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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
With their versatile look and long-lasting quality, leather sofas make a great addition to virtually any living room space. "Leather is a super durable material that's pet- and kid-friendly, and the patina it develops over time lends a beautiful lived-in look," says Jillian Jones, Creative Content Manager at Interior Define.
When it comes time to choose the best sofa for your space, you'll want to consider a host of factors—not only how the leather (or, in some cases, faux leather) looks and feels, but also how sturdy the frame is, the type of cushion fill, and whether the sofa comes with other features like storage space or a pull-out mattress. Keeping these factors in mind, we tested and researched a variety of standout models to help you in your search.
Best Overall
Pottery Barn Turner Square Arm Leather Sofa
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Pottery Barn
Five sizes and 40+ colors available
Kiln-dried hardwood frame
Extra-deep, supportive cushions
White-glove delivery service
Takes weeks to ship
Not returnable
If you ask us, Pottery Barn makes the best leather sofa on the market. The best-selling Turner Square Arm Sofa has a classic, versatile silhouette with (as the name suggests) squared-off armrests and extra-deep, ultra-comfortable seats. It comes in five sizes ranging from 64.5 to 103.5 inches wide, with two or three seat cushions, so there's definitely something that'll fit your space. Not only that, but there are over 40 colors to choose from for the top-grain, alanine leather upholstery.
This couch has a kiln-dried hardwood frame, which enhances its durability and helps prevent warping and cracking. The legs also have adjustable levelers to ensure stability on uneven floors. As for the cushions, no-sag springs are wrapped in supportive foam and surrounded by a down blend fill.
Since this sofa is made to order, it'll take at least a few weeks to ship out. Also, like most other made-to-order products from Pottery Barn, it's not eligible for returns—but you can order leather swatches first to make sure it'll complement your space. Though the Turner is undoubtedly an investment, you can count on it to last several years—maybe decades. What's more, it'll be delivered to your home and placed in your room of choice with Pottery Barn's white-glove delivery service.
Price at time of publish: $3,419
Dimensions: 5 sizes available | Weight: 120–200 pounds | Seating Capacity: 2–3 | Seat Fill: Springs, foam, down blend
Best Sleeper
Lark Manor Rasberry 81'' Upholstered Sleeper Sofa
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Wayfair
Traditional yet timeless appearance
Comfortable innerspring mattress
High weight capacity
Frame isn't solid wood
Cumbersome
After trying out this sleeper sofa firsthand, we were thoroughly impressed—not only with its traditional, versatile appearance but also with its easy-to-convert design and comfy innerspring mattress.
While we'd prefer if the frame was solid wood, rather than a mix of solid and manufactured wood, it's still sturdy enough for two people, supporting up to 750 pounds of weight. It's also worth noting that, at over 220 pounds, this sofa is pretty cumbersome, requiring a bit more manpower to move. That said, it arrives fully assembled, so this won't be an issue once you have it situated in your room of choice.
Price at time of publish: $3,118
Dimensions: 81 x 35 x 33 inches | Weight: 223 pounds | Seating Capacity: 3 | Seat Fill: Foam, fiber
Best Value
Article Sven Sofa
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Article
Plush yet supportive cushions
Durable reinforced wood frame
Good for small spaces
Some assembly required
If you want genuine leather, you're going to have to pay a bit of a premium. Having said that, Article is a brand you can count on for high-quality furniture pieces at relatively affordable prices. We're loving the Sven Sofa, which has a durable wood frame with corner-blocked reinforcements. The cushions are foam-wrapped fiber surrounded by feathers to create a supportive yet plush sitting experience.
As for the upholstery, you're looking at full-aniline leather with a slightly worn appearance in your choice of four neutral hues. It also comes with two matching bolster pillows. Measuring just 72 inches wide, this two-seater is great for small spaces. Partial assembly is required, but it's super easy and shouldn't take you more than five minutes.
Price at time of publish: $1,799
Dimensions: 77 x 42 x 23 inches | Weight: Not listed | Seating Capacity: 2 | Seat Fill: Foam, fiber, feathers
Best Splurge
Crate & Barrel Gather Deep Leather Sofa
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Buttery-smooth Italian leather
Attractive design with clean lines
Kiln-dried, sustainably sourced wood frame
Expensive
Not eligible for returns
For those open to splurging on high-end living room furniture, we recommend Crate & Barrel's Gather Leather Sofa. This attractive piece features striking clean lines and a slightly boxy silhouette with extra-deep seats. The upholstery is buttery-smooth Italian leather, similar to what you'd see on a luxury handbag. It gets softer over time and is really easy to keep clean—just wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth as needed.
This well-made couch has a hardwood frame sustainably sourced from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified forests. The wood is kiln-dried for resistance to warping, cracking, and mildew. And the cushions are foam-wrapped innersprings with a fluffy fiber fill. We should note that since the Gather Sofa is made to order, it's not eligible for returns. But if you can swing the steep price, we think it's definitely worth the investment.
Price at time of publish: $4,099
Dimensions: 3 sizes available | Weight: Not listed | Seating Capacity: 2–3 | Seat Fill: Foam, springs, fiber
Best Mid-Centry
Burrow Arch Nomad Leather Sofa
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Low profile with wooden peg legs
Customizable design
Built-in USB charger
Assembly required
If you're partial to mid-century modern interior design, you'll love this option from Burrow. The Arch Nomad Sofa features a low-sitting silhouette, clean lines, and wooden peg legs—all staples of 1960s furniture. It features top-grain Italian leather upholstery in your choice of three neutral colors, and you can pick from six leg finishes and three arm styles.
But that's not where the customization options end. Optional add-ons include a moveable chaise, a matching ottoman, and bolster pillows for added comfort and support. This durable piece has a warp-resistant birch wood frame and triple-layer foam and fiber cushions. And despite its retro-inspired appearance, the modern design has a handy built-in USB charger. The only potential drawback is that at-home assembly is required, but it should be a pretty easy process.
Price at time of publish: $2,495
Dimensions: 85 x 35 x 33 inches | Weight: Not listed | Seating Capacity: 3 | Seat Fill: Foam, fiber
Best Modern
Castlery Jonathan Leather Extended Sofa
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Castlery Jonathan
Plush, oversized cushions
Optional ottoman for modular configuring
Luxurious, easy-to-clean leather
Limited colors
Short return window
If your decor taste leans more modern, go with the Castlery Jonathan Extended Sofa. This low-profile piece has hidden legs that make it look like it's almost floating on the floor and oversized cushions that welcome you to sit back, relax, and snuggle up. You can also add a matching ottoman to your order, which makes it more like a modular sectional with a moveable chaise.
The cushions are covered in luxurious, top-grain leather. It gets softer over time and is super easy to clean—just wipe it down with a damp cloth. We wish it came in more colors, but the caramel and warm taupe are definitely versatile. Though this sofa is returnable, you only have 14 days to send it back after receiving it. But considering the comfy, high-quality design, we're willing to bet you won't want to return it.
Price at time of publish: $3,699
Dimensions: 123 x 39.5 x 27.5 inches | Weight: 191 pounds | Seating Capacity: 3 | Seat Fill: Pocket springs, foam, fiber
Best for Pets
Allform 3-Seat Sofa
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Allform
Durable, easy-to-clean upholstery
Warranty-backed solid wood frame
Simple yet striking appearance
Limited colors
Assembly required
According to the brand, Allform makes "leather sofas your dog can't ruin." So if you have pets at home, you won't have to worry about them damaging this couch. The exceptionally durable leather upholstery is resistant to rips and general wear and tear. Since it's so smooth, it's also a breeze to wipe clean with a damp cloth. The solid pinewood frame is backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can count on it to stand up to kids and pets climbing and jumping all over it.
With a somewhat low profile and exposed wooden peg legs, this simple yet striking sofa has a slightly mid-century flair that doesn't sacrifice versatility. It comes in a handful of fabric upholstery colors, but there are only two leather colors to choose from. Also, at-home assembly is required, but it's a quick and easy tool-free process.
Price at time of publish: $3,556
Dimensions: 90 x 38 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed | Seating Capacity: 3 | Seat Fill: Foam, fiber
Best Reclining
Abbyson Braymor Power Reclining Sofa
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Abbyson
Attractive, versatile design
Easy, smooth power reclining
Dual USB ports
Pricey
Interested in a reclining model? Check out the Abbyson Braymor Sofa. It has a power recline mechanism that allows you to adjust the backrests and lower the footrests individually. There are also built-in USB charging ports on each side within the control panels, so you can keep your smartphone, tablet, or e-reader charged and within reach.
The smooth leather upholstery is available in your choice of camel or gray. While we wish it came in more colors, both options are definitely versatile. The price is a little steep for a couch. But considering the full-grain leather upholstery, high-tech reclining mechanism, attractive design, and endlessly comfy feel, we think it's warranted. We also appreciate that it's in stock and ready to ship, and unlike many made-to-order options, it's eligible for returns within 30 days.
Price at time of publish: $2,499
Dimensions: 86 x 38 x 42 inches | Weight: Not listed | Seating Capacity: 3 | Seat Fill: High-density foam
Best Sectional
Pottery Barn Jake Leather Sofa Chaise Sectional
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Pottery Barn
Extra-deep seats and large chaise
Dozens of colors available
Durable, long-lasting construction
Expensive
Not returnable
If your living room is more spacious, consider something bigger like the Jake Leather Sectional from Pottery Barn. It has extra-deep seats and a large chaise lounge on one side, which you can choose to place on the left or right. This ultra-comfy, laid-back piece sits low to the ground and welcomes you with plush cushions wrapped in a down blend fill.
The slightly weathered leather upholstery comes in nearly 40 colors ranging from midnight black to classic cognac to cool taupe. You can also choose from brushed nickel or bronze metal legs. The steep price might be hard to justify. But considering the durable hardwood frame with mortise-and-tenon joinery, long-lasting leather upholstery, and incredibly comfortable feel, we think it's worth the investment. Just bear in mind that, like other made-to-order items from Pottery Barn, this couch isn't returnable.
Price at time of publish: $5,298
Dimensions: 110.5 x 65.5 x 39.5 x 31.5 inches | Weight: 216 pounds | Seating Capacity: 3 | Seat Fill: Foam, springs, down blend
Our top choice is the Pottery Barn Turner Square Arm Leather Sofa, a well-made option that boasts a kiln-dried wood frame, extra-deep, supportive cushions, and smooth upholstery in over 40 color options. But if you're looking for something a bit more affordable or are working with limited square footage, go with the Article Sven Sofa.
What to Consider When Buying a Leather Sofa
Type of Leather
If you want your sofa to stand the test of time, leather upholstery is arguably the best option. But not all leather is created equal. Here's what to consider:
- Full-grain leather: As with the Abbyson Braymor Power Reclining Sofa, this type of leather upholstery bears the natural lines and markings of cowhide, offering an authentic appearance.
- Top-grain leather: This kind of leather has been polished down to create a smooth, uniform appearance—though it may still have some unique markings and will develop a patina over time.
- Bonded leather: Unlike full-grain leather, bonded leather is made from a pulp of leather scraps, along with some faux leather pieces. Furniture expert Jeff Frank of Insiders Guide to Furniture advises against this type of leather. "It has been the source of hundreds of thousands of complaints over the previous decade," he says.
- Faux/vegan leather: Faux leather is made of polyurethane, a type of plastic. While it's not as durable or long-lasting as genuine leather, it's water-resistant and generally easy to clean.
Leather Dying Process
In addition to different types of leather, the upholstery material can be made using various dying techniques, as outlined below.
- Aniline leather: Sometimes called "naked leather," alanine leather has a natural-looking appearance, as with the Article Sven Sofa. Since it's not coated with pigments or polymers, it's somewhat susceptible to staining.
- Semi-aniline leather: Then there's semi-aniline leather, which is treated on the surface to make it more resistant to wear and tear. However, this means less of the material's natural texture will show through.
- Protected pigmented leather: This type of leather upholstery is considered the most durable. It's specially treated with a heavy sealant, which makes it resistant to tears and super easy to wipe clean.
Frame Material
When it comes to durability, solid wood frames are ideal. It's even better if the wood is kiln-dried, like the Pottery Barn Turner Square Arm Leather Sofa, as this protects against cracking, splitting, warping, and mildew. Plywood and particleboard are sometimes used for couch frames, but Frank advises against these materials because they don't hold up nearly as long as solid wood.
Cushion Fill
You'll also want to pay attention to the cushion fill. Leather sofas often have cushions made of foam, innersprings, poly fiber, natural down, or a combination of these materials to offer both plushness and support. For instance, the Crate & Barrel Gather Deep Leather Sofa has foam-wrapped innerspring cushions surrounded by a fluffy fiber fill.
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How long do leather sofas last?
The best leather sofas can last up to 20 or 25 years if they are very high quality and made of genuine leather. Faux-leather couches tend to only last about five years. You can also get more years out of your leather sofas by cleaning and conditioning them consistently.
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Which type of leather sofa is best for me?
This largely depends on the size of the room you're shopping for and how many people you're looking to seat, along with other design elements in your home. While there's likely a leather sofa out there that will suit your home's decor, it's still important to consider how it will flow with other pieces.
"Before you buy, be sure to know the measurements of your other furniture," says Karina Lameraner, an interior stylist and content creator. "Consider the architectural details of your space–for example, a large bay of windows, a long wall, or a grand fireplace. You’ll want to choose a [sofa] that feels proportional to those details."
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What are the disadvantages of a leather sofa?
Since leather is durable and long-lasting, it's generally more expensive than other furniture materials—which is why people often consider a leather sofa an investment. Also, due to the natural color variations in the material and changing patina over time, the exact tone can be hard to replicate if you ever want to add to your collection down the road.
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What type of leather sofa will last the longest?
A genuine leather sofa will last the longest—that is, it'll hold up much longer than its vegan (faux) leather and bonded leather counterparts. Whether you opt for full-grain or top-grain, you can expect the material to have a lifespan of up to 25 years and stand up to everyday wear and tear. It'll soften over time, developing minor imperfections that add to its natural character. Real leather is also really easy to clean with a slightly damp cloth or leather furniture polish.
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What is the most popular color for leather sofas?
While there are plenty of neutral options to choose from, Jones is in favor of "a medium-toned, warm brown. "It's by far the most classic and versatile tone, and it plays well with other colors, patterns, and textures." This upholstery hue might be listed as camel, caramel, cognac, or simply "warm brown." Many also opt for black, which is equally versatile and well-suited to more contemporary spaces.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in home furnishings. For this story, she interviewed Jillian Jones, creative content manager at Interior Define, who offered insight into the benefits of leather furniture and what to consider when buying a leather sofa. She also compiled insights from furniture expert Jeff Frank of Insiders Guide to Furniture and Karina Lameraner, an interior stylist and content creator. After researching the best models on the market, Theresa narrowed it down to the most durable, comfortable, versatile, and visually pleasing options.
Theresa has been covering furniture, home decor, and organizational solutions at The Spruce since 2019.
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