The 14 Best Leather Sofas of 2023, According to Design Experts
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Comfy-chic is the name of the game
People / David Hattan
As someone who grew up in a home that always had a fabric-covered couch instead of a leather couch, I always assumed I would make similar interior design choices as an adult. To me, leather seemed like it wouldn’t be as warm and cozy as the couches I was used to. But after growing up, adopting a dog, and realizing said dog would be spending a lot of time on the couch with me, too, I realized that a leather couch would be the best option for both of us.
Now that I’ve had a leather couch for more than three years, I can’t say I would ever go back to anything else. Not only are leather couches great for cats and dogs, but they’re also great for hosting large groups and withstanding the stains and scratches that come with kids, guests, and more. Plus, they can be super chic.
“Leather sofas are the perfect combination of luxury, comfort, and durability,” Jessica Harris, Manager of Production Design at Living Spaces says. “The classic material works beautifully with many different sofa designs, making it a great addition to any living space.”
Keep reading for our PEOPLE-approved picks of the best leather sofas.
Best Overall: Article Sven Sofa
Who It’s Good For
Anyone who’s looking for a mid-century modern style couch that can grow with you and is not exorbitantly priced.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone who doesn’t like a couch that sits low to the ground or is searching for a more traditional style.
As someone who has owned different versions of the Article Sven Sofa over the years, I can personally vouch for the overall comfort, durability, and value of this couch. After owning a velvet version of the Sven sofa for awhile, my husband and I switched to the leather version, which is a little more dog-friendly. Our Sven sectional is comfortable, durable, and withstands scratch marks, fur, drool, and anything else our dog has to throw at it. Not only that, but it looks timelessly stylish in our home (even as our other decor changes) and the tufted cushions and overstuffed pillows only seem to become more comfortable and cozy as time goes on. This is also a favorite of wardrobe stylist Pilar Scratch, who says that this chic couch “fits every living space aesthetic.”
Price at time of publish: $1,899
Dimensions: 34 x 88 x 38 inches | Assembly: No tools required, takes less than 10 minutes | Material: Kiln dried solid wood, high density foam, polyester, duck feathers, full-aniline leather
Best Sectional: Poly & Bark Napa Right-Facing Sectional Sofa
Who It’s Good For
Anyone looking for a high-quality sectional at an affordable price point that can be conveniently purchased on Amazon.
Who It’s Not Good For
Those looking for a sectional that's more customizable or designer.
This classic sectional is not only attractive, but comes with a 100-day warranty and guarantee, so you know you’ll be able to properly test and trust it when you purchase. This pick has nearly 800 positive reviews on Amazon, with an average of 5 stars for its craftsmanship, so you know you'll be getting a high-quality couch that will last for years to come. Plus, since it's available to buy on Amazon, you get free curbside delivery and you may even find that it's on sale. The best part? It only takes five minutes to assembly (really!).
Price at time of publish: $2,798 (orig. $3,299.99)
Dimensions: 67 x 104.5 x 28.5 inches | Assembly: Simple assembly required (approximately five minutes) | Material: Italian tanned leather upholstery, high density foam with polyester filling and feather-down topper on seating surfaces
Related: The 11 Most Comfortable Sectionals on Amazon of 2023
Best Budget: Steelside Aisha 69.68-Inch Upholstered Loveseat
Who It’s Good For
Shoppers in search of a modern, budget-friendly, faux leather couch that can seat up to two people.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone set on having a genuine leather sofa or those needing a larger-sized sofa.
Forget what you think you know about faux leather sofas, because this one challenges the most popular misconceptions. First of all, this sofa makes it clear that not all faux leather couches look cheap — customers say this faux leather upholstery looks like genuine worn-in leather. Second, not all leather couches (faux or otherwise) have to be expensive. The Steelside Aisha Upholstered Loveseat is a great option for those who prefer faux leather and/or are trying to save a bit of money without sacrificing aesthetic or comfort.
Made in the USA, this couch is a great value with positive reviews to boot. Particularly, customers rave about the loveseat's easy assembly, soft suede-like feel, and impressive quality and durability for the price. The one downside? It's a loveseat, so it only seats two people. However, this is a great couch for a small living room, entryway, office, or reading nook.
Price at time of publish: $344.96
Dimensions: 33.07 x 69.68 x 31.69 inches | Assembly: Easy assembly (but can purchase Wayfair's Expert Assembly for $104.99) | Material: Faux leather with solid oak frame
Best Tufted: AllModern Geo Sofa
Who It’s Good For
Anyone looking for a modern leather couch with tufted cushions at a decent price.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone searching for a couch to regularly fit more than 2 or 3 people.
This couch is a combination of a lot of different desirable features: It’s a modern, trend-focused silhouette but has some classic details we love, like a tufted upholstery. It’s made of genuine leather and its delivery includes at-home assembly. Plus, it has dozens of wildly positive reviews to back up its claims of comfort, design, and construction. It's also available in black leather if you prefer that to brown. While it might not be the best possible option for larger families or those looking for couches designed for optimum spreading out and lounging, it’s a gorgeous piece that would look great amidst a lot of different design styles.
Price at time of publish: $1,020
Dimensions: 34 x 84 x 37 inches | Assembly: Includes assembly service with delivery | Material: Genuine leather
Related: The 17 Most Comfortable Couches on Amazon of 2023, According to Thousands of Reviews
Best Faux Leather: West Elm Dennes Vegan Leather Sofa
Who It’s Good For
Someone looking for a high-end couch with modern details that won’t break the bank.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone looking for an extra-firm or extra-soft couch (this is ranked right in the middle on West Elm’s firmness scale).
This couch from West Elm is another faux leather option and a favorite pick of designer and architect Rachael Grochowski, founder and principal of RHG Architecture and Design. “I love a cream colored leather sofa — especially if it’s vegan,” Grochowski says. “This one has a classic modern look reminiscent of Florence Knoll.” If you’re not super familiar with high-end furniture, a Florence Knoll is a famous style of sofa from Knoll Furniture that retails for more than $15,000. This West Elm option comes in at a significantly more approachable price point than that while offering a similar aesthetic, so it’s a win-win. Plus, you can choose between five shades of vegan leather (and 13 shades of genuine leather, if you prefer that) for a sofa more customized to your home aesthetic.
Price at time of publish: $1,679
Dimensions: 72 x 39 x 34 inches (also available in an 88-inch width) | Assembly: West Elm will assemble for you as part of their White Glove Service | Material: Animal-friendly vegan leather
Best For Tight Spaces: Burrow Field Leather 3-Piece Sectional Lounger
Who It’s Good For
Those living in a small apartment can still enjoy a high-quality leather couch with this piece from Burrow.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone looking to fill up a vast living space or homes with more than two people, as this is a two-seater.
If you're looking for your sofa to have mid-century and Scandinavian influences, the Burrow Field Leather 3-Piece Sectional Lounger is a great option. The sofa, which comes recommended by interior designer Williams Martinez of Casa Martinez, is available in two leather colors (camel and slate) as well as three different leg finishes (walnut, oak, and black metal).
"This three-piece sectional is perfect for a small apartment or a couple that loves to sit together and lounge," says interior designer Martinez. In addition to its smaller length and depth, the lounger also comes with a free-standing ottoman that can be used as extra seating, so those with small spaces can use that as an extra spot for guests, when needed. Its modular design means there are ample ways to configure it — perfect for those who like to switch up their seating for more visual flair. As a plus, Burrow offers free shipping on all orders and simple, no-tools-required assembly.
Price at time of publish: $2,499
Dimensions: 62 x 60.5 x 33 inches | Assembly: Easy (just secure connection plate with hand screws) | Material: Top-grain Italian leather
Best Statement Sofa: Anthropologie Clarke Leather Sofa
Who It’s Good For
People looking for a unique, conversation-starting leather sofa.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone who doesn't have the time to clean lint, dirt, and debris in between the tufts.
The Anthropologie Clarke Leather Sofa is a modern take on the classic Chesterfield sofa, but unlike traditional sofas of this type, it features vertical tufting, which offers added visual appeal. With this sofa, there are two leather types to choose from: nubuck leather (a suede-like material that's more durable and thick) or Winchester leather (the more rustic, top-grain option). There are also several colors within each leather type.
Perhaps the most attractive feature of this sofa is its frame. "I love the wood frame that hugs the upholstered sofa," says Martinez. "This is a very specific look that’s not for everyone, but it's contemporary enough with a hint of bohemian, making it perfect if you are looking for something with a twist," says Martinez.
Price at time of publish: $3,898
Dimensions: 33 × 79 × 38 inches | Assembly: No assembly required | Material: Nubuck leather or Winchester leather
Best Sleeper: Signature Design by Ashley Morelos Contemporary Leather Queen Sofa Sleeper
Buy at Appliancesconnection.com
Who It’s Good For
Anyone without a dedicated guest room who wants a quality couch and bed for guests.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone looking for a sectional or those who don’t need a sleeper sofa.
If you’re looking for a sleeper sofa that doesn't look like a sleeper sofa, this value option from Signature Design by Ashley is going to be your best bet. Not only that, but it comes delivered pretty much ready to go — all you need to do is screw on the feet. And your guests can sleep peacefully knowing there are no back-breaking springs included; this sleeper features a queen-sized memory foam mattress. It also, of course, has high ratings and positive reviews, with customers praising its comfort and functionality.
Price at time of publish: $799 (orig. $929.99)
Dimensions: 38 x 85 x 37 inches | Assembly: Light assembly required (just attach feet) | Material: Leather upholstery,
Best Traditional: Poly & Bark Essex Sofa
Who It’s Good For
People who like a scuffed-up look over time.
Who It’s Not Good For
Those who want a sectional.
Poly & Bark's Essex Sofa is a contemporary iteration of the classic Chesterfield that works well in both traditional and modern spaces, says Shivani Vyas, a Georgia-based interior designer who has used this sofa in a client's office. The sofa features full-grain pure-aniline leather in the cognac tan and cocoa brown shades and semi-aniline leather in the midnight blue and onyx black shades.
Aniline leather is one of the best quality leathers for sofas, according to Vyas. Although it's buttery soft, it's prone to developing a beautiful patina over time — perfect for those who love that "lived-in" look. The best part: As with most Poly & Bark products, the sofa comes with a generous 100-day return policy.
Price at time of publish: $2,089
Dimensions: 89 x 32.28 x 30.31 inches | Assembly: Simple assembly required (approximately 10 minutes) | Material: Full-grain pure-aniline (cognac tan, cocoa brown) or semi-aniline (all other colors) dyed Italian tanned leather upholstery
Best Modular: Article Mello Corner Sectional
Who It’s Good For
People with large families who are searching for a stylish large sectional.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone who doesn’t need a large modular couch or wants a low-to-the-ground sofa.
There’s nothing better than sinking into a giant, cozy sectional after a long day of work and running around. “The relaxed look of a legless modular sofa is simply welcoming — a contemporary look for a contemporary home,” Grochowski says. This one is made from soft, full-aniline leather and comes in two shades: tan and brown. A perk of modular sofas is the customization, as you can add on other parts as you wish.
Before ordering, choose if you want it right-facing or left-facing so it can fit into your space exactly how you want. If you're looking to really splurge on a modular sectional, this one from Industry West is Grochowski's favorite.
Price at time of publish: $3,899
Dimensions: 26 x 118 x 80 inches | Assembly: No assembly is required | Material: Soft, full-aniline leather upholstery with solid wood frame and filled with resiliency foam, polyester, and duck feathers
Best with Footrest: Apt2B Leather Sofa With Footrest
Who It’s Good For
Anyone who needs a leather sofa ASAP and wants room to stretch out without buying a sectional or additional ottoman.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone looking for a couch with removable cushions, since these cushions stay in place.
This pre-assembled leather sofa not only has power footrests for optimum comfort, but also is one of Apt2B’s quick-ship sofas, meaning you don’t have to deal with any of that annoying, months-long wait that so many furniture brands have these days. This one also has very positive reviews and user photos which provide great examples of how the sofa looks inside real rooms and homes.
Price at time of publish: $3,048
Dimensions: 81 x 38 x 33 inches; 81 x 53.4 x 33 inches with footrest extended | Assembly: Easy | Material: Top grain leather
Best with Recliner: Briggs Bourbon Leather 88-Inch Power Reclining Sofa
Who It’s Good For
People who love to watch TV, movies, or play video games for hours on end.
Who It’s Not Good For
Those who are looking for a more mid-century modern or minimal aesthetic.
For those in search of a leather sofa that’s all about comfort all the time, consider the Briggs leather sofa, which features power reclining options, headrests, and USB plugs. Basically, this couch is for people who really, really like to lounge and for long periods at a time. With top grain leather that has a casual, rustic (but still traditional) feel to it, this sofa would be great for a screening room or game room.
Price at time of publish: $1,595 (orig. $2,495)
Dimensions: 88 x 41 x 41 inches | Assembly: 15 minutes | Material: Top grain leather
Best Customizable: Interior Define Marlow Leather 2-Seat Sofa
Who It’s Good For
Shoppers looking for complete control over their sofa and a made-to-order piece with a fair price.
Who It’s Not Good For
Those who get overwhelmed with options, as you'll have to choose the sofa's leather type, legs, size, depth, seat cushions, and fill type.
Custom couches can get pricey, but Interior Define proves it doesn't have to. From A to Z, the Marlow Leather 2-Seat Sofa is completely customizable, with a slew of options for leather, leg, and fill type. You can also choose the sofa's width (choose between 72, 80, or 88 inches) and depth (37 or 41 inches), as well as whether you want a bench cushion or two cushions. "This is one of the most customizable sofas out there," says Martinez. "This piece has beautiful lines and is very comfortable — it’s the perfect sofa for any home."
Price at time of publish: $3,195
Dimensions: Varies | Assembly: Interior Define will assemble for you as part of their White Glove Service | Material: Varies
Best Leather Variety: EQ3 Remi Sofa
Who It’s Good For
Shoppers looking for a comfortable, durable piece that'll last.
Who It’s Not Good For
Those needing a sofa for a smaller apartment, as it's quite large.
If you care about the quality of your sofa's leather, the EQ3 Remi Sofa has a range of options (nine of them, to be exact). Each type of leather from EQ3 is top-grain, with the lower grade leathers being embossed, meaning imperfections are buffed out and the grain is stamped back on. The higher grades are derived from more expensive hides, meaning they require less processing and are therefore more soft and supple.
"I used this sofa for a client in Nashville, Tennessee, and he still loves it, and it’s in excellent shape," says Martinez. "The clean lines make it look timeless and sophisticated, and you can customize the back cushion with a button tuft for a mid-century modern look or a center pull for a more contemporary look."
Price at time of publish: $3,649
Dimensions: 87 × 38 × 31 inches or 101 x 38 x 31 inches | Assembly: Just requires leg installation, which is included and done by EQ3 upon delivery | Material: Leather grade 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, M
How to Pick the Right Leather Sofa
Style
Katherine Wells, owner of eclectic home decor store A.Mano Brooklyn, explains the most important things to look for in a new couch. First, she suggests considering your home's style. It’s important to take into account how the overall look of the couch is going to go with the other design elements in your home. This part is, of course, entirely up to you. “Style is subjective so it’s pretty easy to narrow down the myriad combinations of backs, arms, cushions and legs based on personal preferences,” Wells explains.
If you prefer a mid-century modern look, we recommend Article's Sven Leather Sofa or Poly & Bark's Napa Sectional Sofa. If you're following trends, you might want to add a modular sofa to your space — our favorite is Article's Mello Corner Sectional.
Scale
Next up is scale, which is all about considering how the size of the piece is going to fit within a given space. Something too big will look out of place and something too small will look even worse. This is also where you should think about how you’ll get the piece of furniture into your home in the first place. “Scale dictates that a big room gets a big couch and vise versa, but you also have to consider whether or not the big one will fit through the apartment’s doorways,” Wells says. “Measure twice.”
If you're needing a sofa that can seat a bigger family, check out the Raymour & Flanigan Kessler Leather 4-piece Sectional Sofa. If you're looking for more petite, whether for an office space, small apartment, or the like, we recommend the Steelside Aisha Upholstered Loveseat.
Comfort
Comfort may not seem subjective, but it’s actually a very personal feature of a couch. Some people like to sink into an extra-soft sofa, while others prefer to be supported. “Comfort depends on how you want to use it and what your body needs. Measure for depth and length and the height of the back,” Wells suggests. “Personally, I like cushioned seats and pillow backs that I can move around when I need to lie down. If you nail the basics, there are endless fabric options to complement your decor.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best leather sofa?
We chose Article's Sven Leather Sofa for it's sleek design, quality construction, and approachable price point. It also comes in four different colors and two width options, providing a bit of customization you can't always find in leather couches. Plus, assembly only takes five minutes.
What are the benefits of buying a leather sofa?
For the most part, choosing a leather sofa is a matter of personal preference — something that comes down to what you want when it comes to the look and feel of the piece of furniture. However, there are some particular benefits of leather to explore, as Ashley Stark of Ashley Stark Home explains: “There are many benefits of a leather sofa," Stark says. "Leather can appear sleeker and more elegant. Leather is more durable and less likely to stain. It’s also hypoallergenic which is great for people who suffer from allergies.”
Are expensive leather sofas worth it?
If you have the budget for a quality leather sofa, it's usually a worthwhile investment, since genuine leather is a durable material that can last decades. One of our most expensive options on the list, Article's Mello Corner Sectional (priced at $3,899), is a modular design so you can customize it to your liking and have the couch adapt to your needs. When it comes to the best of the best leather quality, Stark says to look for full-grain or top-grain leather (this is the highest grade available for sofas). And if you're buying a couch online, make sure it's from a reputable dealer who carries high-end products.
How can you protect leather sofas from scratches?
One of the reasons leather sofas are so popular is because tanned leather is water-resistant, which makes them perfect for protecting against day-to-day messes and spills. Scratches, of course, are inevitable, but can often wear away over time, only adding to the lived-in, comfortable look and feel of a leather couch. Stark also suggests protecting leather from scratches by using a leather conditioner regularly. (Our editors love Leather Honey for this purpose.)
Take Our Word for It
Olivia Muenter is a freelance writer who has written for numerous outlets such as Refinery29, Glamour, and Byrdie. She is also a co-host on the lifestyle podcast Bad on Paper. For this piece, she aimed to cover retailers of all types for people of varying household incomes. For criteria, she evaluated specific, expert-backed recommendations and insights, reviews, materials, versatility, and design. Michelle Rostamian later updated this piece with additional recommendations from interior designers.
Meet Our Experts
Jessica Harris, manager of production design at Living Spaces
Celebrity stylist Pilar Scratch
Rachael Grochowski, founder and principal architect at RHG + D, an award-winning architecture and design firm in Montclair, New Jersey
Katherine Wells, owner of A. Mano Brooklyn, an eclectic home décor store
Ashley Stark, creative director of STARK and founder of Ashley Stark Home in New York City
Interior designer Williams Martinez of Casa Martinez, a full-service design firm
Georgia-based interior designer Shivani Vyas
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