The best leather couches for your living room in 2024

I’ve always loved the look and feel of the best leather couches and sofas, so I knew before I moved to my new apartment in New York City that I had to have one for my living room.

Oddly, finding a leather sofa can be difficult. The material comes in many variations, such as genuine, bonded and faux, and each has its benefits and drawbacks.

Similarly, shipping cost and assembly are things that always have to be factored in when buying any home furniture, making the task more complicated than adding whatever you like into your cart.

I scrolled through countless looks on Pinterest, style books, and visited more than 20 online furniture stores to narrow down where I’d find mine. It was low-key exhausting and a touch overwhelming at times.

Fortunately, researching is a big part of my job, so I had some time to learn everything I could about the best leather couches. Some things I tried to determine beforehand included:

• What makes a leather couch or sofa worth the money?
• How to tell if a leather couch is comfortable and well-made?
• Where are the best places to buy a leather sofa?

And that’s only three of the many things I looked into while testing and reviewing.

In the end, I went with Valyou’s Akerman Sofa, which I’ve labeled the best for a variety of reasons. However, during my researching process, I came across many other leather couches that I would recommend to anyone in the market for one.

Regardless if you’re searching for a sleeper sofa or a cloud couch dupe, I assure you that there’s a leather sofa for you at your desired price point. Heck, I even found leather couches that work for those with pets! And because I’m me and all about aesthetics, each one is classically gorgeous. Who wants an ugly couch in their living room? No one!

Best Overall: Valyou Akerman Sofa

As the name implies, Valyou is the place to find a genuine leather sofa at a fair price. Similar to leather jackets, you’re not going to find a genuine leather couch without a bit of a financial investment. However, the tradeoff is that you’re going to have a piece of furniture that lasts for years.

The Akerman Sofa is plush, supple and large enough to sprawl out on. Its cushions are stuffed with medium-density foam and feathers, while detachable back cushions make it easy to remove for fluffing. Delivery is free and the entire thing comes in boxes, making it hassle-free to get the couch through entryways.

I looked at so many different leather couches before selecting the Akerman Sofa, and it got the coveted spot because of its size, look, and feel. It was difficult finding a three-seater leather sofa that didn’t eat up the entire living room but this one works incredibly well for my needs.

Valyou gives all of the dimensions on its product page, including box dimensions, so I knew everything would fit before arrival. It’s heavy, so I recommend grabbing a friend (I used my building’s porter, Cecelio) to help.

It was a bummer that assembly wasn’t available for where I live. However, once all the pieces were removed from the box, the leather sofa was simple to put together. Pieces fit similarly to a puzzle and everything was marked, including on the underside of the couch, so we knew what went where — yes, I asked Cecelio to help me with this part, too.

The entire couch came together in less than an hour, and once it was complete, I could move it around (alone) to find where I liked it best.

This is not a couch for an ultra-small space but for those with a bit of room to spare, it can’t be beat. It’s super comfortable and I’ve spent countless hours working, reading, and watching movies on it. I’m only 5 feet 6-ish, so there’s lots of extra space when I lay down. However, you’ll still be good to nap if you’re 6 feet and some change.

What I like most about this leather sofa is that it gives all the sleekness and sophistication that I love from vintage-stye mid-century modern furniture while being as comfy as a cloud couch or something more traditional. While I was tempted to go with something from Valyou’s Feather Collection, the Akerman Sofa is truly my aesthetic, and everyone who’s seen it has become obsessed.

Dimensions: 84.3 L x 36.6 D x 31 H | Material: Genuine leather | Free Shipping: Yes | Warranty: Valyou offers three different warranties at an additional cost that cover stains, spills, rips and other forms of damage.

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Runner Up: Simplihome Livingston Mid-Century Modern 90” Leather Sofa

If you need to stick to sofa options under $2,000 but still want something made of real leather, you can’t do much better than this pick by Simplihome. It doesn’t have the same vintage-inspired look that the Akerman Sofa has but is still in a mid-century modern design. Similarly, the assembly is minimal with the legs being the main pieces that need to be attached. Cushions are stuffed with high-density foam wrapped in feathers for a cozier feel. It’s not an ultra-soft couch but it’s still comfortable and a great choice for those seeking firmer seating.

Dimensions: 34.7 D x 90 W x 31.5 H | Material: Full-grain, aniline leather, | Free Shipping: Yes | Warranty: Cushion protection is available through Amazon

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Best Leather Sleeper Sofa: Best Choice Products Faux Leather Adjustable Sofa Bed

What’s better than a cheap leather couch? One with storage, of course? As soon as I saw the cup holders on this faux leather sleeper sofa I knew it belonged in this roundup. Featuring tufted cushions and a glossy metal frame, the durable sofa can recline or be converted into a flatbed. I love this as an option for college students or those living in smaller apartments.

What customers are saying: “I used my futon in a playroom for my grandkids. The faux leather has held up well and is easy to clean. I recently had a guest over who slept on it for 4 days and slept well. I did, however, put some extra bedding on it to ensure it was soft and warm. Great buy.”

Dimensions: (Sofa) 30.5 D x 65.25 W x 31 H, (flatbed) N/A | Material: PU ;leather | Free Shipping: No | Warranty: N/A

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Best High-Quality Leather Sofa: Cigar 92 Leather Sofa Rawhide Brown

“I don’t eat meat for personal reasons and haven’t for years, so buying a leather couch was certainly a choice I didn’t make lightly,” explained our Editorial Director, Barret Wertz. “I’ve had the Article Cigar Leather Sofa for nearly four years now, and it’s still going strong.”

Wertz, one of the most stylish amongst our commerce team, described the sofa as “beautiful,” “well-made” and “surprisingly easy to care for.”

“It’s crafted fully from aniline leather, the most luxurious and expensive leather option there is,” he told the Post. “It preserves the natural look and imperfections of the hide due to its minimal treatment. This lack of unnecessary processing causes it to be more susceptible to natural wear and scratches, making it best suited for those who choose to embrace its evolving character.”

Made from full-grain leather, the couch is naturally durable and only becomes more comfortable with age.

“These are all reasons why we picked it for our home with three (well, now two, R.I.P. Margot) dogs,” said Wertz. “I am a firm believer that trends come and go, but investing in well-built classics — selvage denim jeans, Carrara marble countertops, solid brick homes — means with proper care, you can practically have them forever. A simple, stylish, well-designed leather sofa, like Article’s Cigar Leather Sofa, is that sofa.”

In terms of care, this leather couch is surprisingly low maintenance. “All it takes is a simple wipe-down,” said Wertz. “For those who want the easiest option (i.e., those like me who commute to the city multiple days a week and have multiple senior dogs curled up on the couch whenever home), I keep these Weiman leather cleaning and conditioning wipes on hand.”

And when comfort is concerned, it’s top tier, complete with feather-filled cushions, perfect for sleeping on. “Even after almost four years, there are nights my partner still seems to prefer it to making the trip upstairs to our king-size mattress that comes in at twice the price!”

Wertz notes that while the Article sofa isn’t cheap, it’s actually on the affordable end compared to similar leather couches.

“The Restoration Hardware sofa comes in at nearly $11,000, the Article option comes in at $2,299 for a similar size,” he explained. “A few additional things to keep in mind about delivery: The sofa arrives in one piece, so ensure a clear path into your home where you’re planning on placing it. We had no problem accepting the delivery, and the gentleman who delivered was courteous, helpful, and patient.”

To prep for your sofa’s arrival, Wertz recommended viewing Article offers a page, that gives measuring tips and tricks to help prevent any installation mistakes.

Dimensions: 92 L x 38 D x 26 H | Carton dimensions: 98 L x 42 D x 29 H | Materials: Full aniline pull-up leather with kiln-dried solid wood, high-density foam, polyester fiber, duck feathers | Free Shipping: No | Warranty: You can exchange any product in your order up to 30 days after delivery. Article’s manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from a product’s delivery date. 

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Best Leather Reclining Sofa: Atwater Living Nova Modern Leather Futon

For a leather couch pick that’s gentle on the wallet, I recommend this sofa from Ashley Furniture. It’s under $500 and is so handsome, it’s hard to believe it’s a futon sofa in disguise. It can be adjusted into a lounger for relaxing and can also be used as a sleeper for company. It’s almost 8 feet, so it’s on the larger side. However, it will still serve nicely as the focal point for any living space. Everything ships in one box — free! Assembly is minimal and since it’s less than 110 pounds, you may be able to set it up by yourself.

Sofa dimensions: 78.5 L x 34 W x 32.5 H, Sleeping dimensions: 78.5 L x 43.5 W x 24 H, Carton dimensions: 45.5 L x 36 W x 17.5 H | Material: Faux leather | Free Shipping: Yes | Warranty: Ashley Furniture offers a 5 Year Reguard Furniture Protection Plan starting at $49.99

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Best Suede Leather Couch: Aisha 70″ Faux Leather Square Arm Loveseat

For those who like leather but want the coziness that fabric sofas give, I suggest looking for something in suede. The Aisha Faux Leather Square Arm Loveseat is one of my favorite options, not only for its look but price. Featuring high-density foam cushions, the loveseat can convert into a sofa bed, too, and only takes 10 minutes to assemble. If you don’t have that time, Wayfair has a fixed-price assembly offer for $104.

At under 6 feet long, this couch is great for New York City apartments, home offices and other small spaces that can take large pieces of furniture. A minimum door width of 32 inches is needed but if you have that, you’ll be good for the rest. The sofa’s springs are flexible, too, so while firm, there’s some nice bounce when you sit. Comes with two throw pillows.

Dimensions: 70′ W X 31′ D x 31H | Material: Faux leather | Free Shipping: Yes | Warranty: Limited 30 day warranty

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Best Leather Sofa Sectional: Best Choice Products Tufted Faux Leather 3-Seat L-Shape Sectional

For those seeking a leather couch with storage, this option from Better Choice Products can’t be beaten. The stylish sectional has a chaise perfect for lounging or binge-watching TV, while the ottoman serves as additional seating or another spot to rest your feet. It also opens up to store blankets, books or other things better left out of sight. If you like a softer-feeling couch, you’ll really like the soft foam cushions that this one has, as well as the smooth feel of the fabric.

Dimensions: 84.25″ L x 56″ W x 33″ H | Material: Faux leather | Free Shipping: Yes | Warranty: N/A

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Best Leather Sofa for Dogs: Allform Leather Loveseat

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Heard of Allform? Me neither until I started reviewing leather sofas. The retailer specializes in stylish furniture that is pet-proof, so you can have the couch you want and your faithful companion. The loveseat features a modular design and high-grade polyfoam and fiber-filled cushions to keep you and your furry pal comfy. The leather is treated with a special protectant that conditions and prevents scratches — again, why it’s good for pet owners. While it’s one of the pricier picks in this roundup, the quality is tops, plus it will maintain its look — not easy to say when you have dogs or cats as part of your family. The leather loveseat ships in boxes for free, too, and doesn’t require any tools to assemble.

Dimensions: 63 W x 38 D x 34 H | Material: Semi-aniline leather | Free Shipping: Yes | Warranty: Allform offers a limited lifetime warranty on its sofa frames and a 3-year warranty on its cushions

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Best Easy to Clean Leather Sofa: George Oliver Jannae 80″ Vegan Leather Sofa

If the ethics of a leather couch have kept you from adding one to your home, this vegan option should make you happy. It’s plush, buttery soft as its genuine counterpart, and can be kept in pristine condition with a water-based or dry, solvent-based cleaner. Leather sofas can have a masculine quality, so I love how the sloped arms of the Jannae soften the entire look. Resistant to mildew and fading, this option is surprisingly low maintenance, gorgeous and comfortable.

What customers are saying: “Great quality for the price. It’s comfortable and the material feels like it will last. We have it in an Airbnb with a lot of turnover. It’s been doing great, so far.”

Dimensions: 84.25″ L x 56″ W x 33″ H | Material: Faux leather | Free Shipping: Yes | Warranty: N/A

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Best Leather Couch from Pottery Barn: Pottery Barn Teen Finn Futon 71″ Sofa

The moment I saw this leather sofa from Pottery Barn I thought of one of my very stylish, always on-trend, friends who lives downtown. You know the type, the kind with a home that looks like a page out of Kinfolk? Yeah, I’m being a hater but also a congratulator because I and a lot of other people dig that aesthetic, and for less than $1,000, this couch can complete the scene.

In terms of feel, it’s a lot like one of the hybrid mattresses that conform to your body, only this one won’t lose its shape. And since it’s a futon, it’s an awesome choice for those who need a space for guests.

Dimensions: (Sofa) 71″ W x 36 D x 32″ H, (Flatbed) 71 W x 45 D x 17 H | Material: Faux leather | Free Shipping: Yes | Warranty: N/A

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Best Comfortable Leather Couch: Timber 90″ Leather Sofa

For a sink-into-the-seat, too-comfy-to-leave feel, this is the leather couch for you. Many people, including Wertz and myself, are Article furniture fans, and the Timber 90 Inch is a must if you want a handsome leather sofa that’s cozy, too. Its seat cushions are stuffed with feathers and foam, so it’s really squishy, and the buttery feel of the untreated leather will make you want to rest on it for hours. The seating is slightly elevated, so items can be stored beneath, plus I love the honey stained wooden legs. While shipping cost will tack on an extra $49 to the price tag, compared to other furniture retailers that is pennies!

What customers are saying: “I wanted to wait a bit before writing a review to see how well the couch held up, and she did not disappoint! We purchased about a year and a half ago and we LOVE it. It is super comfortable, beautiful, and has held up really well. To my memory, delivery was also very seamless, and the couch only required the legs to be put on. I could definitely see us having it for a long time, which was the goal! We oil it every 6 months with otterwax, and she still looks brand new!”

Dimensions: 32 H x 90 W x 35 D, Box Dimensions: 22 H x 38 W x 91 L | Material: Full-aniline leather| Free Shipping: No | Warranty: N/A

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How We Tested:

When reviewing the best leather couches and sofas I looked at a variety of things:

• Leather type: As detailed below, leather type plays a large role in whether a sofa will last or not. When looking through options I paid close attention to materials to determine if they justified the cost of the overall sofa. Couches made of top-grain, full-grain or aniline leather, for example, justify a higher price tag, as they’re made from genuine cowhide. In contrast, a faux leather sofa, which won’t last nearly as long, is something someone doesn’t need to spend $2,000 on.
• Comfort: This one is hard to test online but still possible. To test whether a couch was comfortable or not, I looked at the cushion fill, giving higher marks to couches with feather and foam blends, as well as high-density memory foam. I also read through reviews to see what other shoppers had to say about a sofa’s overall feel.
• Size: Everyone has a different sized home, so I wanted to make sure I was finding options for all spaces. The reality is that most of us don’t live in a space that accommodates an 8-piece leather sectional, so I did the math and aimed for couches that were between 5.5. to 8 feet, which is what a typical room can hold.
• Design features: A couch is made for sitting but it’s always nice if it has storage or additional features. Some things I asked myself while reviewing were: Will this couch work for those with pets or kids? Is it stain-resistant? Is it easier to assemble in comparison to similar leather sofas? Those that had more cons than pros were quickly deleted from my bookmarks page.
• Price: Furniture is expensive! For this review, I filtered down many of my options by price, trying to find faux leather options under $1,000 while keeping the real leather variety to $3,000 for people who really wanted something genuine but not at the expense of their bank account. I gave bonus points to retailers offering free shipping to lower the overall cost.

Things to Consider When Buying a Leather Couch or Sofa

Leather couches can completely change the feel of a room. They’re classic in look and can last for years. However, now all are created equal, so there are some key things to consider when selecting yours.

Leather Types

There are varying types of leather and each has its benefits and setbacks. Here’s a brief rundown of what they are. FYI, this is not an exhaustive list.

Full-Grain Leather Couches

• Full-grain leather is extremely durable and will have a rich patina as it ages. It retains its natural grains and markings from the animal hide, which will give the sofa a worn-in, rustic look. Because of the time it takes to produce, full-grain leather sofas are expensive and considered luxury items. They are best for those looking for a high-quality item that they can keep for five years or more.

Top-Grain Leather Couches

• Similar to full-grain leather, top-grain leather is a high-quality material. It’s flexible, soft and buffed to remove any imperfections from its top layer. It’s not as breathable as full-grain but still long-lasting.

Aniline Leather Couches

• This type of leather sofa is derived from full-grain and then dyed so that the natural color can still show beneath the additional coats of treatment. It’s extremely soft and breathable but can fade and stain. For those concerned about the latter, a semi-aniline leather couch, which has a light protectant topcoat, is a better option. It has all the features of an aniline leather sofa but is slightly more durable and affordable. Both are great for those wanting a real leather sofa at an affordable price.

Bonded Leather Couches

• This type of leather couch is created through hide straps that are bonded together with a polyurethane or latex coating. The benefit of these types of sofas is that they’re typically less expensive, though not as durable as genuine leather sofas.

Suede Leather Couches

• Suede leather couches come from the underside of a cowhide, giving them a velvet texture. They’re warm and soft but require more maintenance, as they’re prone to staining.

Faux Leather Couches

• As the name suggests, faux leather sofas are designed to look like real leather but are made from synthetic materials. Some can be quite durable and are easy to clean, though this isn’t true for all. Look for words like fade-resistant or stain-resistant when shopping for one.

Price

As with anything, you’ll want to take price into account when shopping for a leather sofa. Couches made of full-grain or top-grain will be the most expensive, starting at around $1,500. If you’re seeking seating that will last for years, it’s a worthy investment. However, if you’re not ready to commit, there are plenty of options below $1,000 that have a similar look and feel.

Maintenance

Real leather sofas require a bit of upkeep, which includes conditioning. Make sure to read care descriptions before selecting your couch, as each will have different instructions.

Similarly, faux leather or bonded leather couches need to be maintained, though they typically can be wiped down with a damp cloth or recommended cleaning solution. Consider the foot traffic in your house, whether you have pets, as well as the activities you like to do on your sofa to determine which type is best for you.

Shipping and Assembly

Regardless if you’re ready to invest in a $1,500 plus leather sofa or opt for something wallet-sensitive, don’t forget to factor in shipping costs, as well as assembly. While some retailers, such as Wayfair, offer free and fast delivery, most will charge an additional setup fee, increasing the overall cost.

Many furniture designers now have couches with intuitive setups that come in boxes. However, it’s important not to assume, especially if you live alone or have a mobility issue that will make it difficult to put a sofa together.

Which leather is best for a sofa?

Most furniture experts and design enthusiasts will tell you that the best type of leather sofa is one made of full-grain leather. Because every hide is different, you’re guaranteed a unique couch that will last for years.

Full-grain leather is the standard that all other leather couches are designed against. It’s incredibly durable, soft, and will only become richer in color and texture over time. For this reason, it’s the most expensive type of leather couch.

Top-grain leather sofas are another good choice, as they are very similar to full-grain in look and feel. They’re slightly more affordable, too, though they lack the breathability of full-grain.

How to Care for Your Leather Couch Sofa

Cleaning and Conditioning

To maintain your sofa’s look, dust and vacuum regularly. A dry cloth will prevent buildup, while a vacuum will remove crumbs and fur from crevices. Always read a sofa’s care directions and spot-test before using any product on the sofa’s surface.

If you get food or liquid on the material, blot immediately with a dry cloth. Don’t rub or the stain may spread. Most leather sofas come with detailed care instructions, and it’s important to read them beforehand, so you know what to do in the case of an accident.

Protect from Sunlight and Heat

Genuine leather sofas can fade in the sun and are sensitive to heat, so avoid placing yours in direct light. Similarly, keep far away from radiators or fireplaces.

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