Finding the best leather sofa is a deceptively daunting task. Maybe it’s us, but when we think of leather furniture or hear the phrase “leather sofa,” the first thing that flashes in our minds is a black, oversized monstrosity (probably L-shaped!) with sad, floppy pads as armrests. Or there’s the traditional Chesterfield sofa, which tends to be so rigidly structured you can hardly imagine reading in it or reclining back on it as you take in a relaxing film. But despite having a fairly bad rap, there are actually some great leather couches out in the universe with tons of benefits.
For one, they’re durable as hell. Leather is said to last four times longer than a fabric sofa, not to mention the patina of aged leather is currently en vogue. We might suggest investing in a nice leather conditioner as well, which will help prevent your furniture from looking shabby down the line. It’s worth it: Durable leather furniture is going to stick with you for the long run.
Plus, leather is hypoallergenic. Whatever type of leather you choose, no open fibers means no catching and holding dust or other allergens (take that, pet hair!).
And since the very wish-list-worthy collectible pieces from midcentury-modern makers like Tobias Scarpa, Mario Bellini, and de Sede may run you tens of thousands, there are plenty of great contemporary versions that will fit the vibe. Shop some of our faves from top retailers (offering both faux and real genuine leather) below:
The rolled arms on this full-grain leather sofa look like it’s hugging itself and we can’t get enough of that. This nods to the beyond-comfy couches of dorm rooms long past with a major luxe filter. The arms and back can be bent and moved to provide support exactly where you want it. It comes in 14 different leather colors, so deciding on one will be a tall task.
From far away, the beautiful texture of this vegan leather sofa almost resembles cork—perfect for a room that needs a touch of personality. The clean lines and square arms give it a traditional vibe, but the tapered legs add some midcentury flair.
Made of real leather and available in black or brown, this design comes with a little secret: The chaise opens up into a hidden storage unit. And since it’s modular, you can add and subtract seating elements as your space changes.
If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t love the look of a leather couch but wants the durability and feel of one (we get it, choosing a side is hard), this might fit right into the sofa-shaped hole in your heart. Iron legs anchor a (vegan) leather-covered frame, and the sturdy seat cushions provide a soft landing after a hard day of work.
Ultra-low sofas are having a long moment. This one is just the right amount of playful with its exaggerated seams and overstuffed cushions. It’s made of top-grain buffalo leather, which gives a great dose of texture and dimension.
You can build your own modular sofa by choosing between left armchairs, right armchairs, or armless chairs with this number from Urban Outfitters. The recycled leather upholstery has been perfectly worn in, so it’ll feel like it’s been in your space for years and years.
Here’s a very inviting top-grain leather sofa with a modular design that’s perfect for kicking your feet up on the nearby coffee table or simply lounging around in your modern living space. Plus, you get two rich leather colors to choose from.
No mattress, no problem. This reclining leather sleeper sofa can easily transition from couch to bed at the snap of your fingers. The tufted back also gives it an extra punch of style.
When we think of highly customizable, Burrow’s Nomad leather sofa comes to mind. The brand offers three colors, six types of metal or wood legs, and even has an armrest shape selection to help you build a bespoke creation.
And for those who love the classic look of leather, this vegan faux-leather sofa from Albany Park is the real deal: stylish, comfortable, and designed to easily maneuver through tight spaces.
Get exactly what you want for your living space with this highly customizable leather sectional sofa from Interior Define. It has down-filled seat and back cushions that ensure comfort from every angle, and it offers plenty of room to really spread out and relax.
Amazon’s Rivet brand leather sofa feels high-quality despite its under-$1,500 price tag. In addition to the leather options, the design is also available in performance upholstery and velvet. You can also opt for a sectional, loveseat, or armchair if you prefer.
Dubbed West Elm’s “most comfortable sofa ever,” this deep-seated model is a durable and modern sofa design that even comes in your choice of genuine or vegan leather. The ultra-plush pillows on the arms also lend an especially inviting feel.
Consider this modern design from high-end brand Arhaus a long-lasting investment piece. With a modular configuration and two-button motion reclining functions, reaching peak relaxation mode on this is easy-breezy.
Redesigned in 2018 to include high-density foam and feather fill with a flexible back frame, each EQ3 Replay sofa is custom-made and available in over 130 fabrics or leathers, in addition to a wide selection of sectional configurations.
Not too big, not too small: Consider this leather loveseat the ideal lounger for your small space. The lack of arms give it a relaxed feel, but the materials and colors keep it looking classy and refined.
We think this splurgy Kelston Collection design is worth making the focal point of your home decor. Its unique headrests are adjustable to your preferred angle and can also fold away when not in use. Plus, don’t you just want to collapse into the warm embrace of those oversized cushions?
You can just tell that some pieces of furniture will get better with age, which is our prediction for this channeled design with a hardwood frame that will instantly upgrade any living room into an ultra-cozy space. Can someone say “library vibes”?
Available in two stylish brown leathers, this low-profile three-seater is a dreamy lounge piece thanks to supremely comfy padding supported by a solid wood frame.
Article is all about accessibility and quality when it comes to their furniture. One of our personal picks for best sectional, this bestseller—which comes in fabric, velvet, and full-aniline leather upholstery (plus two bolster pillows!)—is no exception.
Reinforced with a kiln-dried solid hardwood frame and luxuriously deep seat cushions, the very ubiquitous cloud couch is also available in the highest-quality Italian leathers to really treat yourself (and your living space).
