A fabric chaise sofa is a sofa with one extended seat, called the chaise, that lets you sit with your legs stretched out. Chaise sofas usually come as a three or four seater with the chaise on the left or right, and many have a reversible chaise that can be swapped to either side. They are available in compact sizes for flats as well as larger family sizes, in styles ranging from tailored modern to relaxed and deep, and in finishes such as textured weave, chenille, velvet and boucle.
Many of the chaise designs we offer sit within our corner fabric sofas UK range, as a chaise often forms a short return similar to an L shaped corner. This guide explains sizes, styles and finishes so you can understand the options and choose with confidence.
The word chaise comes from the French chaise longue, meaning long chair. On a sofa, it refers to a seat that is deeper than the others, extending forward so one person can recline with their legs up. Unlike a full corner sofa, which has seating along two walls, a chaise sofa has one main run of seats with the extended section at one end.
This makes it more compact than a corner sofa while still offering room to stretch out. It is a popular solution for UK living rooms that cannot accommodate a full L shape but need more than a standard three seater. You can compare chaise designs with other shapes across our main modern sofas UK sale collection.
Chaise sofas are described as left hand facing or right hand facing. This refers to the side the chaise sits on when you are standing in front of the sofa, looking at it. Terminology can vary between retailers, so always check the product images and description carefully.
A reversible chaise can be moved to either side. Usually the chaise seat cushion and a separate footstool section can be swapped, or the chaise unit itself attaches with brackets on either end. This is valuable if you are unsure of your final layout or expect to move home, as UK rooms vary widely in shape.
A fixed chaise is built into the frame. It may look slightly more seamless, but you need to be certain of placement before choosing.
Chaise sofas are generally measured by total width, overall depth and chaise depth. Exact figures vary by design, so always check individual dimensions, but the categories below give a helpful guide.
These are typically based on a three seater width with a shorter chaise. They suit flats, terraced house lounges and rooms with limited floor space. Look for slim arms and raised legs to keep the footprint visually light.
Usually a generous three seater or a three and a half seater with a full length chaise. These suit average sized family living rooms and offer room for two or three people to sit with one person reclining.
Four seater designs with a long, deep chaise. These suit open plan spaces and larger lounges, providing plenty of seating for families who like to gather on the sofa together.
Measure the full width of the wall where the sofa will sit, then the depth available from the wall to any coffee table, walkway or doorway. The chaise depth is the key measurement here, as it decides how far the sofa projects into the room.
Mark the outline on the floor with masking tape and walk around it. You should be able to move comfortably between the chaise and other furniture. Check access routes, including front doors, hallways and stair turns. Many chaise sofas arrive in sections, which helps in homes with narrow entrances.
Clean lines, tight or neatly fitted back cushions, slim arms and slender legs. This style suits contemporary flats and minimalist living rooms. It looks crisp and keeps the room feeling ordered.
Deep seats, loose scatter back cushions and wide arms. This style suits family homes and anyone who likes to curl up. It feels casual and inviting, though it needs more space.
Low backs, tapered wooden legs and buttoned or channelled detailing. This style suits period conversions and homes with retro or Scandinavian influences.
Built from separate units that can be rearranged. Modular designs can switch between a chaise sofa and a corner sofa, offering long term flexibility.
Some chaise sofas include a pull out bed or a storage compartment beneath the chaise. These suit homes without a spare room or with limited cupboard space.
Flecked or patterned weaves hide everyday marks and wear evenly. They suit busy households and relaxed interiors.
Soft and slightly fuzzy, chenille feels warm and inviting. It hides minor marks and is a dependable choice for family sofas.
Dense, smooth and rich, velvet gives colours depth and a subtle sheen. It resists snagging but shows pressure marks where people sit, which can be brushed back.
Looped and sculptural, boucle highlights the shape of a sofa. It is tactile and cosy but can snag with pets.
Soft and matte with a gentle nap, brushed fabric feels smooth and warm. It suits modern and relaxed interiors.
Legs affect how a chaise sofa looks and how large it appears. Raised wooden legs in oak or walnut tones feel warm and natural. Black or brass metal legs suit modern and industrial schemes. Low plinth bases sit close to the floor and look solid, though they can make a sofa appear heavier.
Visible floor beneath the sofa makes a room feel more spacious, so raised legs are helpful in compact lounges. Plinth bases suit larger rooms where the sofa is meant to anchor the space.
If your room is awkwardly shaped, a separate chaise longue paired with a standard sofa may be more flexible. Our lounge chaise chairs UK collection includes designs that can sit by a window or in an alcove. An attached chaise suits rooms where you want one cohesive seating zone.
Position the chaise end away from the main walkway, so it does not obstruct movement. In open plan spaces, the back of a chaise sofa can help divide the living area from a kitchen or dining zone.
Choose a coffee table that can be reached comfortably from both the main seats and the chaise. Round or oval tables work well, as they soften the angles and are easier to walk around. Our modern coffee tables UK sale range includes shapes and sizes that pair well with chaise designs.
For layout and coordination ideas, our article on pairing corner sofas and coffee tables in UK living rooms offers useful guidance. If you are still deciding on a shape, our guide to buying a corner sofa set online in the UK explains the key checks to make before ordering.
The chaise is designed for reclining, so its comfort deserves particular attention. A firm, well supported chaise cushion keeps legs level and prevents the seat from sagging where people lie most often. Softer cushions feel inviting at first but may lose shape more quickly with heavy use.
Foam cushions wrapped in fibre offer a balance of support and softness. Feather or fibre filled cushions feel relaxed and sink comfortably, but need regular plumping. Pocket sprung seats hold their shape well and suit sofas used every day. If several people in the household like to use the chaise, choose a supportive filling that will cope with frequent use and recover between sittings.
The chaise usually takes the most wear, as it is often the first seat people choose. Plump and rotate cushions regularly. If your chaise is reversible, swapping sides occasionally helps cushions settle evenly. Vacuum weekly with a soft brush attachment and blot spills straight away. Keep the sofa out of strong direct sun where possible and away from radiators.
When you are ready to compare sizes, styles and finishes, you can explore the full collection at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes. Returns are available up to 30 days.
A chaise sofa has one main run of seats with an extended seat at one end. A corner sofa has seating along two sides, forming an L shape.
Stand facing where the sofa will go and decide which side the chaise should sit on. Check the retailer’s definition, as terminology can vary.
Yes. Compact chaise sofas with slim arms and raised legs are designed for smaller rooms. Measure carefully and mark the outline on the floor first.
Textured weaves and chenille are practical for busy homes, as they hide marks and wear evenly.
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