LHF vs RHF Sofa — Left-Hand Facing vs Right-Hand Facing Explained
LHF and RHF are the two most searched sofa terms that most buyers don’t fully understand before ordering — and getting them confused is the most expensive mistake in sofa buying. A corner sofa delivered in the wrong configuration cannot be reversed. This guide gives you the definitive explanation and a foolproof method for determining which you need.
The Correct Definition of LHF and RHF
LHF stands for Left Hand Facing. RHF stands for Right Hand Facing. Both terms describe the position of the chaise or longer section of the sofa — and crucially, they describe it from the perspective of a person seated on the sofa looking into the room.
LHF (Left Hand Facing): When you are seated on the sofa looking towards the room, the chaise or longer section is on your left. RHF (Right Hand Facing): When you are seated on the sofa looking towards the room, the chaise or longer section is on your right.
This is the correct UK industry definition. Some retailers define it differently — from the perspective of someone standing and looking at the sofa from outside. This inconsistency causes significant confusion. When in doubt, confirm the definition with the retailer before ordering.
Why This Matters More Than It Sounds
A corner sofa is not symmetrical. The chaise end — the longer section — is a fixed structural element, not a cushion you can move. If your room requires the chaise on the left and you order RHF, you receive a sofa that either blocks your walkway, sits awkwardly in the corner, or simply doesn’t fit your room layout.
Because our sofas are made to order, a configuration error discovered after production cannot be corrected by swapping a component. The sofa would need to be remade. Getting LHF vs RHF right before ordering is not a minor detail — it is one of the most important decisions in the ordering process.
The Foolproof Method — How to Determine LHF or RHF
Follow these four steps and you will never get this wrong.
Step 1: Stand in the doorway of the room looking towards the corner where the sofa will sit.
Step 2: Identify the two walls the sofa will sit against. One wall will be longer or have more free space — this is where the chaise should go.
Step 3: Now mentally sit on the sofa in its final position, looking away from the walls into the room. Which side is the longer wall on from this seated position?
Step 4: If the longer wall is on your left when seated, order LHF. If it’s on your right when seated, order RHF.
The Tape Trick — Visualise Before You Order
If you’re still uncertain, use masking tape on your floor to mark the exact footprint of the sofa. Mark both sections of the L-shape. Stand next to the tape as if seated on the sofa, looking into the room. Which side is the longer section on? That’s your configuration.
Photograph the taped layout from the doorway. Compare it to product images on our website with LHF and RHF variants shown. The visual match will confirm your choice.
Which Is More Popular — LHF or RHF?
RHF is marginally more common in UK homes — approximately 55% of orders versus 45% LHF. This reflects the most common UK living room layout where the longer wall tends to run to the right of the main entrance. However, the right choice depends entirely on your specific room. Never order the more popular option — order the correct one for your layout.
Open-End vs Closed-End Corner Sofas
Some corner sofa models are available in both open-end and closed-end configurations. An open-end chaise has no armrest at the far end — the chaise terminates without a side panel. A closed-end chaise has a low armrest or panel at the far end.
Open-end is more versatile — it allows people to sit sideways on the chaise without obstruction, and the sofa can be positioned with the chaise end slightly away from the wall without looking unfinished. Closed-end gives a more formal, contained appearance and suits rooms where the chaise end is visible from multiple angles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LHF mean on a sofa? Left Hand Facing — the chaise or longer section is on your left when you are seated on the sofa looking into the room.
How do I know if I need LHF or RHF? Mentally sit on the sofa in its intended position looking into the room. The wall with more space should be on the same side as the chaise. If that wall is on your left, order LHF. If it’s on your right, order RHF.
Can I change LHF to RHF after ordering? Not with a made-to-order sofa once production has begun. This is why confirming configuration before ordering is essential.
Is LHF or RHF more popular? RHF is slightly more common at approximately 55% of orders. But the right choice is entirely determined by your room layout — never choose by popularity.
Does every corner sofa come in both LHF and RHF? Yes — every model in our range is available in both configurations at no price difference.
See the Which? sofa guide. Browse our range from £999 with white glove delivery to your room.
