Leather Recliner Sofa Decorating Ideas

The 10 Best Leather Sofas of 2021

Sit back and relax on one of these classic couches

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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

When it comes to classic furniture, it's hard to beat the timeless appeal of a leather sofa. Buttery-soft and capable of developing its own unique pattern and patina, this material only gets better with time. Of course, the longest-lasting sofas are the ones made with quality in mind, and the upholstery does take a bit of care. But if you choose the right piece for your lifestyle, it has the potential to last for decades.

Whether you're ready to invest in a sofa that'll stand the test of time or you're on the hunt for a more budget-friendly pick, there's an option out there to fit your needs. From edgy modern styles to classic and customizable couches, we've found the best leather (and vegan leather) sofas on the market. Just be sure to consider each pick's leather type, leather dying process, cushion fill, and soft frame material.

Below, our top picks for the best leather sofas.

Our Top Picks

The customizable sofa features clean, contemporary lines and a built-in USB charger.

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Tufted detailing on the back and bench seat makes the Morabo appear deceivingly expensive.

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The sofa is gorgeous, reasonably-priced, and has just enough color options to choose from.

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This classic pick has plenty of customizable options to choose from.

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In addition to two configurations, the sofa is offered in two leg finishes and a selection of colors.

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The sofa is easy to use and ideal for maximizing small spaces when hosting overnight guests.

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It's designed with a modern, contemporary style that'll work well with most existing furniture and decor.

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This power recliner blends modern technology with top-notch materials.

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The genuine leather sofa features rolled arms, a nailhead trim, and a tufted design that'll make a statement in your space.

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The sofa is stylish, easy to clean, and generally more affordable than the real deal.

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Dimensions: 85 x 35 x 33 inches | Material: Top-grain leather | Cushions: Three-layer foam, fiber

What We Like

• Customizable

• Built-in USB charger

• Ethically-sourced materials

• Multiple arm and leg styles

• Free color swatches available

What We Don't Like

• Limited color options

• Expensive

In addition to adding clean-lined, contemporary flair to your home, the Nomad from Burrow is quite customizable. It features top-grain Italian leather in your choice of three shades—chestnut, slate, and camel—but that's just the beginning. You can pick from six different leg finishes and three arm styles to make your ideal piece. Then come optional add-ons like a moveable chaise, ottoman, and bolster pillows for added comfort. and style.

No matter how it's customized, every Nomad is built on a warp-resistant baltic birch frame, has cushions stuffed with three layers of foam and soft fiber, and has a built-in USB charger that really makes its modern vibe hit home. It's also made with ethically-sourced materials produced with the environment in mind. And, the sofa is fairly wide there's plenty of room for three or more—or one person to sprawl out and nap.

Expert Buying Tip

"When you're purchasing a leather sofa, it's important to look closely at the quality of the materials – especially if you're seeking a long-lasting piece. For example, top-grain leather is more durable and easier to maintain than corrected-grain leather. Top-grain leather also gets softer over time as it develops a unique patina."—Stephen Kuhl, CEO and co-founder of Burrow

Dimensions: 81.125 x 36.25 x 37.875 inches | Material: Grain leather | Cushions: Polyester wadding, high-resilience polyurethane foam

What We Like

• Affordable

• Available in five colors

• Removable arm rests

What We Don't Like

• Made partially with faux leather

• Non-removable cover

If you're looking for a budget-friendly find that won't sacrifice style, consider this fin from IKEA. Tufted detailing on the back and bench seat makes the Morabo appear deceivingly expensive, and your choice of five hues means it can match virtually any space.

This sofa is upholstered in two materials—GRANN, a strong-grain leather that covers the main surfaces, and BOMBSTAD, a faux leather fabric that blends in with the rest. Its frame is a combination of materials and the finishing touch is chrome-plated steel legs. Plus, the cushions are filled with a mixture of foam and polyester wadding for softness and structure. While it's lacking some top-of-the-line materials, it's a great option if you're designing on a budget.

Dimensions: 88 x 38 x 34 inches | Material: Full-aniline leather | Cushions: High-density foam with polyester filling, duck feathers

What We Like

• Reasonable price

• Available in four colors

What We Don't Like

• Light-colored leather is susceptible to permanent stains from unwashed, dark denim

• Professional cleaning advised

The Sven Charme Sofa has a little bit of everything— a sleek, Mid-Century design, a tufted bench seat, and just enough customizable options to give you choices without being overwhelming. It's roomy enough to fit a few, and there are dozens of other options in the Sven collection if you want to outfit your entire home.

The Sven is more than just good looks, however. It has a kiln-dried, solid wood frame, cushions stuffed with foam and duck feathers for softness and support, and it's upholstered in full-aniline Italian-tanned leather that'll just get better over time.

Expert Buying Tip

"Read the verbiage as it is so easy to get confused and misunderstand what they are saying. You could think you are getting a real leather sofa, but it in fact could be 'genuine' [bonded leather] or faux. A good tell for real leather is to lift the sofa cushions, the bottom of the cushion is normally a fabric to minimize the costs."— Ariel Richardson, founder and lead designer at ASR Design Studio.

Dimensions: 68.5 x 38.5 x 35 inches | Material: Top-grain semi-aniline dyed leather | Cushions: Down-blend-wrapped cushions, polyester foam core

What We Like

• Available in several sizes

• Customizable colors and detailing

• Top-grain semi-analine-dyed and vegan leather options

What We Don't Like

• Can take 10+ weeks for delivery

• Certain customizable combinations may not be available

• Expensive

The classic looks of Pottery Barn's Turner Roll Arm Leather Sofa combined with a myriad of pick-and-choose options make this a worthy choice for a splurge. Available in four sizes, you can also customize your couch with two or three seat cushions, your choice of 30-plus colored leathers, and optional nailhead detailing.

The Turner sofa is made with top-grain, semi-aniline-dyed leather and a durable kiln-dried frame. Its down-filled cushions are plush enough for sinking in, while interior springs offer support for optimal comfort. While this pick is expensive, this customizable piece will stand the test of time in terms of comfort and style. The big downside here is that certain options can take up to 10 weeks for delivery since they're made to order. But good things come to those who wait, right?

Dimensions: 110.5 x 65.5 x 31.5 inches | Material: Top-grain analine-dyed leather | Cushions: Down-blend-wrapped

What We Like

• Available in two configurations

• Available in multiple sizes, colors and finishes

• Versatile silhouette

• Free swatches of fabrics available

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

• Professional cleaning advised

Whether you're entertaining guests or just want a comfortable place to lounge during movie night, you can't go wrong with a sectional. Especially Pottery Barn's Jake Leather Sofa Chaise Sectional, which will seat multiple guests at a time in style.

In addition to two configurations, the sofa is offered in two leg finishes and a selection of colors, so you'll be able to curate your ideal piece. If you have trouble choosing between the options, don't stress—you can order free swatches of each color option, so you can determine if it works in your space before you commit.

Expert Buying Tip

"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 sectional that feels proportional to those details. It's also important to consider the size and scale of your other furniture pieces as well. For example, your accent chairs and coffee table should be proportional to your sectional. Before you buy, be sure to know the measurements of your other furniture."—Karina Lameraner, senior creative stylist at Modsy

Dimensions: 81 x 35 x 33 inches | Material: Genuine leather | Cushions: Foam, down, synthetic fiber

What We Like

• Reasonable price point

• Multiple color options

• Top-grain leather

What We Don't Like

• Frame contains manufactured wood

A versatile solution for smaller spaces or an office-slash-guest room, the streamlined Jennifer Leather Sofa Bed is a two-in-one piece that'll help your dollar stretch. Upholstered in genuine, top-grain leather, it's built on frame made with kiln dried and laminate wood, and the back cushions are filled with foam, fiber, and down for an extra cozy feel.

The Jennifer houses a queen-size innerspring mattress that's effortless to set up and fold back again. With its quality materials, 750-pound weight capacity, and reasonable price point, this sleeper sofa is a solid choice for occasional overnight guests.

What Testers Say

"We slept on this mattress for several days...While it cannot compare to a regular nine- to 12-inch mattress, we slept reasonably well on it."—Stacey L. Nash , Product Tester

Dimensions: 38.8 x 59x 35.3 inches | Material: Top-grain leather | Cushions: Foam fill

What We Like

• Available in two colors

• Modern design

What We Don't Like

• Assembly required

• Warranty is an additional cost

The Milton Loveseat may be small in size but it's big on style and offers huge value. The two-seater style is designed with a corner-blocked frame and is made with top-grain leather upholstery that'll sit pretty in any space.

The loveseat is offered in two colors—cream or dark grey—each of which leaves plenty of room to accessorize with throw pillows and blankets. It's designed with a modern, contemporary style that'll work well with most existing furniture and decor, whether you place it in your living room or home office Plus, for an additional cost you can lounge with peace of mind thanks to a five-year protection plan.

Dimensions: 79.5 x 44 x 29.5 inches | Material: Top-grain, semi-aniline leather | Cushions: High-resilience foam wrapped in fiber encased in ticking

What We Like

• Quality top-grain, semi-aniline leather upholstery

• Power recline

• Built-in USB

What We Don't Like

• Available in one color

• Plastic recessed legs

• Frame is made of engineered hardwood

You'll find a lot of leather reclining sofas made with bonded and faux leather, but the Russo from Crate & Barrel is the real deal. Blending modern technology with top-notch materials, it transforms with the push of a button by reclining back and extending its cleverly-folded head and footrests. There's also a built-in USB port to keep devices and headphones juiced up while you lounge back.

The Russo is a big investment, but with its top-grain, semi-aniline leather upholstery, it won't flake and peel like most inferior materials tend to do. The frame is made with sturdy kiln-dried engineered hardwood, it has sinuous wire suspension for shape and support, and the cushions contain foam wrapped in cushy fiber.

Dimensions: 40.5 x 95 x 30.5 inches | Material:  Genuine leather | Cushions: Fiber wrapped foam

What We Like

• Available in multiple colors

• Removable seat cushions

What We Don't Like

• Assembly required

• Professional cleaning recommended

If you're looking for a sofa that balances style and function with ease, Birch Lane's Adelbert Chesterfield Sofa is a great option. The genuine leather sofa features rolled arms, a nailhead trim, and a tufted design that'll make a statement in your space.

The sofa is offered in a selection of neutral colors, from white to deep browns, so you're sure to find one that'll work in your living room. Though professional cleaning is recommended, the cushions are removable so it's easy to lightly dust or vacuum if you need to.

Dimensions: 79 x 32.25 x 31 inches | Material: Faux leather | Cushions: Foam, synthetic fiber, memory foam

What We Like

• Affordable

• Includes two throw pillows

What We Don't Like

• Available in two colors

It may be hard to believe that this chic Chesterfield sofa isn't made with real hide, but it's proof that you can get a gorgeous faux leather option that offers the same aesthetic. Although the real deal tends to last longer with care (we're talking decades), Allmodern points out that the polyurethane upholstery has its benefits—it's durable, easy to clean, and generally more affordable than the real deal.

This beauty is available in both honey tan and vintage gray. It's built on a kiln-dried solid wood frame and has cushions stuffed with synthetic fiber and foams, including a layer of memory foam that lets you sink right in. The finishing touches are two matching throw pillows and trendy gold metal legs for a look that'll make you swoon.

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend the Burrow Block Nomad Leather Sofa (view at Burrow) because the design is customizable, available in three colors, and has a built-in USB charger. For a budget-friendly option, consider IKEA's Morabo Sofa (view at IKEA) which is offered in five colors and can seat multiple people.

Type of Leather

For a piece that'll stand the test of time, the pros say that real full-grain leather is hands-down the best material to choose. The experts explain the differences:

Bonded Leather:

"Bonded leathers are made from a pulp of leather scraps, adhered to a fabric backing, coated in polyurethane, and embossed to look like leather grain," says Betsy Moyer, co-founder of Retreat. "A sofa made of bonded leather will lead to a short lifespan as inevitably that polyurethane coat will break down causing the material to crack and flake."

Note that bonded leathers can also go by the name "genuine leather," so be sure to research furniture labeled as such further before making a purchase.

Full Grain Leather: This kind of leather bears the natural lines and markings of the cow hide for an authentic appearance.

Top-Grain Leather: This is leather that's been polished down for a smooth, uniform appearance. It'll still display some unique markings and will develop more markings and a patina with wear.

Faux/Vegan Leather: "Vegan leather is often made from polyurethane, a polymer," explains Richardson. "It can also be made from materials such as pineapple leaves, cork, apple peels, other fruit waste, and recycled plastic."

Some of the customizable options also include nylon faux leather upholstery. "If you need to purchase a sofa with faux leather I would look for a vinyl that is commercial grade so it will last you a little bit longer," says Richardson.

Leather Dying Process

Within these categories, there are three types of leather based on different dying and treatment processes.

Aniline leather: Also called "naked leather," it has the most natural-looking aesthetic, but since it's not coated with any polymers or pigments, it has a tendency to stain easily.

Semi-aniline leather: This kind of leather has a treated surface that makes it more resilient against wear and tear, but not as much natural texture shows through.

Protected pigmented: This type of leather is the most durable and commonly used type (including in car upholstery), but because of how it's treated, it does not have the unique aesthetic that aniline leather does.

Soft Frame Material

For a top-quality leather sofa —or any type of sofa, for that matter — look for one with a solid kiln-dried wood frame. The process of kiln drying removes moisture, meaning the wood won't warp or crack over time. Plywood and particleboard are commonly used, but not as durable.

Cushion Fill

Look for a leather sofa with cushions that are stuffed with materials that offer a balance of plushness and support. This can include springs or high-density foam with an outer layer of soft fibers or down feathers.

Richardson recommends a foam core surrounded by a plush down envelope. "This is more expensive but also more comfortable," she says. "If you are allergic or sensitive to organic materials then be sure to look for a synthetic down. If you want a really soft seat, consider feather down cushions."

FAQ

• How do you clean a leather sofa?

  Leather sofas do take some maintenance, and it's important you take the proper steps for keeping them clean:

  Vacuum: Remove debris using a brush tool for the cushions and a crevice tool for getting in the nooks and crannies between.

  Wipe: Mix a few drops of mild soap in a bowl of warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Dunk a soft cloth in the solution then ring it out so it's not dripping and wipe down cushions and concentrate on soiled areas with a circular motion (don't scrub). Pro tip: When using a new soap, test a small patch on the back of a cushion or the couch first.

  Buff: Absorb excess moisture and buff the leather with a dry microfiber cloth.

  Address stains: For tough stains like grease or ink, blot up any access liquid first. Sprinkle grease spots with a layer of cornstarch and let sit for at least four hours (or overnight) to absorb the oil. For ink, swipe a damp cloth with mild bar soap, then gently wipe over the stain in a circular motion. If that doesn't work, you can try lifting the spot with a bit of isopropyl alcohol, but this can discolor the leather.

  Condition: Use a leather conditioner to restore and maintain the suppleness of the sofa's texture and protect it from future wear.

• How do you repair peeling leather?

  For this, you'll want to enlist the help of a leather repair kit.

  The first step is to create a smooth surface so you'll want to scrub off the flaking bits with a cleaning brush and a mild cleaning solution. You'll then wipe it dry, wipe it with alcohol, then sand down the area with sandpaper. Follow the instructions of your repair kit for recoloring the damaged area.

  Of course, the best solution is to invest in and protect a real leather sofa that doesn't peel in the first place. In addition to conditioning a couple times a year, Kuhl suggests, "All leather should be kept out of heat and direct sunlight if possible to avoid discoloration and peeling over time."

  "Good quality leather won't peel when properly cared for", says Moyer. "If your leather is cracking and flaking, it might be worth considering if you have an inauthentic full grain leather alternative."

• How do you protect a leather sofa?

  Conditioning is key. Follow the above steps for cleaning and be sure to condition your sofa every 6-12 months.

Karen Tietjen has been reviewing, researching, and writing about lifestyle and home decor for over 5 years. With expertise in commerce writing and editing, she has a keen eye for identifying key selling points when it comes to making a purchase—especially a big one. For this story, she meticulously researched leather sofas to assemble a well-rounded list of choices for every buyer. She also enlisted the help of interior designers and leather experts to share advice, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Leather Recliner Sofa Decorating Ideas

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/best-leather-sofas-4164593

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