Living rooms are one of the most investable spaces in your home and with high-quality furniture options aplenty, you might be asking: How do I choose a leather sofa?

Our experts will tell you that one of the most important factors to look for is the quality of the leather used. Why? Because the higher the grade, the more enjoyment you will get out of it without the headaches that come with cracks, peels, and discolouration associated with lower-grade versions.

Here is our guide to picking out the best leather sofa for your home.

Leather sofas are a popular choice for many reasons

Nothing beats leather furniture in terms of its durability, comfort, and pure opulence. Here are some of the benefits of having one:

• One of the most highly esteemed upholstery materials of all time, it has the ability to soften and become more supple with age so, if well-designed, a luxury leather sofa or chair can last a lifetime.
• Leather is also extremely simple to upkeep and for those with sensitivities, it is hypoallergenic and naturally repels dust mites and pet hair.
• Timeless and elegant, a leather sofa will add refinement to any room and is one item that will stay in vogue and won’t need to be replaced for decades.
• Once you've mastered the fundamentals of choosing a stylish leather sofa, you’ll truly be set for life.

Consider your lifestyle and how you will use the sofa

Paramount to choosing the right sofa is your lifestyle. Here are 3 pointers:

1. Colour: The colour of your leather sofa, like any other piece of furniture, is critical when attempting to integrate it into your living space. Many manufacturers offer a wide range of dye options, enabling you to pick out a complementary shade that enhances your aesthetics.
2. Style: Make sure that you find a sofa style that suits the rest of your house.
3. Purpose: Think about how you will use the sofa. If it is for the whole family plus the pets and will be positioned in a high-traffic area, choose a leather type that is durable and well-wearing. However, if it’s for adults only, you can opt for a more expensive offering.

Decide on the type of leather sofa you want

The type of leather is the most important factor to consider when purchasing a luxury sofa. While all genuine leather is made primarily from cattle hides, the part of the skin and how it is processed affect the appearance, feel, and durability. Here are the facts:

• Hides are divided into two sections: top grain and split.
• All top-grain leather is dyed with a clear vegetable aniline dye, which leaves it soft, warm to the touch, and natural in appearance. This type of leather develops a much sought-after, age-related patina. But it is also prone to stains because it lacks any protective coating.
• Full-grain leather is unprocessed and contains the least amount of blemishes out of all the top-grain offerings.
• Heavily blemished top-grain leather is treated to remove some of the surface grain, is then embossed with a pattern, and can be further processed to achieve a variety of qualities. The end result is called corrected-grain leather.
• Pigmented leather comprises corrected-grain leather with a polymer surface coating that contains pigments. It is available in many colour options and is durable, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain.
• Splits are the underside of the hide. They have a suede texture and can be processed and embossed to resemble corrected-grain leather. However, they are hard, lack durability, and should only be used as upholstery on parts of the sofa that don’t suffer much wear and tear, like the backs and sides.
• Nubuck has a velvety texture and is soft, long-lasting, and water-resistant. Its napped surface is created by sanding and buffing the top grain of the hide. It is treated with a liquid-repellent ingredient during this process, allowing it to withstand stains.
• Bonded leather has the same appearance as high-quality leather but is significantly less expensive because it is made by fusing together offcuts using an adhesive. It will never become smooth with age, but it is a common substitute for low-budget manufacturing.

The type of leather sofa you’re aiming for will depend on both its purpose and your pocket. For expert guidance, speak to one of FCI London’s knowledgeable designers. We have decades of experience in luxury sofas and will help you make the best decision.

Measure the space where the sofa will go

When picking out a quality leather sofa, there are numerous options available in terms of style, length, width, and height. So from expansive modular units to petite loveseats and reclining backs, the world is your oyster. Use these useful considerations to help you make a final decision

Size:

• To choose the best size for your home, you must first ascertain the amount of available space you have by measuring up carefully. Once done, you can settle on whether you would prefer a two-seater or a three-seater.
• For very small areas, opt for a comfortable armchair or two instead.

Configuration:

• Think about the dimensions and purpose of your room before you decide on the final configuration of your sofa.
• If you intend to push it up against a wall, choose one that leans forward rather than back.
• If you do a lot of entertaining and have plenty of space, think about getting something modular in a U-shape.
• If you are placing it in a corner or would like to use it to divide a room, an L-shaped sofa would be your best option.

Shopping around to find the best leather sofa deal

While it is always a good idea to shop around for the best deal, be aware that top-quality, genuine leather is expensive and will always carry a higher price tag.

So if you come across an impossibly low offering, chances are it’s fake.

Always read the label and, for more detailed information, take a look at our tips on how to identify good-quality leather.

Remember to ask lots of questions. A discerning supplier will be happy to answer all of them and guide you through every option.

In conclusion

Luxury leather sofas are an investment that will last you a lifetime providing you choose the right one for your lifestyle and budget.

At FCI London we have both the range and experience to make sure you get exactly what you’re looking for. Give our design team a  call today or pop into our showroom and we’ll introduce you to some of our favourite brands.