Sectional Sofas Explained – What Does LAF & RAF Mean?

Sectional Sofas Explained – Understanding Left Arm Facing (LAF) and Right Arm Facing (RAF) When Choosing your next Sectional Sofa

Shopping for a sectional sofa can be an exciting yet sometimes confusing experience, especially when you come across terms like Left Arm Facing (LAF) and Right Arm Facing (RAF). If you’ve ever wondered what these terms mean and how they affect your sectional configuration, this guide will help you make the right choice for your space.

What Do LAF and RAF Mean?

LAF and RAF refer to the orientation of a sectional piece when you are facing the furniture—not sitting on it. Here’s how to distinguish between the two:

Left Arm Facing (LAF): When you stand in front of the sectional and look at it, if the armrest is on your left-hand side, it is a Left Arm Facing piece.

Right Arm Facing (RAF): When you stand in front of the sectional and look at it, if the armrest is on your right-hand side, it is a Right Arm Facing piece.

These terms are important because sectionals come in multiple configurations, and choosing the wrong one can result in a piece that doesn’t fit your space properly.

Why Does It Matter?

Selecting the correct facing ensures that your sectional sofa fits well within your room layout. Consider the following when deciding between LAF and RAF:

• Room Layout: Think about the flow of traffic in the room and where the sectional will be placed. You want to ensure that the extended portion of the sectional doesn’t block entryways or disrupt the natural movement of the space.
• Existing Furniture: Consider how the sectional will work with other furniture in the room. Will the placement of a chaise or extended portion fit well with coffee tables, side tables, or media consoles?
• Functionality: If you plan to use the sectional for lounging, reclining, or entertaining, make sure that the configuration supports how you intend to use the space.

How to Avoid Mistakes When Ordering

Check the Product Description Carefully – Some retailers may use mirrored images for their products, so always read the description to confirm whether it’s LAF or RAF.

Measure Your Space – Use painter’s tape or furniture layout apps to visualize how the sectional will fit in your room.

Consult with a Sales Associate – If you’re unsure, give us a call, we’d be happy to help guide you with which configuration best suits your layout.

Let’s look at some visual examples…

Above is a four piece sectional includes the following components:

• LAF (left-hand facing) Chaise
• Armless Loveseat
• Armless Corner
• RAF (right-hand facing) Loveseat

And above here is a two piece sectional with sleeper sofa and storage feature;

• LAF (left-hand facing) Loveseat Sleeper
• RAF (right-hand facing) Storage Chaise

Let’s Recap

We hope this Sectional Sofas Explained article helps give you some key considerations to keep in mind while shopping for your next sectional sofa. Knowing these important details can help you make a confident purchase so you can enjoy a comfortable, well-arranged space. Feel free to browse our sectionals online or stop by our Seattle showroom and test a wide selection of sectional sofas in person!