Whether you have your heart set on going for a leather sofa and you’re just not sure which ones are the best or you’re not sure what style of sofa and upholstery finish to invest in at all, this round-up of the best leather sofas and what makes them great is the right place for you.
Most don’t realise the many benefits that come with opting for a leather sofa for their living room, making leather styles some of the best sofas out there. They’re timeless classics, existing outside of changing sofa trends, they’re hardwearing and easy to clean and they go with pretty much anything and any living room style.
‘Leather sofas have a timeless quality that makes them a great long-term investment,’ says John O’Leary, Swyft design director. ‘They're incredibly versatile from a design perspective, working just as well in contemporary spaces as they do in more traditional interiors. It's also a material that doesn't rely on trends, so it's easier to build a room around it for years to come.’
At a glance
Best for: Well-priced leather sofa
Configuration: Small 2-seat; also available as medium 2-seat and large 3-seat
Measurements: W152cm x D84cm x H68cm
Leather upholstery options: Riders nut, Antique whisky, London leather
Materials: Foam and fibre filling with wooden legs and serpentine springs suspension
What the editors say
It's no coincidence that the John Lewis Halo Groucho has been bearing the title of the 'best leather sofa' in our best sofa guide for a few years now. The reasonable price is the top reason for its title as leather sofas can easily cost upwards of £3000, while this one is half that price. I also find the design timeless and comfortable, especially when it comes to the ergonomically shaped armrests, perfect for resting your head when lying down.
Good to know
- Only comes in a few different shades of brown leather
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Comfortable with supportive armrests
- High, tapered legs make it perfect for smaller spaces
At a glance
Best for: Modular leather sofa
Configuration: 3-seat right chaise; also available as 2-seat, 2-seat right chaise, 2-seat left chaise, corner with ottoman, single-seat modules
Measurements: W254cm x D92cm x H71cm
Leather upholstery options: Maple, Oyster
Materials: Solid and engineered wood frame
What the editors say
Swyft's Model 03 is one of the best modular sofas I've tried. And it looks just as great upholstered in maple brown leather, if not better. When I tried this sofa at the brand's physical store I was taken with its classic look characteristic for modern modular sofas – angular, boxy modules with low-rise back rest. And I think the brown leather usually associated with more traditional and retro styles creates the perfect balance and an interesting look.
Good to know
- The sofa has a bulkier design that might not be ideal for small lounges
Pros
- Quick delivery
- Arrives flat-packed in a box
At a glance
Best for: Chesterfield leather sofa
Configuration: 3-seat; also available as 2-seat
Measurements: W220cm x D104cm x H80cm
Leather upholstery options: Midnight, Chestnut, Emerald, Tan, Simply Taupe
Materials: Foam and Dacron cushioning with wooden legs
What the editors say
If you're after the traditional and classic allure of a leather Chesterfield sofa then Furniture Village's Columbus design is my top pick. I'm not usually a big fan of Chesterfield sofas as they can be a little bulky. But that's not the case with the Columbus. Its lighter, slimmer appearance is further enhanced by tall tapered legs on castor wheels which also allow for easy movement. But there's also a version with castors available.
Good to know
- It's a more supportive-feel sofa, rather than a soft, cushiony kind
Pros
- Comes with legs on castor wheels
- Available in a range of colours of leather
- Traditional hand-tied buttoning design
At a glance
Best for: Reclining leather sofa
Configuration: 2-seat; also available as 2.5-seat and 3-seat
Measurements: W198cm x D105cm x H96cm
Leather upholstery options: 38 colours, 4 finishes
Materials: Steel frame
What the editors say
Traditionally, you'd usually see leather upholstery on bulky and not very aesthetically pleasing recliner sofas. And while those styles are still around, recliners have been given a bit of an update in recent years. But my favourite from the ones I've tried is the Reo sofa from King Living. This sofa elevates the recliner style, both with its sophisticated design and the tapered wooden legs which make the sofa look less bulky.
Good to know
- Long lead times as the Australian brand's manufacturing is based in Asia
Pros
- 25 year frame guarantee
- Wide range of leather upholstery options
- Comes with built in pockets for storage
At a glance
Best for: Budget leather-style sofa
Configuration: 2-seat; also available as 3-seat and corner chaise
Measurements: W180cm x D96.5cm x H82.5cm
Leather upholstery options: Tan
Materials: Foam and fibre cushion filling with metal feet
What the editors say
If you're more after the look of leather rather than the benefits associated with the genuine material then you can also opt for a faux leather option. Especially if you're working with a smaller budget. Habitat's Julien sofa has been carrying the title of the best budget sofa for several years now. And while you may have seen it in velvet upholstery, it's also available in tan faux leather.
Good to know
- Only available in one colour
- Made from faux leather which doesn't have the same longevity and hardwearing qualities as genuine leather
Pros
- Looks and feels just like leather
- Affordable price point
At a glance
Best for: Stylish leather sofa
Configuration: 4-seat; also available as medium 2-seat, large 3-seat and grand 3-seat
Measurements: W218cm x D89cm x H80cm
Leather upholstery options: 12 colours
Materials: Foam and fibre cushion filling with wooden feet
What the editors say
'Wooden sofas' or sofas featuring an exposed wooden frame have been enjoying a fair amount of popularity in recent times. And the John Lewis Nest sofa is the perfect example of that. It's exactly this exposed wood detailing that makes it so special. And paired with the leather upholstery which is another natural material, it's a beautiful combination and layering of textures. And while it's a super stylish sofa, it's also very comfortable with a good amount of squish in the cushions.
Good to know
- Existing customers have noted the odd and very obvious placement of seams on the cushions
Pros
- Available in a range of colours of leather to choose from
- Stylish design which mixes materials
At a glance
Best for: Luxury leather sofa
Configuration: 3-seat; also available as 2-seat, corner chaise and corner
Measurements: W220cm x D84cm x H71cm
Leather upholstery options: Cognac, Black
Materials: Wood and steel frame with powder-coated aluminium legs
What the editors say
If you have a larger budget, I'd recommend investing in a leather sofa from a designer brand like the Danish Muuto, stocked at Heal's. There are several sofa styles from Muuto that I rate highly, but when it comes to leather sofas, it's all about the Outline. It features a very obviously Scandi look and is perfect for smaller spaces with its airy, raised-off-the-floor design. This is a high quality sofa that will last for many years to come.
Good to know
- Higher price point
Pros
- Scandi look
- Visually light thanks to tall slim legs
At a glance
Best for: Curved leather sofa
Configuration: Chaise; also available as 3-seat and single-seat modules
Measurements: W296cm x D124.5cm x H85cm
Leather upholstery options: Tan
Materials: Plywood and engineered wood frame with foam, fibre and feather cushion filling
What the editors say
When I tried the Fable sofa from Castlery last year at the brand's launch, at first I didn't even realise it was upholstered in leather. That's because Castlery uses nubuck leather which is the softest kind of leather that feels almost velvet-like. The soft feel paired with the soft curves of the sofa and the modular design make this a winner sofa in my eyes.
Good to know
- Nubuck leather is not as easy to clean as smooth leather
- Only available in one colour of leather
Pros
- Soft feel
- Modular design
- Unique curved style
At a glance
Best for: Budget Chesterfield sofa
Configuration: 3-seat; also available as 2-seat
Measurements: W194cm x D93cm x H70cm
Leather upholstery options: Chocolate, Black
Materials: Foam and fibre cushioning with wooden legs
What the editors say
If you're after a leather Chesterfield sofa that won't break the bank and looks even more classic than the Furniture Village Columbus sofa, then Habitat's take on the look is the one for you. The brand's Chesterfield sofa is one of its bestsellers, both in leather and velvet upholstery options, which is loved by its customers.
Good to know
- Available online only
- Comes in limited leather upholstery options
Pros
- Traditional Chesterfield design
- Affordably priced
At a glance
Best for: Soft-feel leather sofa
Configuration: 2.5-seat; also available as loveseat, 2-seat, 3-seat, loveseat chaise, 2-seat chaise, 2.5-seat chaise, 3-seat chaise, U shape, large corner and single-seat modules
Measurements: W190cm x D102cm x H90cm
Leather upholstery options: 25 colours, 9 finishes
Materials: Hard-wood frame with a foam core and soft fibre wrap
What the editors say
If you have a little extra to spend, you'll find whatever kind of sofa you might be looking for at Darlings of Chelsea as the brand offers almost endless customisation. While the brand is mostly known for more traditional sofa styles, I'm a fan of the midcentury-style Shoreditch that lends itself perfectly to leather upholstery. Especially when it's the Buffed Saddle finish which is the softest leather upholstery I've ever felt and yet it's also super hardwearing.
Good to know
- Higher price point
Pros
- Endless customisation available
- Wide range of leather colours and finishes available
At a glance
Best for: Comfortable leather sofa
Configuration: Large 3-seat
Measurements: W219cm x D105.5cm x H91cm
Leather upholstery options: Riders nut
Materials: Pine, plywood and rubber wood frame with foam, fibre and feather cushioning
What the editors say
John Lewis' leather Halo range is a gift that keeps on giving so I couldn't help myself and had to include more than one sofa from the collection. The Halo Regent is one of the most comfortable leather sofas I've ever tried and an online review from an existing owner of this sofa further confirms this. And since it only comes in one colour of leather upholstery, it can be with you within 7 days.
Good to know
- Only available in one colour of leather
Pros
- Quick delivery
- High levels of comfort
- Timeless, elegant design
At a glance
Best for: Affordable leather sofa
Configuration: Large 2-seat; also available as 2-seat and 3-seat
Measurements: W194cm x D102cm x H79cm
Leather upholstery options: 22 colours
Materials: Foam and Dacron cushioning
What the editors say
Part of the Furniture Village x Ideal Home sofa range which I've tried in person, the Sienna sofa boasts a unique design that's curved, feels airy thanks to slim, tall legs, while all-over buttoning makes it look quite traditional. Scoring a leather sofa under (or around) the £1000 is very impressive and unusual. And the curved, slightly angled armrests make for the perfect head support when lying down.
Good to know
- More of a supportive feel, rather than cushiony soft
Pros
- Wide range of colours of leather to choose from
- Budget-friendly price point
Why should you buy a leather sofa?
Whether it’s for aesthetic reasons or practical ones, investing in a leather sofa is a decision you won’t regret. These are just the top benefits of this particular sofa style.
1. Easy to clean
If you’re looking for the best child-friendly sofa style, you’ve found it. Leather sofas come out on top in this regard because of how easy they are to clean – all you need to do is wipe down the surface.
‘From a practical point of view, leather is easy to wipe clean, making it a popular choice for busy households,’ John at Swyft says.
However, if you were to go for a nubuck or suede leather, this doesn’t apply. Leather upholstery is only easy to clean if it is the smooth, sealed kind.
2. Long-lasting and hardwearing material
A sofa is an investment that should last you for many years to come, at least 10 years. And leather is one of those hardwearing upholstery materials that will make sure you get your money’s worth. In fact, it only improves with age and wear!
‘Practically, a leather sofa is durable and resilient,’ says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village. ‘It also grows even more beautiful with age so you can be confident that your leather sofa will stand the test of time.’
3. Elegant, timeless look
Looks-wise, a leather sofa looks both elevated and timeless. And thanks to its versatility, it goes with pretty much any style of living room.
‘I'd recommend a leather sofa for anyone looking to create a more refined, understated living space. They work particularly well in rooms with natural materials like oak, walnut and stone, where the textures complement one another,’ John at Swyft suggests.
Magdalena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse, adds, ‘Leather sofas suit any kind of living room and I’d recommend them to those who want a classic and elegant look.’
What are the downsides of leather sofas?
But nothing is perfect, and leather sofas are no exception. So in order for you to have the full picture, these are some of the downsides of leather sofas to be aware of before buying one.
1. Prone to scratches
One of the beautiful things about leather is the patina it builds over time as it gets worn in. But if you have a pet like a dog or a cat, part of this worn-in look will inevitably be some scratches, too, as the material is prone to those.
‘Whilst leather is wipe-clean, it can be scratched by pet claws,’ Magdalena at Barker and Stonehouse warns.
2. Uncomfortable in extreme weather
Whether it’s the heatwave or the middle of the winter, when the temperatures get extremely cold or hot, a leather sofa reflects this and it might not be the most pleasant seat in the house because of it.
‘Because it's a natural material, it responds more noticeably to changes in temperature, feeling cooler in winter and warmer in summer,’ John at Swyft says.
3. Requires maintenance
Even though leather sofas are durable and hardwearing, they require some maintenance in order to keep the material feeling supple and soft.
‘As a natural material, leather will age and soften with use, and without regular care it can become dry or lose some of its rich colour,' says Julia Bilotta, creative stylist at Sofology. 'To help preserve the leather’s softness, appearance and natural sheen, we recommend using a specialist leather conditioner as part of a quality care routine. Applying conditioner twice a year will help to nourish the material, prevent it from drying out and keep your sofa looking beautiful for years to come.’
4. Higher price point
Just like any products made out of genuine leather outside of sofas tend to be pricier, the same goes for leather sofas. And while I tried to find some affordably priced leather sofas, most of them are not exactly budget-friendly.
But it is a long-term investment as leather sofas should and usually do last for many years.
Julia at Sofology concludes, ‘Leather sofas are a great choice for those looking for a stylish yet practical piece of furniture that can withstand everyday living. Their durable nature and easy-care qualities make them particularly suited to busy households, while their timeless appeal allows them to work well in a variety of interiors.’
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