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 important features to consider when shopping for the best leather sofa.
- BEST OVERALL: AllModern Hailee 84” Genuine Leather Sofa
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Zipcode Design Rosina Faux Leather Reclining Loveseat
- BEST LUXURY: Joybird Eliot Leather Sofa
- BEST MIDCENTURY: Article Timber Charme Chocolat Sofa
- BEST CONTEMPORARY: Sand & Stable Sheldrake Leather Square Arm Sofa
- BEST TRADITIONAL: Birch Lane Adelbert Rolled Arm Chesterfield Sofa
- BEST SECTIONAL: Burrow Nomad Leather Sectional
- BEST MODERN: Article Cigar Rawhide Brown Sofa
- BEST WITH STORAGE: Winston Porter Maumee Faux Leather Sofa with Ottoman
- MOST COMFORTABLE: Myars 69″ Leather Loveseat
What to Consider When Choosing the Best 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—love seat, 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.
- Love seats, a smaller version 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. Recliners are like couches with built-in footrests.
- Futons and some sofa beds or sleeper sofas convert from an upright sofa to a flat bed. Other sleeper sofas look like regular couches but have pull-out mattresses 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 deep). 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 people—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 leather-like 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
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 Hailee genuine leather sofa from AllModern is 84 inches long and comfortably seats three people. Its sturdy solid wood frame, which can support up to 700 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 wide by 37 inches deep
Pros
- Clean, modern design
- Fits most decor styles
- Available in black or brown
Cons
- Arms are quite thin and hard
Get the AllModern Hailee leather sofa on AllModern.
Photo: wayfair.com
For the look and feel of a genuine leather sofa without the hefty price tag, consider the Rosina faux leather reclining sleeper sofa from Zipcode Design. The handsome tufted details in the faux leather and its cylindrical aluminum legs add visual appeal as well as stability and durability.
The Rosina converts into a sofa bed by flattening the sofa’s seat back, which also reclines partway. This sofa has a 440-pound weight capacity, a 15.5-inch seat height, and a 21.65-inch seat depth.
Product Specs
- Type: Love seat
- Style: Contemporary
- Dimensions: 74.8 inches long by 34.25 inches wide by 31.9 inches deep
Pros
- Reclines flat into a sleeper
- Contemporary look
- Affordable
- Sturdy metal legs
Cons
- Color may not match that in online photo
Get the Zipcode Design Rosina faux leather sofa on Wayfair.
Photo: joybird.com
The Eliot leather sofa from Joybird brings an elegant, classy vibe to any living space. Choose from three fashionable leather shades, including Santiago steel black, Santiago ale light brown, and Santiago cigar brown. It features 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 wide by 33 inches deep
Pros
- Timeless style
- Available in 3 fashionable shades
- Thick, comfortable cushions
Cons
Get the Joybird Eliot leather sofa at Joybird.
Photo: article.com
Article’s Timber leather sofa has a corner-blocked wooden frame with four tapered honey 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, a 24-inch seat depth, and is also available in tan leather.
Product Specs
- Type: Traditional
- Style: Midcentury
- Dimensions: 90 inches long by 35 inches wide by 32 inches deep
Pros
- Thick and comfortable cushions
- Easy to maintain
- Complements most decor styles
Cons
- Denim clothing can stain the cushions
Get the Article Timber leather sofa on Article.
Photo: wayfair.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
- Available in 3 colors
- Sturdy hardwood frame
Cons
- Ivory leather may be difficult to keep clean
Get the Sand & Stable Sheldrake leather sofa on Wayfair.
Photo: wayfair.com
Birch Lane’s Adelbert genuine leather sofa features a traditional Chesterfield rolled-arm design with hand-applied nailheads and button tufting. It’s upholstered in navy Italian leather with a crackled two-tone appearance. 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 wide by 30.5 inches deep
Pros
- Luxurious aesthetic
- Available in multiple shades
- Complements any room
Cons
Get the Birch Lane Adelbert leather sofa on Wayfair or Birch Lane.
Photo: burrow.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 wide by 33 inches deep
Pros
- Spacious L-shaped sectional
- Built-in USB outlet
- Strong frame prevents warping
Cons
Get the Burrow Nomad leather sofa on 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 Italian-tanned pull-up 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.
The Cigar has a corner-blocked wooden frame with raw seams. At 92 inches long with a 15-inch seat height, it 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 wide by 26 inches deep
Pros
- Wide and spacious
- Develops a unique leather patina
- Soft and comfortable
Cons
Get the Article Cigar leather sofa on Article.
Photo: wayfair.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 black, maroon, or 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 wide by 35 inches deep
Pros
- Ideal for homes with limited storage space
- Left- or right-sided L shape
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Limited longevity in homes with pets
Get the Winston Porter Maumee faux leather sofa on Wayfair.
Photo: macys.com
The Myars 69-inch leather love seat features geometric lines and cushions trimmed in contrasting dark piping along with rectangular espresso-finished wooden feet.
This love seat is upholstered in deep cognac brown leather that complements rugs, chairs, and accessories of almost any hue or pattern. Its plush seat cushions are made of 2.2-pound foam filling with a mixture of washed feather and fiber. The seat height is 20 inches, and the seat depth is 22 inches.
Product Specs
- Type: Love seat
- Style: Traditional
- Dimensions: 69 inches long by 41 inches wide by 37 inches deep
Pros
- Thick padded cushions and arms
- Soft, comfortable leather
- Easy to maintain
Cons
Get the Myars leather sofa at Macy’s.
Our Verdict
Most people appreciate the style and feel of the AllModern Hailee leather sofa, a modern traditional sofa available in either black or caramel. Shoppers looking for a more budget-friendly sofa may want to consider the Zipcode Design Rosina faux leather sofa, available in black or white, which folds down to create a daybed.
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 leather available, including top-grain, genuine, and faux leather.
Our top picks also include a range of types and styles, from traditional, sectional, and love seat options in either modern, contemporary, traditional, or midcentury styles. Most of our picks are also available in multiple colors and shades to suit a range of decor preferences.
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?
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.
