Leather is one of the most popular coverings for furniture and offers countless grains, textures, colors, and finishes. A couch is typically the first piece of furniture bought when you move into a house, and a leather couch is always a smart choice for the best durability and looks. A leather couch is one piece that offers pros and cons, comfort and style, and is a timeless piece for your home. Let’s look at both pros and cons and figure out whether you need a leather sofa or not.
Pros Of Leather Sofas
When fabric-covered furniture age, they often fade and lose its shape. This creates a worn look. However, with its unique qualities, leather doesn’t fade, it gets softer with age and becomes suppler.
When the leather is dyed, the color is absorbed into the hide and will not fade. Even scratches and wear don’t show. Aged leather looks even more luxurious.
Unlike many synthetic, faux leather materials, leather breathes. It distributes warmth or cold quickly and easily, making it very enjoyable to sit or lay down. Leather also absorbs moisture and then releases it to keep you from feeling sticky or chilly.
Furniture covered with leather material is commonly sold in neutral colors native to the hide. Neutral colors will typically match changes you make in your décor, such as going from lightly colored walls to darker, richer colors. Read more about living room colors schemes with brown leather furniture here.
Leather furniture usually will not have to be replaced. Pillow accents and lap blankets can be used to tie in new colors.
Leather does not hold dust and allergens and does not have fibers where tiny mites or bugs can hide. It doesn’t hold odors or absorb most spills, making it easy to keep clean. Leather is hypoallergenic repelling pet dander and hair.
Leather furniture makes cleaning up spills easy. There’s no need for a bulky upholstery cleaner. Spills can be cleaned by using a damp rag to sop up the liquid. Messier and stickier stains can be cleaned up by adding some mild soap to the rag and then wiping with a dry rag when clean.
A beautiful living room with a glazed wall, a low leather sofa, a low coffee table, rattan chairs and potted plants.
An amber leather sofa brings warmth to this boho living room. A gallery wall adds personality, and a black table provides a stylish surface. Use a printed rug and various decor items to complete the look.
Layered rugs create a cozy feel in this boho living room with an amber leather sofa. A large coffee table is practical and stylish, while potted greenery adds life. Enhance the space with big scale artwork.
A bold refined living room with a white leather and orange fabric sofa and a statement gallery wall that creates a mood.
A bright boho living room with an amber leather sofa, a low coffee table, creamy chairs, jute poufs and potted plants.
A brown leather corner sofa used as a space divider for an open layout of a kitchen and a living room.
A brown leather Stockholm sofa by IKEA is a stylish statement for a modern living room.
Knit and crochet pillows make this comfy amber leather sofa even more inviting. Soft blankets add extra coziness. Arrange them for a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
A contemporary living room with a brown leather Chesterfield sofa, a powder blue one and a matching table, lots of books and lamps.
A dark and moody home office with graphite grey walls and built-in bookshelves, a brown leather sofa, a navy ottoman and potted plants.
A dramatic living room with dark walls, a bold red leather sofa and a statement artwork that rocks.
A gorgeous boho living room with a terracotta wall, a gallery wall, some cacti in pots, a leather sofa and a wooven table.
A gorgeous contemporary living room with a black leather sofa, stacks of books, potted plants and a chic gallery wall.
A graphite grey leather sofa cover with white cushions is a perfect match for a Scandinavian interior.
A brown leather Chesterfield sofa is the highlight of this grey living room. Wooden and metal stools add seating options, while candles and a lamp provide warm lighting. Mix materials for a balanced look.
An amber leather sofa stands out in this light-filled mid-century modern living room. Neutral chairs and a simple coffee table keep the space airy. A pendant lamp adds a modern touch.
A brown leather sectional anchors this mid-century modern living room. A round coffee table and black chairs provide functional seating. Use a boho printed rug to add color and pattern.
A large brown leather sofa offers ample seating in this mid-century modern living room. A round coffee table provides a central spot for decor and function. Keep the decor simple to enhance the style.
Neutral tones create a stylish design in this living room. Use simple furniture and minimal decor for a clean look. Focus on balance and harmony in your layout.
A modern home office with a brown leather Chesterfield sofa, black chairs, a chest table and a faux animal skin rug.
A brown leather Chesterfield sofa adds elegance to this modern neutral living room. The fireplace creates a cozy focal point, and matching ottomans provide extra seating. A black chandelier and glazed wall complete the stylish design.
A modern Scandinavian living room with a black leather sofa, a white leather ottoman and other black and white decor for a cohesive look.
Potted plants and rust pillows enhance the moody grey and dark green palette of this living room. A vintage lamp offers ambient lighting, complemented by a cozy blanket and chair. The overall effect is both stylish and inviting.
A moody home office with dark green walls, a black leather sofa, a faux fur rug and stained wooden shelves.
Black walls create a moody atmosphere in this living room with an amber leather striped sofa. Light and warm colored furniture adds balance. Focus on contrast for a striking design.
A tan leather sofa pairs well with a rust-colored ottoman in this neutral boho space. Striped textiles add pattern, while pampas grass brings a natural element. Use a wooden table for a rustic touch.
Cons Of Leather Sofas
Leather is costly, but many customers feel it’s worth the price. Lower quality genuine leather may easily scratch or scuff, but high-quality leather fabric for couches is more durable and resistant to damage.
Light scratches may blend in with the natural patina of the aged leather, but larger, deeper scratches can be easier to see. These more visible scratches can be hidden with color-matched leather polish or conditioner.
Although leather breathes and provides a way to absorb moisture, the first contact with your bare skin can be shocking if the couch is in a cold room or near a fireplace giving off high heat.
Once you’ve been sitting on leather furniture, bare skin will become comfortable. However, sitting on leather for a long time can absorb body heat and cause you to feel hot.
Fake leather will feel more like plastic or vinyl and be cold, but real leather will have a slight grainy feel and be warm to the touch. Smell the leather for the distinct oaky smell of real leather and look for pores on the surface. Now you know everything you need about leather sofas, would you buy one?
A refined living room with two mustard leather tufted sofas as the main pieces for a conversation space.
A refined rustic living room with a brown leather Chesterfield sofa, a vintage apothecary cabinet and white chairs.
A relaxed living room with a brown leather Chesterfield sofa, a woven chair, a fur stool and some plants.
A Scandinavian living room with a black leather sofa, a wooden table on casters and a metal wire chair.
A sophisticated living room with a yellow leather Chesterfield sofa, taxidermy, plexiglass items and refined lamps.
A stylish and refined living room with a black leather sofa, a red velvet ottoman and a wicker lounger.
Red bricks add character to this stylish contemporary and industrial living room. An amber leather couch brings warmth and comfort. Focus on combining textures for a balanced look.
A corner brown leather sofa with various pillows adds style and comfort to your living room. Use it as a focal point. Arrange pillows for extra coziness and visual appeal.
A stylish living room done with a green leather Chesterfield sofa, a vintage map, a bold boho rug, some plants and a floor lamp.
A stylish living room with a black Chesterfield sofa, a matching metal table, woven shades and a gallery wall is very chic.
A stylish modern and boho living room with a navy leather couch accessorized with various pillows.
A stylish monochromatic living room in contemporary style, with a yellow leather sofa as a colorful statement.
A timeless black and white space with a black leather Stockholm sofa on wooden legs looks cool.
A vintage and shabby chic living room with a brown leather Chesterfield sofa, a matching white ottoman and a refined gilded chandelier.
Blue walls set a welcoming tone in this living room with a sectional brown leather sofa. Wooden tables add warmth, and a gallery wall provides personal touches. Create a comfortable and stylish layout.
A brown leather sofa anchors this welcoming neutral living room. A leather stool and a grey chair add seating options. Keep the space cool and stylish with minimal decor.
A bold and quirky gallery wall adds fun to this whimsical industrial living room. The brown leather Chesterfield sofa offers classic comfort, while a metal table provides a modern touch. Combine different elements for a unique design.
An elegant mid-century modern living room with a black leather sofa, black chairs, curved plywood furniture and a potted plant.
A brown leather Chesterfield sofa is the centerpiece of this elegant moody home office. Create a sophisticated atmosphere with dark tones and stylish furniture. Focus on comfort and elegance for a productive space.
An industrial space with a brown leather Stockholm sofa that brings style and a touch of chic and cool color.
An ultra-modern and contrasting living room with two amber leather sofas, a printed rug, a coffee table, black curtains.