Having ample space outside can be stressful because the lack of furniture can make it look bare.
And while you can buy multiple furniture pieces to fill the area, I’ve always found it easier to use sectional sofas. Plants and decorative items can also fill empty spots, but having a sofa is more practical.
Recently, my old friend Abbie came over, and we started to talk about sectional sofas. She was admiring the one I had on the patio, but then she asked me something very interesting. She wanted to know how I can differentiate left from right when it comes to a sectional sofa. And even though the answer seemed obvious to me, I wondered if other people have this in their minds too.
Hi! I’m Stacy, and if you have been putting off buying a sectional because the directions of the sofa seem complicated to understand, you’re in the right place. After my talk with Abbie, I took a moment to write this guide. If you wonder how to tell if outdoor sectional is right or left facing, this will make it easier.
How To Tell If Outdoor Sectional Is Right Or Left Facing
Patio Sets Vs. Sectional Sofas
Before venturing into the world of sectional sofas, let’s talk about another type of outdoor furniture. If you are thinking patio sets and sectional sofas are interchangeable terms, that is not the case. Even though both can be used for patios (and other outdoor spaces), a patio set usually includes tables, chairs, and other decors.
On the other hand, a sectional sofa is just the sofa, and the other parts have to be purchased separately. While you can have a matching set of furniture by getting a patio set with the sofa, if mix-n-match is more your style, I suggest getting only the sectional.
Why Sectional Sofas?
I often get this question and was asked by Abbie as well. No matter how big or small any area of the house is, a sectional sofa can help. Not only does it fill up the space, especially the corners of a room, it also adds more seating without the need for multiple furniture pieces.
There are many layouts of sectional sofas to choose from, but my personal favorites are the L-shaped and chaise sofas. Some models of the latter type have a part that detaches, so it is easier to move and redecorate. Overall, they are pretty comfortable, stylish, and great for big families or people who like to have guests over frequently.
Sectional Configuration
As I mentioned above, certain styles of sectional sofas have detachable parts. Usually, there are two or more, giving you enough versatility and flexibility to decorate. Most of the L shaped sofas include a three cushion sofa and a two cushion loveseat that extends forward.
Chaise sectional sofas include an ottoman that extends and can often be detached from the sofa. However, it is crucial to know which side these sofas are facing for accurate placement. Left-arm facing (LAF) and right-arm facing (RAF) are terms used to determine which side the extended bit is on when you face it.
Left Vs. Right - How To Tell The Difference?
It was the configuration of the sofas that got Abbie confused. She said she didn’t understand the difference, especially if the extended bits had a backrest. For her, it just looks like one long sofa. While this is understandable, it is crucial to know the difference since it helps decorate the room.
Since most sectional sofas are massive, it is vital to know if it is RAF or LAF since it can help manage the traffic in the room. Imagine having people at home and everyone walking around the sofa to sit on it because the extended part is blocking the direct pathway.
It is best to know which side it faces and place it accordingly for a better look and an effortless flow of movement. Now, telling the difference between the two is easy. All you have to do is see which side the extension is jutting out of. It is important that you stand and face the sofa for this instead of sitting on it and facing forward.
For most chaise-styled sectionals, one part will have no back, so it is easy to tell which bit is jutting out. When facing it, notice which side the extended part is at, and that should tell you if it is LAF or RAF. If it is a detachable ottoman, that makes it even easier.
For L-shaped styles, usually, a three-cushion sofa is attached to a two cushion loveseat, and they look like two sofas merged into one. It can get confusing in such cases, so the best bet will be to face the sofa first. Whichever side the loveseat extends to is the answer to your question.
- 【Customize Your Space】This 7-piece modular patio sectional sofa includes 4 single chairs, 2 corner chairs, 1 coffee table and 14 cushions. It can be arranged into L-shaped, U-shaped or separate seating to fit various outdoor areas.
- 【Robust & Reliable】Each seat in this wicker outdoor sectional supports up to 330 lbs. The tempered glass table has a 66-lb capacity, and adjustable feet level the outdoor patio sectional sofa on uneven ground for enhanced stability.
- 【Comfortable Cushions】Ideal for lounging on your modular outdoor sectional, our 2.8-inch thick sandwich seat cushions feature flat fiber padding on top and bottom, paired with a high-density foam core for superior support and weight distribution—making your rattan patio sofa a welcoming spot to relax.
- All-Weather Durability & Cloud-Like Comfort: Expertly crafted from high-density, lightweight PE rattan wicker wrapped around a heavy-duty powder-coated steel frame, this patio set offers superior resistance against rust, corrosion, and fading. The thickened, high-resilience cushions provide optimal ergonomic support, allowing you to unwind in total relaxation whether you are hosting guests or enjoying a quiet afternoon outdoors
- Versatile Modular Design & Stable Placement: Tailor your outdoor space with flexible configuration options that adapt seamlessly to any patio layout or geography. Secure sectional clips keep the sofa firmly connected, while integrated fastening strips and Velcro tapes prevent cushions from sliding during use. Equipped with L-shaped feet and adjustable leveling screws, the set maintains perfect stability on uneven terrains like grass, decks, or concrete
- Effortless Maintenance & Removable Covers: Designed for busy lifestyles, the tempered glass coffee table top wipes clean in seconds. The zippered cushion covers are fully removable and machine-washable, making long-term care hassle-free. *Note: Cushions are water-resistant, not waterproof. To maximize lifespan, we recommend covering the furniture or storing cushions indoors during heavy rain or extended periods of non-use
Things To Remember
If you do not want to deal with the LAF and RAF confusion, I suggest getting a reversible sectional sofa. These are much like the L-shaped and chaise sofas, but the part that juts out is detachable, and the sofas can alternate between LAF and RAF.
In the case of L-shaped sofas, it is necessary to have the correct dimensions. Since the loveseat that extends cannot move, you will want to buy a sectional that can fully accommodate one adult. If you are tall, make sure it fits the whole body when you lie down. Dangling feet is not a good sign of a suitable sofa set.
Final Words
Besides telling Abbie the difference between LAF and RAF, I also told her to keep in mind the floor plan. Having proper measurements before picking out a sectional is crucial so that there is no room for confusion later.
And on that note, I shall take your leave. I hope these tips have been as helpful to you as they were for Abbie. I’ll be back soon with more guides.
See you next time!