate, floating the extended arm—or the entire piece—out in the middle of a room is a great way to visually mix things up.

How long should a sectional last?

There is an appropriate mid-ground between the two. The average life of a sofa purchased today is seven to 15 years, but there are six warning signs before the arms fall off that it might just be time to start looking for a replacement.

What is the side of the couch called?

Sofa Arms. The arms define the ends of a sofa and play a critical role in the overall look and function of the piece. English arm: An English arm is low and is set back from the front edge of the seat.

What's the difference between an ottoman and a chaise?

That said, front-facing chaises have a cleaner, more unified look than you’d get from a chair with a separate ottoman, and are less prone to slipping. On the other hand, a sideways facing chaise lounge is more like a traditional sofa, but with a single large, curved arm instead of one on each side.

What is an L Couch called?

When the term “sectional sofa” comes up, most people immediately picture a huge L-shaped couch that takes up most of the living room.

Does a corner sofa have to go in a corner?

There’s no rule to say a corner sofa needs to live in the corner! It can easily be featured in the middle of a room, in between two rooms or across a room. Corner sofas can work great in the middle of your room or to one side.

Do L shaped sofas come apart?

Yes! Sectional sofas come apart. How easily, or challenging it is to get them to come apart, however, depends on the kind of sectional sofa set-up you have.

How does reversible chaise work?

How Does A Reversible Chaise Sofa Work? … The basic idea is that these shape-shifting sofas allow you change the placement of the long chaise cushion. It can go on either the right hand side or the left hand side depending on your preference.

How long should a sofa last?

Sofas: Consider replacing your sofa before the seats start sagging to the point of not supporting you, the fabric has become stained and worn, and the frame is breaking down or squeaking. How long should a couch last? On average, a typical sofa lasts between 7 and 15 years.

Which sofa is best for small living room?

  • 1 Small Sectional Sofa. IKEA. …
  • 2 Small Modern Loveseat. Stone & Beam. …
  • 3 Petite Armless Settee. $1,045 AT ONE KINGS LANE. …
  • Best Value. Small Rolled Arm Sofa. …
  • 5 Small Tufted Loveseat. …
  • 6 Small Tight-Back Lawson Sofa. …
  • 7 Small Daybed-Style Sofa. …
  • Most Extra Features.

Is L shape sofa good for small living room?

Although an L-shaped couch may appear to be bulky and big, it’s the most suitable option for a small living room as it provides more seating within the limited space. … The design of the sofa makes it a comfortable day bed. At a pinch, one can even use it as an extra bed to accommodate unexpected guests.

Can you add an arm to a sectional?

Spare arms can be added to break your existing Sofa or Sectional into two: The options are endless.

How do you arrange a sectional couch?

  1. Place it Across from the Focal Point. Ideally, living room sectionals should be placed on the opposite side of the room from the main focal point. …
  2. Don’t Block Windows and Doors. …
  3. Decide on a Style. …
  4. Make the Living Room Complete with Finishing Touches.

What is Chase in sofa?

A usually upholstered reclining chair with a long seat that supports the outstretched legs. [French : chaise, chair + longue, long.]

Which side should the chaise be on?

A good rule of thumb is to place the chaise on the side with the least amount of traffic. Note: When a piece is labeled as right arm facing (RAF), it means the arm is on your right as you are looking at it. If a piece is labeled as left arm facing (LAF), the arm is on your left as you are looking at it.

What is a backless couch called?

Generally, backless sofas are called one of two things: a recamier or a divan. A recamier is a little more refined than a divan, with a scrolled headrest and footrest that makes it similar in appearance to a chaise.

How do I choose a sectional size?

A general rule of thumb is that your sofa should not occupy the entire length of a wall. There should be at least 18 inches of space on either side of the sofa. If you want a sectional with a chaise, then the long chaise portion should not extend more than halfway across the room.