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Types of Leather Sofas - 2025

Last Updated February 04, 2025
Leather sofas come in different types of leather, and this guide aims to help you choose knowedgeably. Once you have the basics of leather sofa buying in hand, you're all set to purchase the iconic living room piece for your own home.

Leather Sofa Types

Sofa style, length, width and height vary, so you have plenty of choices. You can even purchase a leather loveseat if you need something smaller or a leather reclining sofa if you want to push back and relax.

Because leather upholstery can last for years, look for high-quality sofa frames, suspension and cushions to enhance the longevity of your leather sofa.

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About Leather

The most important consideration when purchasing a leather sofa is the type of leather. While all real leather is made from animal skins, mainly cattle hides, the part of the hide and how it's processed affect the look, feel and durability. These are some key things to know about leather:

leather texture
Hides are divided into two pieces: the top grain and the split.
All top-grain leather is treated with a clear vegetable aniline dye that leaves the hide soft, warm to the touch and natural-looking. Other terms for this type of leather include aniline, pure aniline and full aniline. This is the leather that develops the sought-after patina of age, but because it doesn't have a protective coating, it's susceptible to stains.
leather hide
The least-blemished top-grain leather is known as full grain; except for aniline dyeing, it is not processed.
top grain
Top-grain leather with marks and scars receives further treatment to partially remove the surface grain, and may then be embossed with a consistent graining pattern. This leather is called corrected grain. Corrected-grain leather can be processed further to give it various qualities.
semi-aniline leather sofa

Semi-aniline is either top-grain or corrected-grain leather with a light surface coating that contains a small amount of pigment. It's available in more colors than aniline but doesn't acquire the same patina with age. The surface coating provides some stain-resistance.
beige leather

Pigmented leather is corrected grain with a polymer surface coating containing pigments, so it offers the widest color choice. It's also the most durable, stain-resistant and easier to clean.
dark brown leather
Splits are the underside of the hide, and their natural texture is suede. They can be processed and embossed to simulate the appearance and feel of corrected-grain leather, but they aren't as durable.
tan leather

Top-grain leathers are used for the parts of the furniture that your body comes in contact with (the back, arms, cushions). The remainder of the upholstery is usually top grain or matched splits.

What Is Faux Leather?

Also called synthetic leather or artificial leather, faux leather is a material that is manufactured to resemble, in feel and appearance, genuine leather. Faux leather materials (polyurethane and vinyl among them) are often more affordable and easier to clean than genuine leather.

What Is Leather Seating?

'Leather seat' is defined as a piece of furniture in which only the seats are made of 100% leather. All other areas of the furniture piece are made out of a material designed to resemble leather.

What Is 100% Leather?

In furniture, '100% leather' means the item is made entirely from real leather (genuine animal rawhide).
Mansfield tufted leather sofa

What Is Top Grain Leather?

Top grain leather is one of the highest quality forms of leather available. In top grain leather, the only part of the hide that is removed is the outermost (and this is done only done to make the leather easier to work with). All other components of the natural hide remain untouched and intact.
When choosing a leather sofa, it's essential to understand the various types of leather available to ensure you make an informed decision.
  • Full grain leather, known for its high-quality leather finish, comes from the outermost layer of the hide and retains natural blemishes, making each piece unique.
  • Bonded leather is made from leather scraps bonded together, resulting in a less durable option.
  • Sanded and buffed leathers, often used to remove imperfections, offer a smoother surface but may lack the robustness of top-layer leather.
  • Semi-aniline leather provides a balance between durability and comfort, featuring a light protective coating.
  • Split grain leather, derived from the inner layers of the hide, is often more affordable but not as long-lasting.
  • Bi-cast layers of leather, coated with polyurethane, offer a shiny and durable finish but may not possess the same luxurious feel.
Understanding these leather grades and the tanning process will help you select the perfect leather option to suit your style and longevity needs when choosing a leather sofa.

How to Buy the Right Leather Sofa

While leather sofas tend to be high-end, you will still encounter varying levels of quality. Determining what you want to use the sofa for helps you select the right one for your situation.

For longevity, look for hardwood frames and full- or top-grain aniline leather.

For comfort, focus on the quality of the suspension, cushions and reclining mechanism.
grey leather

For looks, pay attention to color and style.
light brown leather

For a busy household, make sure the leather is treated to resist stains and improve cleanability.

How to Style Your Place With a Leather Sofa

Leather sofas come in many styles, from traditional to transitional to contemporary/modern, making it easy to match your taste. A real leather sofa with its natural grain and texture blends effortlessly with its surroundings. It becomes both a focal point and a structural piece around which you can build the rest of your room.

When choosing a color for your leather sofa, pick a neutral shade for the most design flexibility. If you want the sofa to be the room's centerpiece, select a color that complements but also stands out from the other decor elements.
tan leather sofa

A leather sofa can look timeless regardless of its style. It adds elegance to a room, and even modern and contemporary styles don't become passé, something that often happens with fabric sofas.
Don't be intimidated by leather. Once you know what you're looking for, you can find the perfect leather sofa to grace your home for years to come.


Leather Upholstery Buying Guide


You’ve heard the term ‘leather upholstery,’ but did you know that it can actually be divided into several different categories? Learn the differences between faux leather, top grain leather, leather seating and 100% leather and exactly what each type means.
elegant leather sofa

Types of Leather

Ian 83" Saddle Brown Leather Sofa | Track Arms

$995
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Mason Brown Leather 89" Sofa | Down Cushions | Track Arms

$1,795
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Lukas Caramel Brown Faux Leather 83" Sofa | Track Arms

$595
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Lukas Natural Caramel Brown Faux Leather 104" 2 Piece L-Shaped Sectional with Right Arm Facing Chaise | Performance Fabric | Track Arms

$1,095
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Lukas Natural Caramel Brown Faux Leather 104" 2 Piece L-Shaped Sectional with Left Arm Facing Chaise | Performance Fabric | Track Arms

$1,095
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Flip Saddle Brown Faux Leather 82" Queen Convertible Futon Sleeper Sofa Bed | Fabric

  • More Colors
$995
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Braun Brown Leather 87" Manual Reclining Sofa

$695
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Flip Charcoal Grey Faux Leather 82" Queen Convertible Futon Sleeper Sofa Bed | Fabric

  • More Colors
$995
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CLEARANCE Item

Tobias Bourbon Brown Leather 83" Power Reclining Sofa with USB

  • USB
$1,395 was $1,795
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Mendon Brown 77" Faux Leather Sofa

$350
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Samuel Navy Blue Leather 86" Flexsteel Power Zero Gravity Reclining Sofa With Power Headrest Power Lumbar Drop Down Tray Wireless Charging & USB

  • USB
  • More Colors
$2,195
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Marigold Black Leather 86" Power Reclining Sofa With USB

$795
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Leather Options for Sofas + Beyond

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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.