A left vs right facing sectional comes down to one thing: which side the chaise or long section sits on when you stand in front of the sofa and look at it. If the chaise is on your left, it is left-facing (LAF). If it is on your right, it is right-facing (RAF). Order the wrong one and you get the mirror image of the layout you planned, so it is worth getting this right before you pay.
What LAF and RAF mean
LAF stands for left arm facing and RAF for right arm facing. Retailers read the sofa from the front, the way you would see it standing in the room. Koala puts it simply: stand in front of the sofa and face it, then look for the chaise. Left of you is left-facing, right of you is right-facing.
The common mistake is imagining yourself sitting on the sofa, which flips left and right. Always judge from the front. Wording also varies by brand. Our Rove Concepts Porter Left Arm Chaise is described on its listing as the Porter Left Facing Chaise, so “arm” and “facing” are used interchangeably. When a listing is unclear, call us and we will confirm.
How to decide which side the chaise should be on
If you are asking which side the chaise should be on, work through the room rather than guessing. Start with where people walk and where the sofa sits, then check these points.
- Doors and walkways: keep the chaise end away from the main path. A chaise sticking into a doorway swing or a hallway entrance becomes a shin hazard.
- TV and focal point: the chaise is the best lounging seat, so most people place it where the TV, fireplace or view is easiest to see with feet up.
- Windows and light: a chaise under a window is cozy for reading, but check that the window sill, radiator or vent will not collide with the back or arm.
- Walls and corners: the long side of the sectional runs along a wall in most layouts. Decide which wall is the long one, then see where the chaise ends up.
- Traffic to the rest of the room: leave a clear path around the chaise end to a side table, lamp or other seating.
A quick test: lay painter’s tape on the floor in the sectional’s footprint, mark the chaise end, and walk through the room. If the tape blocks a door or the TV sightline, flip it to the other side. For overall footprint and sizing, see our sectional sofa dimensions guide, which we will not repeat here.
Reversible chaise and modular sectional options
Not every sectional locks you into a side. A reversible chaise sectional lets you move the chaise to either end, which helps if you move or rearrange later. A modular sectional goes further: it is built from separate pieces, so left and right versions are simply different arrangements. Our comparison of a modular sectional vs regular sectional covers the trade-offs. If space is tight, see curved sectionals for small spaces.
Rove Concepts sells its Porter and Dresden lines as separate left and right chaise pieces that combine with other modules. Browse the full range on our Rove Concepts brand page, or read our Dresden sectional review. Check each listing to confirm whether a piece is sold as a single chaise or a full set.
Left and right facing sectionals compared
The table lists real left and right versions we sell. Prices and dimensions come from each listing, and the mirror versions share a price unless noted.
| Model | Left version | Right version | Price | Listed size (W x D x H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rove Concepts Porter Chaise (single piece) | Left | Right | $1,903.00 | 42 x 69.5 x 25 in |
| Rove Concepts Dresden Chaise with Armrest (single piece) | Left | Right | $2,239.00 | 57.1 x 49.6 x 24.17 in |
| Benson Tan Leather Sectional (seats 3) | Left | Right | $2,734.99 | Call to confirm (see below) |
| London Leather Sectional (seats 4) | Left, $3,066.99 | Right, $2,922.99 | See each | Left 82 x 97 x 33 in; right 83.1 x 99.4 x 32.9 in |
Notice the listing quirks. The Benson shows two different size sets in its description (23.5 x 65 x 35 in assembled size and 97.4 W x 85.8 D x 32.5 H in product dimension), and the London left and right versions list slightly different sizes even though they are mirror layouts. Call us at 866-777-2590 for the true footprint before you plan the room around either one. The Rove pieces are single chaise modules, so you add seating pieces to build the full sectional, and their listings say measurements can vary up to 2 inches.
How to order the right side
- Stand where the TV or focal point is and picture the sectional facing you in its final spot. Note which side the chaise needs to be on.
- Match your viewpoint to the retailer’s. Facing the sofa, left means left. Compare against the product title and description, not just the photo.
- Check the module list. For modular sets, confirm the chaise is included and which end it attaches to.
- Measure doors, stairs and halls for delivery, not only the final spot.
- Confirm with us before you pay. Send us the listing and your floor plan, or call 866-777-2590 (Mon to Fri, 9AM to 6PM PST).
Shipping is free freight on orders of $999 or more and $200 flat below that. Read our return and refund policy before ordering large furniture, and ask about the specific item.
Custom orders and returns
If you order from Rove Concepts, note that its refund policy says custom orders, final sale items and part orders cannot be returned or refunded, and returns otherwise must be in original packaging and like-new condition. Its store policy lists lead times for custom orders and notes that a custom order cannot be cancelled once it is in production. Choosing the wrong side on a built-to-order piece can therefore be costly, so double check before you place it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between left arm facing and right arm facing?
Left arm facing means the chaise or open end sits on your left when you face the sofa from the front. Right arm facing is the reverse. They are mirror images and do not swap by flipping a cushion.
What does LAF vs RAF sectional mean on a listing?
LAF is left arm facing and RAF is right arm facing. Some listings spell it out as left facing chaise or right facing chaise, as our Benson and London sectionals do. Always read the whole title.
Which side should the chaise be on?
Put it where it will not block a door or main walkway and where the lounger has the best view of the TV or window. Tape out the footprint on your floor to test both sides.
Is there a reversible chaise sectional?
Some sectionals have a chaise that can move to either end, and modular systems let you rebuild the layout. Check the specific product listing or call us to confirm, since not every sectional is reversible.
Can I return a sectional if I ordered the wrong side?
It depends on the item and brand. Custom and built-to-order pieces may not be returnable, so confirm the side first and review our return policy or ask us about the item.
Not sure which side suits your room? Send us your layout or call 866-777-2590 and we will help you pick before you order. For more tips on buying furniture online, see our designer furniture buying guide.
