Sofa with Chaise Longue: Complete Buying and Styling Guide

Sofa with Chaise Longue: Complete Buying and Styling Guide

A sofa with a chaise longue — also called a sofa with longchair, a corner sofa with extension, or simply a chaise sofa — combines the seating capacity of a standard sofa with the lounging comfort of a chaise, all in a single piece of furniture. It is one of the most popular sofa configurations in European homes, and for good reason: it provides the ability to fully stretch out and lie down in the sitting room without requiring a separate lounger or ottoman. This guide covers everything you need to know: the different chaise configurations available, how to measure for one, how to position it, and how to style it.

Types of Chaise Sofa Configuration

The chaise element can be attached to the sofa in several different ways. Left-hand chaise (LHF): the chaise is on your left when you are seated facing the sofa. Right-hand chaise (RHF): the chaise is on your right when seated facing the sofa. Determining which side suits your room depends on the room's layout — the chaise should point toward the room's open space, not toward a wall or doorway. Corner sofa with longchair: the chaise is integrated as part of an L-shaped corner configuration, where one run ends in an extended seat/longchair. 3-seater plus longchair: the most common configuration — a full three-seater sofa section plus an attached chaise, giving roughly the footprint of a large corner sofa but with a full seated section on one side. Always check which orientation the chaise is on before purchasing — this is the most common buying mistake.

Merlot Modular Corner Sofa + Longchair — from EUR 1,490
The Merlot corner with longchair is one of the most complete sofa configurations available: the high armrests on the main seating section create a well-defined seated space, while the longchair end provides the all-important ability to stretch out fully. The modular construction means the longchair can be positioned on either side, making it adaptable to different room layouts.

Malbec Modular Sofa + Longchair — from EUR 1,290
The Malbec's 3-seater plus longchair configuration provides the optimal balance between seated capacity and lounging comfort. Three full-size adults can sit comfortably across the sofa run while the longchair provides an ideal reading and lounging position. The deep, moody Malbec colour makes this configuration feel particularly luxurious and enveloping.

How to Measure Your Room for a Chaise Sofa

Measuring for a chaise sofa requires more careful planning than a standard sofa because of the additional depth the chaise adds. Key measurements: overall width (the length of the main sofa run), overall depth (the total depth from the back of the sofa to the front of the chaise), chaise depth (the depth of the chaise section specifically — typically 100–130cm), and chaise width (the width of the chaise section — typically 80–110cm). Leave a minimum of 80cm of walking clearance around all sides of the sofa. Ensure the chaise does not project into a circulation route — it should face toward the room's open space. Confirm the sofa can be physically delivered: individual sections of a modular chaise sofa can typically be brought through standard doorways and assembled in the room.

How to Position a Chaise Sofa

The orientation of the chaise in the room is the most important positioning decision. In most rooms, the chaise works best when pointing toward the television or the room's focal feature — the person lounging on the chaise should be facing the television or fireplace naturally. In an open plan space, the chaise can point toward the kitchen/dining area, allowing the person using it to remain engaged with the room. The chaise end can also be positioned near a window for a particularly pleasant reading and relaxation corner — natural light falls on the person using the chaise from the side rather than behind. Avoid placing the chaise against a wall — the chaise footrest/end needs clear access from both sides for comfortable use.

Styling a Chaise Sofa

The chaise section of a sofa is typically used for lounging, so it needs to be styled for that use: a lightweight throw within reach (for pulling over oneself while lying down), a few cushions at the junction between the chaise and main sofa, and good lighting from a floor lamp positioned at the chaise end. Avoid loading the chaise with too many cushions — people need to be able to lie down on it easily. One or two cushions at the back junction is sufficient. A small side table or nesting tables near the chaise end — within reach of someone lying down — is an extremely practical addition for drinks, books, and phones.