A chaise sofa is a sofa with one seat extended forwards into a long, footstool style section so you can sit with your legs stretched out. Most are three seaters measuring roughly two to three metres wide, with a chaise depth of around one and a half metres. They come in fixed left or right hand versions or with a reversible chaise, and in finishes ranging from textured fabric and velvet to leather. Choosing well comes down to three things: the size of your room, which side the chaise needs to be on and how hard wearing the finish has to be.
This guide explains each of those decisions in plain terms, with practical tips for measuring and choosing a style that will suit your space for years. Because chaise designs share much of their engineering with L shaped seating, you will find many of ours in the modern corner sofas UK range.
The word chaise comes from the French chaise longue, meaning long chair. A chaise sofa combines a standard sofa with this elongated seat at one end. Unlike a corner sofa, which has two full backs meeting at a right angle, a chaise sofa has a back along one side only. The chaise section has no back of its own beyond the main sofa back, so the room feels more open.
That openness is the main appeal. You get the stretch out comfort of a corner sofa in a smaller footprint, with fewer seats facing in different directions. For couples and small families, a chaise sofa often provides exactly the right amount of seating. You can compare chaise and standard shapes across our full modern sofas UK sale collection.
Sizes vary between designs, but most fall into a few broad groups:
Two measurements matter most. The overall width tells you how much wall the sofa needs. The chaise depth, measured from the back of the sofa to the front of the chaise, tells you how far it will project into the room.
Many chaise sofas arrive in separate sections, which is a real help for older homes with narrow hallways and tight staircases.
Chaise orientation causes more confusion than anything else. Manufacturers usually describe the side as you face the sofa. A left hand chaise has the long section on your left when you stand looking at the front of the sofa. A right hand chaise has it on your right. Always check the product description, as conventions can vary.
A reversible chaise removes the risk. Its chaise cushion and base can swap sides, sometimes with nothing more than moving cushions and a footstool section. This is worth considering if you rent, expect to move or like to rearrange the room.
When deciding which side the chaise should be on, think about how the room is used. The chaise is usually best placed away from the door so it does not block the route in. It also works well facing a window, a fireplace or the television.
Clean lines, square or slim track arms, raised legs and fitted back cushions. Contemporary chaise sofas suit modern homes and look tidy in open plan spaces.
Soft scatter back cushions, deep seats and rounded arms. These designs feel informal and sink in comfortable, and they suit family rooms and cosy snugs.
Low backs and wide, deep seats inspired by modernist design. They make a room feel spacious, especially under lower ceilings.
Some chaise sofas include reclining seats on the main section, combining two ways to put your feet up. These are usually upholstered in leather or a durable fabric.
Certain chaise designs hide a pull out bed or include storage beneath the chaise. A useful option for homes without a spare room.
Woven textures, chenille and tweed effect fabrics are warm, forgiving and practical. They hide minor marks well and suit almost any interior. Look for a strong rub count if the sofa will see daily family use.
Velvet brings deep colour and a soft sheen. Modern polyester velvets are more durable than many expect and are easy to vacuum. Velvet works especially well on curved or contemporary chaise shapes.
Bouclé has a looped, tactile surface that has become a favourite in modern interiors. It looks wonderful in creams and oatmeals, though loops can catch on pet claws.
Leather chaise sofas are hard wearing, easy to wipe and improve with age. They suit busy homes with children or dogs, and they pair well with industrial and classic styles. Our modern corner leather sofas UK include chaise and L shaped options in a range of colours.
Seat depth affects how you sit. Deeper seats suit curling up but may be less comfortable for shorter people sitting upright. The chaise length should comfortably support your legs. Taller people should check the chaise depth against their own leg length.
Cushion filling also matters. Foam wrapped in fibre holds its shape and needs little attention. Feather and fibre blends feel softer and more relaxed, though they need regular plumping. Pocket sprung seat cushions offer lasting support.
Finally, consider arm height. Low arms make a room feel open and give a modern look. Higher arms are more comfortable for resting your head when you lie down on the main seats.
Because the chaise already provides a place to put your feet up, you may not need a footstool in front of it. However, a footstool beside the main seats can give other family members the same comfort and doubles as extra seating when guests arrive. Our modern footstools UK come in finishes to match or contrast with your sofa.
A coffee table should be placed within easy reach of the main seats. A rectangular table often suits a chaise layout better than a round one, because it mirrors the line of the chaise. Our guide to coordinating corner sofas and coffee tables in UK living rooms explains proportions and spacing in detail.
If you are buying online and want to understand delivery sizes, assembly and section dimensions, our guide to buying corner sofa sets online in the UK covers the practical steps.
The chaise takes extra weight and is often where people sit sideways, so rotate and plump its cushion regularly. Vacuum fabric weekly with a soft brush. Wipe leather with a slightly damp cloth and condition it a few times a year. Keep the sofa out of direct sunlight where possible, and leave a gap between it and any radiator.
A chaise sofa gives you relaxed, stretch out comfort without taking over the room. Measure carefully, decide on the chaise side early and choose a finish that matches your household. You can explore our full collection of sofas and living room furniture at Furniture in Fashion, where Returns are available up to 30 days.
A corner sofa has two backs meeting at a right angle and seats along both sides. A chaise sofa has one back, with an extended seat at one end. Chaise sofas take up less visual space.
Stand facing where the sofa will go. If you want the chaise on your left, choose left hand; on your right, choose right hand. Always confirm how the retailer describes orientation.
Yes. A compact two seater with a short chaise can fit well in a small room. Raised legs and slim arms help it feel lighter.
A well made reversible chaise is just as sturdy. The difference is usually in how the chaise section attaches, so check the construction details.
Leave enough room to walk comfortably past the chaise end, usually around sixty to ninety centimetres, and allow space for a coffee table in front of the main seats.
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