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. But despite having a fairly bad rap, there are actually some great leather couches out in the universe that look great and feel comfy too.
Top picks:
- Best Leather Chaise Sectional: Gaby Leather 3-Seat Chaise Sectional, $4,795 at Interior Define
- Best Investment Sofa: Sven Tufted Leather Sofa, $1,999 at Article
- Most Spacious: Bailey Leather Square Arm Sofa, $2,640 at Wayfair
- Best Legless Option: Jonathan Leather Extended Sofa, $4,269 at Castlery
- Best for Reclining: Harmony Leather Sofa, $3,679 at West Elm
- Most Customizable: Turner Square Arm Leather Sofa, $3,549 at Pottery Barn
- Best for Small Spaces: Aria Leather Sofa, $3,999 at Sixpenny
- Best Shaped Sofa: Luva Modular Sofa designed by Gabriel Tan, $5,304 at Design Within Reach
- Most Affordable: Lucid Comfort Collection Futon Sofa Bed, $480 at Target
Though 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 while not breaking the bank. Shop some of our faves from top retailers (offering both faux and real genuine leather) below:
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.
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.
Wayfair always has a bevy of affordable furniture, including sofas. The retailer has plenty of faux leather options, but they also offer a selection of couches made from genuine, high-quality leather—like this sofa that would be perfect for a basement lounge room or den. The clean lines will help make your rec room look more put together, while the deep seating and disappearing legs give off a comfort that makes you want to dive on top of it for a nice nap.
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.
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.
A classic silhouette available in a variety of sizes depending on your needs, this couch from staple furniture retailer Pottery Barn looks plush and has that perfectly-worn-in soft leather look. Get it with or without nailheads, depending on the look you’re going for.
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.
Want a sofa that’s basically a bed? That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Castlery pit-sectional sofa. The leather over-stuffed design invites lounging, reclining, and napping. Get it for your basement movie theater or any large lounge area. There’s a high chance this might just replace your own bedroom mattress.
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.
Want to feel like a fancy English lord or lady, drinking a glass of whiskey or wine in your dimly lit living room or study? This Chesterfield-style sofa can help with that. You can’t go wrong with the classic oversized silhouette that’s accented with a bit of tufting, especially if you’re working with lots of space. Add a few accent pillows and you’re good to go.
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”?
Anthropologie’s Willoughby sofa is the ideal balance for people who like leather material but don’t want to sacrifice adding color to their space. The stout maple legs, gold detailing, and cushioned silhouette give this couch an antique look that would pair especially nicely with an eclectic decor style.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you’re lucky enough to have ample space (jealous), get a sectional sofa that can fit plenty of people. You can nestle this option in a natural corner of your home or use it to divide your living room from your dining room or kitchen.
This isn’t your grandpa’s recliner. This three-seater from high-end brand Arhaus mimics the overstuffed design of your average recliner but reimagines it in a more refined and polished way thanks to a slim frame.
This couch is truly something borrowed and something new for those that like their furniture to have a little backstory. The Replay sofa is a redesigned homage to EQ3’s 2002 iconic collection. This 2018-introduced re-imaging includes 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.
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?
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.
While you can’t go wrong with a classic brown leather sofa, it’s always nice to have a variety of color options to choose from. As a material, leather already looks rich and luscious but leather in jewel hues like the blues and green this Dreamsir couch is available in will add a quick flair to your interior design. Plus it’s affordable, as it comes in under $500 with the current coupon.
We’ve featured many midcentury-modern silhouettes in this round-up so far, but we also liked the retro, ’70s look of this couch from Joss & Main. You can definitely channel some cozy and intimate vibes while sipping on a cocktail and reclining on this piece, and it has a lounge-like look.
Another ’70s style sofa that relies more on curves than hard lines, this large number from CB2 favors a darker and low-slung look that could add a touch of softness to a more minimal and industrial living room.
This sofa works perfectly if you’re looking for a shape that will take up space in a basement or loft. The oversized arms and barely visible legs of the silhouette make it inviting for future movie nights on the film projector.
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.
The Nikko sofa from Ashley leans into a unique bench-meets-love-seat design, though that doesn’t mean its leather cushioning isn’t comfortable. In fact the wooden frame is low-profile compared to other couches, making this the perfect piece for a quaint sitting room or small apartment.
Leather couch FAQs
Why you should buy a leather couch
For one, leather couches are 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 in vogue. 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!)
How to take care of a leather couch
Dust your leather couch with a dry cloth regularly. You’ll also want to invest in a nice leather conditioner as well. You’ll probably want to apply this to your furniture monthly to help maintain its quality and prevent cracks, stains, and any other imperfections from worsening. Read our explainer on how to clean leather furniture if you want to learn more ways to maintain your shiny new leather sofa.
