The best leather sofas adhere to the ABCs of great seating: agnostic design, beautiful texture, and classic silhouettes. Generally, genuine leather is lauded for its durability and longevity—it’s only going to look better with age and some patina. The fabric also makes a wildly comfy, easy-to-clean surface where dirt and dust can be wiped away with a cloth.
If you’re on the search for a new sofa that radiates sophistication (and not just single energy), there are a bounty of leather options at every price point, whether you prefer the softness of suede or the supple, lived-in feel of top-grain leather. Ahead, we gathered our favorite leather couches available online, from small-space designs to larger sectionals that will become the anchor for your future hangouts.
We also included a few wish-list-worthy collectible pieces from midcentury-modern makers like Tobia Scarpa and de Sede, in case contemporary silhouettes don’t quite measure up to the look you’re going for. Below, some of the most handsome leather styles on our wishlist.
Inside the Article
Best Leather Sofa, Overall
Castlery Jonathan Leather Extended Sofa with Ottoman
Castlery Jonathan top-grain leather sofa is overstuffed, inviting, and supportive—the holy trinity of comfort. We love the inviting modular design that’s perfect for kicking your feet up on the nearby coffee table or simply lounging around in your modern living space. Rachel Fletcher, AD commerce director, has had the Castlery’s Jonathan sectional since 2022 and still gives it an A. The sofa is streamlined—it’s legless look resembles a seat you might find at one of those dine-in theaters. It’s overstuffed and inviting, but still supportive. Contributor Sarah Madaus said it was so comfortable, she asked her partner to cook dinner so she could keep sitting in it. Choose from caramel or warm taupe colorways—or maybe get both, one for the living room and one for the den.
Best Budget-Friendly Option
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Article Cigar Leather Sofa
You won’t regret getting the Article Cigar leather sofa, which has the “soft buttery” rawhide tan texture of a baseball glove, but the rounded curves of a marshmallow. The leather upholstery is made to look like suede, for a soft brushed effect. And if you want to kick your feet up when sinking into this sofa, there’s even a matching leather ottoman to pair with it.
Best for Small Spaces
CB2 Serafin Leather Daybed
Just because you’re working with a small space doesn’t mean you can’t have a “serious couch.” Designed for CB2 by Adam Rogers, the chunky, hardwood base is a total showstopper. This is the kind of sofa that will become an heirloom object—just keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Best for Reclining
West Elm Harmony Leather Sofa
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.
Best Splurge-y Sofa
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Design Within Reach Pastille Sofa
Talk about an investment piece for lounging in style. The seat on this DWR sofa is low, but not so low that you feel like you’re inches from the floor. We appreciate the thoughtful details such as topstitching that was not overlooked by Hlynur Atlason, the Icelandic-born designer who created thePastille sofa exclusively for the brand. It comes in 12 leather colorways that include neutrals like the more traditional cognac to the more design-forward rouge and olive. For a smaller footprint, opt for the 80-inch-wide loveseat.
More AD-Approved Leather Couches
Loon Peak Micheals Leather Sofa
If you’re into the look of midcentury sofas but want something a touch more modern, this mixed-media design may scratch that itch. Iron legs anchor an oak panel base that houses a top-grain leather construction. The legs even have built-in protectors to keep your floors scratch-free.
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West Elm Laurent Leather 2-Piece Bumper Sofa
West Elm knows how to tug at our heartstrings, and the Laurent two-piece Bumper sofa is definitely on our fantasy seating list. The Art Deco–inspired silhouette with solid wood legs fits just as well in a more casual loft space as it does in a lush parlor room designed for maximum foot traffic. While the matte finish leather feels a bit waxy at first, it’s made to age (and soften) gracefully. If you’re looking for a leather sofa to plop into, this might not be the right choice as the seat firmness ranks 4 out of 5, with 5 being the firmest.
While a lot of leather sofas look like clones of one another, this three-seater from Soho Home stands out among the pack thanks to its handsome wood frame and casually elevated feel. A shade like chestnut or sangria blend in more seamlessly with the oak wood for a more understated look, while the moss, honey, or classic black hues accentuate the soft edge frame to create a statement piece for your living room.
Kent Sofa by Amber Lewis x Four Hands
The silhouette of this piece, a collaboration between furniture brand Four Hands and Los Angeles–based interior designer Amber Lewis, feels like an updated take on your parents’ bulky Chesterfield sofa. The built-in cushioning helps give the sofa a more elongated look and, while it could feel too formal for casual spaces, the front legs are fitted with tiny brass casters that pack some charm and personality into the overall design.
Wells Leather Apartment Sofa
This classic couch is available in forty different genuine and faux leather options if you’ve been having trouble finding the perfect shade of olive green or a chestnut without red undertones. If that’s too much decision fatigue, we recommend going with a versatile shade of black, mostly because the slim arms bear a resemblance to the luxuriously lived-in black leather sofa we spotted in Walton Goggins’ upstate New York retreat.
Miramar English Roll Arm Sofa with Bench Seat
Who says a leather sofa can’t fit a coastal aesthetic? While we’ve typically seen leather sofas used to set a moody vibe in spaces, Serena & Lily offers leather and suede upholsteries in a seaside-friendly shades of pastel blue and cream. If the rounded Miramar sofa feels a little too Nancy Meyers, the upholstery in question will definitely add some edge.
If you’re just too impatient to wait for your leather sofa to obtain an aged look, McGee & Co.’s Warner settee will help with faking patina. The down feather-filled cushions will give you something to hug on movie nights or stack them like a bolster for the optimal spot to curl up with a good book.
Terrazza Landscapes by Ubald Klug for De Sede
This Terrazza sofa by Ubald Klug for de Sede helps you achieve the authentic Lenny Kravitz look—yes, we spotted it in the star’s Paris apartment. And if that’s not enough of a draw, just know that designers like Kelly Wearstler, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, and Sally Breer often snag second-hand Terrazzas for their own celebrity clients.
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Wade Logan Anorea Leather Channel Tufted Sofa
This is a fun one. If you’ve got a room full of textures, colors, and far too few spots to park your bottom, consider this chic tufted pick. It comes in five rich colors (including a neat sage green), and the leather has been treated to be water- and stain-resistant in case this creamy hue has you nervous about spills.
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Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Bastiano” Sofa for Gavina
Heirloom may not be the word that comes to mind when thinking of leather couches, but the Afra & Tobia Scarpa Bastiano sofa might just fit the verbiage. It was originally designed for Knoll by the esteemed Italian architect and his wife. The chocolate-hued leather cushions fit perfectly into the rosewood frame that emphasizes the sofa’s angular geometric structure. We’re picturing it right at home in a wood-paneled sunroom, surrounded by plenty of plants.
Article Burrard Leather Sofa
Solid-wood peg legs give this sofa a semi-midcentury flair—a great style choice if you want something that will grow with you from home to home. Tiny details like double-stitched seams and waxed Italian-tanned leather give it staying power. It may not be a couch you’ll want to spend night after night snoozing on, but it will serve your reading sessions very well.
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Quince Italian Leather Midcentury Sofa
It’s no secret that AD editors love Quince bedding, but we also have a sweet spot for this Italian genuine leather couch. The midcentury design is simple, but not boring. With a tufted seat and two bolster pillows, the style suits any interior. Add to that three layers of high-density foam and removable cushions which won’t make you feel like you’re sitting on springs. Solid ash wood legs complete the MCM look.
AllModern Dillington Leather Sofa
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.
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DS2011 by de Sede 20th Century Swiss Leather Sofa
Personality is one thing that this vintage de Sede leather couch has no shortage of. Just looking at it makes us want to drape ourselves over the U-shaped frame. Manufactured in Switzerland, the style is all about capturing mid-20th-century craftsmanship that lends itself to comfort. Retro vibes are not to be overlooked.
CB2 Forte Channeled Saddle Leather Sofa
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”?
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Turner Square Arm Leather Sofa
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.
Castlery Hamilton Leather Round Chaise Sectional Sofa
There’s a little bit of a retro vibe about the rounded chaise on this design. Deep seats offer up a sink-in feel that’s still easy to pull yourself out of (if you really have to). Made of top-grain leather on top of stainless-steel legs, it’s a great option for larger rooms.
Burrow Arch Nomad Leather Loveseat
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. Our tester, AD contributor Terri Williams tried the camel-colored leather with metal legs. Williams praised the high-end topstitching on the upholstery and the layers of foam in the seat and back cushions, as well as the sofa’s versatility.
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.
What are the different kinds of leather?
Believe it or not, there are many categories of leather. Full grain describes the most authentic version of the material—only the animal hair has been removed from the hide and has been naturally dyed. This type of leather is a bit tough at first, but it wears into a deliciously soft material after time. Top-grain leather is a popular option, as it’s been buffed to have a softer look (and feel) from the first sit. Split grain is a less expensive construction, as the first layer of leather has been removed. Bonded leather is another one you’ll see out there; it’s made from scraps of other projects and connected with an adhesive. No matter which one you choose, you’ll get that leather look and smell—it’s a great material for all budgets.
