Leather is a stylish, neutral material that complements a variety of decor styles. Sofas made of leather are easy to clean and very durable, and most last up to four times as long as fabric sofas if tears and punctures are avoided.
Some buyers are concerned about the price of the best leather sofas because they are almost always more expensive than fabric versions. However, when you consider the quality, durability, and longevity of leather, this type of sofa can be the most cost-effective choice. Keep reading to learn more about the essential features to consider when shopping for the best leather sofa.
- BEST OVERALL: AllModern Geo 84” Genuine Leather Sofa
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Steelside Ainsley Vegan Leather Sofa
- UPGRADE PICK: Joybird Eliot Leather Sofa
- MOST COMFORTABLE: Poly & Bark Napa Sectional Sofa
- BEST FOR PETS: Pottery Barn Turner Square Arm Leather Sofa
- BEST RECLINING: West Elm Enzo Leather Reclining Sofa
- BEST MIDCENTURY: Article Timber Charme Chocolat Sofa
- BEST CONTEMPORARY: Sand & Stable Sheldrake Leather Square Arm Sofa
- BEST TRADITIONAL: Birch Lane Freddie 95″ Leather Sofa
- BEST SECTIONAL: Burrow Block Nomad Leather Sectional
- BEST MODERN: Article Cigar Rawhide Brown Sofa
- BEST WITH STORAGE: Winston Porter Maumee Faux Leather Sofa With Ottoman
How We Chose the Best Leather Sofas
When curating our list of recommendations for leather sofas, we tried to provide shoppers with options that span the various types of available leather, including top-grain, genuine, and faux leather.
Our top picks also include a range of types and styles, from traditional, sectional, and loveseat options in either modern, contemporary, traditional, or midcentury styles. Most of our picks are from top sofa brands and also available in multiple colors and shades to suit a range of decor preferences.
Our Top Picks
In selecting the best leather sofas, we considered comfort, quality of construction, and style. The selections in the following list are made by a variety of reputable manufacturers in different sizes, styles, and price points. Continue reading to discover some of the best leather sofas on the market.
Photo: allmodern.com
The Geo genuine leather couch from AllModern is 84 inches long and comfortably seats three people. Its sturdy solid wood frame, which can support up to 750 pounds, is upholstered with black genuine leather.
The design features of this sofa—corded edges, one long tufted seat cushion, and two leather bolster pillows—make it a stylish addition to a midcentury-modern living room. The seat cushion and back cushions are removable for cleaning. This sofa has an 18-inch seat height with a 23-inch seat depth.
Product Specs
- Type: Traditional
- Style: Modern
- Dimensions: 84 inches long by 37 inches deep by 34 inches tall
Pros
- Clean and contemporary design will fit most living room decor styles
- Available in black or caramel brown to suit personal preferences
- Firm and tufted seat is comfortable, supportive, and looks attractive
Cons
- Arms are quite thin and hard—not ideal for leaning against
Get the AllModern leather sofa at AllModern or Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
Get the stunning leather look at a lower cost with the Steelside Ainsley vegan leather sofa, which is crafted from vegan faux leather with a soft suede texture. The faux leather has a lived-in look that lends to its realism, and it’s comfortable too, with supportive foam cushion filling. Rounded arms and a nicely stuffed cushioned back add to this sofa’s comfort and stylish look.
To give this overall traditional couch a slightly more midcentury modern flair, this sofa is mounted on tapered wooden legs. A solid oak wood frame makes this budget-friendly couch a sturdy pick; it has a 660-pound weight capacity and seats three people.
Product Specs
- Type: Traditional
- Style: Traditional
- Dimensions: 73.6 inches long by 31.89 inches deep by 32.28 inches tall
Pros
- Faux leather is soft and has a lived-in look and feel
- Stylish design for a budget-friendly price; attractive and will fit most decor styles
- Easy to assemble and easy to move around due to relatively light weight and compact size
Cons
- Some reviewers wish the couch was longer; it may feel too small for some
Get the Steelside vegan leather sofa at Wayfair or Nordic Designs Inc.
Photo: joybird.com
The Eliot leather sofa from Joybird brings elegance and class to any living space. Shoppers can choose from three fashionable leather shades; it’s mounted on a kiln-dried hardwood frame crafted from responsibly sourced wood. Four tapered wood legs complete the look.
At 84 inches long, this couch is roomy enough to accommodate three or four people comfortably. Its seat and back cushions are made from high-density polyurethane foam wrapped in multiple fiber layers and contain no fire retardants or harmful chemicals. Though the cushions are removable, they’re not reversible. The Eliot has an 18-inch seat height and a 25-inch seat depth.
Product Specs
- Type: Traditional
- Style: Traditional
- Dimensions: 84 inches long by 36 inches deep by 33 inches tall
Pros
- Timeless traditional style and hand-crafted construction create a beautiful and long-lasting couch
- Shoppers can choose from 3 fashionable shades to suit their decor
- Thick and comfortable cushions have a high-density polyurethane foam core and aren’t prone to sagging
Cons
- Some reviewers note the cushions scuff easily, especially from pets’ claws
Get the Joybird leather sofa at Joybird.
Photo: amazon.com
Handsome but cozy, the Poly & Bark Napa sectional sofa strikes a balance between style and comfort. This sofa looks nice with a traditional but upgraded design, complete with large cushions, a tufted seat, and wooden dowel legs.
A solid wood frame with reinforced joinery makes this sofa sturdy and supportive. The sofa is made using full-grain leather that will develop a natural, lovely worn-in patina and softer texture over time. While the couch is built to look nice for years to come, where it really shines is its comfort. The chair seat and back have Pirelli webbing, a support system that offers great comfort. High-density foam and polyester filling add even more coziness; a duck-feather down layer is the soft outer layer, finished with smooth natural leather.
Product Specs
- Type: Traditional
- Style: Traditional
- Dimensions: 104.5 inches long by 67 inches deep by 34 inches tall
Pros
- The sturdy base is made of solid wood with reinforced joinery
- Pirelli webbing system provides long-lasting support along the sofa and chaise
- High-density foam with polyester filling and feather-down topper provide comfort on seating surfaces
Cons
- There can be variations in color due to the natural leather material
Get the Poly & Bark leather sofa at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Poly & Bark.
Photo: amazon.com
We adore our furry friends, but their little claws can cause big damage to leather sofas. The Pottery Barn Turner leather sofa is suitable for homes with kids, dogs, and other pets. Made from natural leather, it’s durable, spill-resistant, and easy to keep clean. The leather gives it a naturally worn look that develops a lived-in patina over time—perfect for concealing a scratch or two.
Besides its durability, this couch is also comfortable, with a high back and plush cushions. The hardwood frame is built to provide lasting support, along with a spring system in the cushions to prevent sagging. This couch is available in several sizes. Even if you don’t have pets, it’s a worthy pick for its stunning style and comfort.
Product Specs
- Type: Traditional
- Style: Traditional
- Dimensions: Various sizes available
Pros
- Made using durable, spill-resistant, and easy-to-maintain natural leather
- Natural leather develops a worn-in patina over time that helps to conceal damage and imperfections
- Supportive and comfortable seating—sturdy hardwood frame and no-sag spring cushions
Cons
- Square arm is stylish but not very comfortable for lounging or napping
Get the Pottery Barn leather sofa at Pottery Barn.
Photo: amazon.com
A reclining sofa offers ultimate relaxation, combining the coziness of a sofa with the comfort of a reclining chair. The best reclining sofas look nice too, and that’s why we chose the West Elm Enzo leather reclining sofa for this award. This power reclining sofa doesn’t have the overly utilitarian look of some reclining seats—at first glance, it looks like a regular sofa. However, you can recline at the touch of a button, and this sofa can come with some extra-useful features, too.
Shoppers can choose between basic or storage arms. The latter provides storage space in the arms for knickknacks and a built-in USB port for device charging. Each option is finished with top-grain leather upholstery and is designed to seat two. Both sides of the couch can recline independently, using power buttons that control variable recliner and headrest positions.
Product Specs
- Type: Reclining
- Style: Traditional
- Dimensions: Size depends on the configuration
Pros
- Both sides of the couch can recline and can be operated separately for customized comfort
- Power recline system lets users choose variable recliner and headrest positions
- Shoppers can choose a model with storage armrests, which provide storage space and a built-in USB port
Cons
- Expensive; feature filled but comes with a hefty price tag, even compared to other genuine leather sofas
Get the West Elm leather sofa at West Elm.
Photo: amazon.com
Article’s Timber leather sofa has a corner-blocked wooden frame with four tapered oak wood legs that will lend your family room plenty of midcentury modern cred. Its luxurious full-aniline Italian-tanned chocolate leather upholstery softens over time and develops natural wrinkles and a patina. At 90 inches long, the sofa is large enough for three or four people.
The sofa’s seat cushions are made from high-density foam with down and polyester filling, which is both comfortable and supportive. The seat and back cushions are loose and removable for added style and function. However, because the backs of the cushions are covered in fabric, not leather, they are not reversible. The Timber Charme sofa has a 19-inch seat height and a 24-inch seat depth.
Product Specs
- Type: Traditional
- Style: Midcentury
- Dimensions: 90 inches long by 35 inches deep by 32 inches tall
Pros
- Cushions are made using high-density foam and down and polyester filling to make them soft, thick, and comfortable
- Wear and tear adds to this couch’s vintage look so it’s easy to maintain
- Removable cushions and covers are convenient for easier cleaning
Cons
- Some users report that denim clothing can stain the cushions
Get the Article Timber Charme leather sofa at Article or Havenly.
Photo: amazon.com
Sand & Stable’s genuine top-grain leather sofa features a kiln-dried hardwood frame that provides a durable, stable base. The sleek angled legs support this 89-inch-long traditional sofa. Its three foam seat cushions and three back cushions contain special sinuous springs to help resist sagging over time.
This sofa is available in ivory, camel, or gray, each of which fits any decor style, adding a touch of contemporary elegance to the space.
Product Specs
- Type: Traditional
- Style: Contemporary
- Dimensions: 89 inches long by 38 inches wide by 35 inches deep
Pros
- Sag-resistant cushions have a pocket-coil core to provide support
- Available in 3 neutral contemporary colors: ivory, camel, and gray
- Sturdy hardwood frame is durable and looks sleek due to the minimalist design
Cons
- Ivory leather option may be difficult to keep clean due to light color
Get the Sand & Stable leather sofa at Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
Birch Lane’s Freddie genuine leather sofa features a traditional Chesterfield rolled-arm design with stylish button tufting. It’s upholstered in genuine top-grain leather with a crackled two-tone appearance that gives it a vintage luxurious feel. The leather is soft and comfortable.
This sofa is big enough for a larger gathering at 95 inches long, and its seat cushions are removable for easy fluffing. It has a 750-pound weight capacity, a 20-inch seat height, and a 24-inch seat depth.
Product Specs
- Type: Traditional
- Style: Traditional
- Dimensions: 95 inches long by 40.5 inches deep by 30.5 inches tall
Pros
- Rolled-arm design, button tufting, and bun feet give this couch a luxurious, traditional look
- Available in multiple shades, including nontraditional options like navy blue and charcoal gray
- Large size is ideal for homes that need more seating
Cons
- Couch is heavy and is difficult to move around
Get the Birch Lane leather sofa at Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
The Nomad leather sectional from Burrow features a unique modular design that allows for complete customization. Buyers can attach the chaise lounge section to any of the other three seats, including the middle seat. The sofa is upholstered in buttery soft top-grain Italian leather in slate, chestnut, or camel hues. A three-layer foam-and-fiber design ensures that the cushions are soft, comfortable, and hold their shape.
The Nomad sofa has one handy feature not found in every leather sofa: a built-in USB port. The sides of the sofa are 5 inches deep, with the chaise lounge extending the total depth to 61 inches. This sofa is 85 inches long with a 17-inch seat height, 22-inch seat depth, and 7-inch chrome legs.
Product Specs
- Type: Sectional
- Style: Modern
- Dimensions: 85 inches long by 61 inches deep by 33 inches tall
Pros
- Cushions are comfortable and hold their shape well due to the 3-layer foam-and-fiber design
- Spacious modular sectional with a chaise lounge that can attach to any of the seats (middle seat included)
- Has a built-in USB charger and comes with a 72-inch power cord
Cons
- Requires assembly; the couch is shipped to customer in several boxes
Get the Burrow leather sofa at Burrow.
Photo: article.com
A modern addition to any living space, Article’s Cigar rawhide brown leather sofa has a tight seat and back with integrated cushions for an overall effect of sleek and clean along with vintage and rustic. The sofa’s smooth leather upholstery is a deep brown color that takes on a vintage hue with age. Natural variations in the grain of the leather, along with scars and markings in each hide, give this piece even more character.
At 92 inches long with a 15-inch seat height, the Cigar might feel low for some users. High-density foam and polyester filling in the cushions deliver comfort and support, though the tight seat and back may feel firmer than shoppers are used to.
Product Specs
- Type: Traditional
- Style: Modern
- Dimensions: 92 inches long by 38 inches deep by 26 inches tall
Pros
- Wide and spacious design looks and feels elevated but cozy
- Low maintenance and develops a unique leather patina due to wear and tear
- Low-profile and comfortable cushions make for a great lounging experience
Cons
- 15-inch seat height might feel low to some users and can be difficult for older adults to get in and out from
Get the Article Cigar leather sofa at Article.
Photo: amazon.com
Shoppers looking for a sofa that doubles as storage may want to consider the Winston Porter Maumee faux-leather sectional sofa. It comes with a large all-purpose ottoman for holding trays or books or propping up feet. The ottoman has a hinged top that opens to reveal a storage compartment that’s roomy enough to hold linens, books, toys, or other essentials.
The sofa and ottoman are upholstered in faux leather in several shades, including black, maroon, and turquoise. The sofa is 103.5 inches long, seats six adults, and comes with either a right- or left-hand chaise lounge. Its seat height is 15 inches, and its seat depth is 21 inches.
Product Specs
- Type: Sectional with storage compartment
- Style: Modern
- Dimensions: 103.5 inches long by 74.5 inches deep by 35 inches tall
Pros
- Includes a roomy storage ottoman; ideal for homes with limited storage space
- Shoppers can choose from a left- or right-side chaise lounge
- Economical price for a large couch due to faux-leather material
Cons
- Shorter longevity than genuine leather sofas, with some reviewers noting seams splitting over time
Get the Winston Porter faux leather sofa at Wayfair.
What to Consider When Choosing a Leather Sofa
Leather sofas are manufactured in different styles and sizes and with various types of leather. Before making a purchase, consider each couch’s overall comfort and any useful features that might be incorporated into its design. Knowing which type, size, and style of leather sofa you want makes it easier to find one to meet your needs and preferences.
Type
For most shoppers, the style of the sofa—loveseat, sectional, sofa bed, or recliner—comprises the major decision-making factor. The different types of sofas are:
- Traditional sofas have long bench seats that seat three or four people. Most have raised arms.
- Sectional sofas feature interconnecting pieces to offer plenty of seating for multiple individuals. Sectionals come in a variety of shapes: U-shaped, L-shaped, and semicircular.
- Loveseats, smaller versions of the traditional sofa, usually accommodate two people cozily, hence the name.
- Reclining sofas (or recliners) have one or more seats that can recline to allow individuals to put up their feet. Many leather recliners seat one, but reclining sofas are larger couches with built-in footrests.
- Futons and some sofa beds or sleeper sofas convert from an upright sofa to a flatbed. A sleeper sofa can also look like a regular couch but have a pull-out mattress underneath the seat cushions.
Dimensions
Next, think about where in your home the sofa will go and the measurements of that space. A three-person leather sofa typically measures between 70 and 87 inches long, but 84 inches is the most popular length. A long or extra-long couch typically ranges from 87 inches to more than 100 inches long.
The depth of the sofa and the depth of the seat are two important, but sometimes overlooked, measurements. Typically, sofas have an overall depth between 32 and 40 inches. Seat depths can range from standard (20 to 25 inches) to deep (28 to 35 inches) or extra deep (more than 35 inches). Test a few sofas to see which seat depth is best. Some people love the coziness of an extra-deep sofa, while others—particularly older adults—may have trouble getting up off it.
Finally, consider the seat height, which is measured from the floor to the top of the seat cushions. Most sofas have a seat height between 17 and 18 inches, though this figure can range from 15 to 20 inches.
Leather Type
Leather sofas look terrific and can last for ages, but not all types of leather are top quality. Since a leather sofa is a costly investment, be sure to find out which kind of leather is on the sofa and whether it justifies a premium price before making a purchase.
- Top-grain leather, the outer layer of a hide, offers superior durability and strength.
- Split-grain leather comes from the second or third layer of the hide after the full-grain leather layer has been removed. Since it’s less expensive than top-grain leather, it’s often used on less expensive sofas.
- Bonded, the cheapest leather, comprises leather scraps bonded together with an adhesive. The finished result may be spray-painted to look like top-grain leather.
- Bi-cast leather has a split-layer back covered with either vinyl or polyurethane that’s embossed. Initially designed to make glossy shoes, bi-cast leather is now also used on some furniture pieces. It’s not as durable or long lasting as top-grain leather.
- Nubuck leather is sanded to open the cells and give the leather a soft, velvety feel. This leather can look a lot like top-grain leather, but it lacks the quality, strength, or durability of top grain.
- Faux leather is not leather at all; instead, it’s a synthetic material with a leatherlike look and feel. Faux leather is most often made of polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Style
Finding a sofa to match the style and decor of the living space is another important consideration. Some common sofa styles include the following:
- Modern sofas have a sleek design and a low back. Some also may have polished metal legs, while others may be legless.
- Midcentury sofas, which have clean lines and slanted or tapered legs, often come in bold colors. A tuxedo sofa, which has arms that are the same height as the sofa’s back, is an example of a popular midcentury-style sofa.
- Traditional sofas typically have arched backs with scalloped designs or rolled arms, such as the popular Chesterfield or English sofa.
- Contemporary sofas have square edges and come in more neutral colors. The Lawson sofa, which has a high back and low arms, is an example of a popular contemporary sofa.
Comfort
A sofa’s comfort is equally, if not more important, than its style. The sofa’s cushioning as well as the material used to create the cushioning impacts its comfort level. Some common materials used for padding include:
- Foam is the most commonly used material for sofa cushions. The density of the foam impacts its feel and comfort. Low-density foam has the softest feel, but it also flattens the fastest. High-density foam is firm, but it generally softens over time. Some sofas have memory-foam cushions, which contour to the shape of the body to offer greater support.
- Hollow-fill fiber sofa cushions are very soft, but they don’t offer much support. However, sofas with hollow-fill fiber cushions can be a comfortable place to lie down and relax or nap. Rotate the cushions frequently to ensure even wear on each side of the cushion to extend their lifespan.
- Down or feather cushions are filled with soft feathers. The softness and firmness levels of these cushions can sometimes be customized by adjusting the number of feathers in the cushion.
- Batting is used to provide cushioning and insulation to a cushion. Available in 25.5-ounce and 42.4-ounce thickness options, batting may be made from cotton, polyester, or wool.
- Polyester sofa cushions come in a variety of densities to match different preferences. These pillow cushions are less expensive, but they may flatten more quickly than cushions made from other materials.
- Mixed-material sofa cushions feature a mix of some of the materials listed here to create a comfortable and supportive seat cushion.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features, some of which contribute to the sofa’s comfort while others may offer additional functionality. Some nice-to-have sofa features include:
- Pull-out reclining seats
- Powered reclining seats
- Removable covers
- Cupholders
- Device-charging banks
- Storage ottomans
FAQs
After researching the best leather sofas, you may still have some questions. These frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers will help you learn more about how to shop for the best leather sofa.
Q. What is the highest quality leather for furniture?
Top-grain leather, which comes from the outer layer of a hide, is the highest quality leather used in furniture. It’s stronger, more durable, and smoother than other types of leather.
Q. What is the most durable leather couch?
Sofas made from pigmented leather are typically more durable than those made from other types. The polymer surface coating that adds pigments to the leather also helps enhance its durability.
Q. Do leather sofas stain easily?
In general, leather sofas are more stain-resistant than fabric sofas. Spills typically wipe off with no staining. Keeping the leather soft and moisturized helps a leather sofa maintain its stain-resistant properties.
Q. Can scratches be removed from leather furniture?
Yes, in many cases, scratches can be removed from leather furniture. If the scratch is shallow, use a soft cloth with a little leather conditioner or leather oil to buff it out. Deeper scratches may require a recoloring product or a leather repair kit.
Q. How do you clean a leather sofa?
Cleaning leather furniture is simple. Regularly dust a leather sofa to keep it clean. You can also use leather cleaners or creams to remove stains and ensure the leather maintains its moisture. Then, finish with a leather conditioner (you can even make your own).
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