One of the questions we are asked most often by clients who are on the hunt for quality furnishings for their living spaces is: Is a leather sofa comfortable?

And while our resounding answer is a firm yes, there are many different aspects that go into manufacturing a quality sofa, all of which dictate its overall aesthetic, functionality and ability to give you the cosiest experience possible.

Our expert team has put together this guide to help you pick out the perfect leather sofa - one you’ll really love sinking into.

What to look for when choosing a leather sofa

Leather furniture has been a staple for centuries and has become known for its luxurious appeal, adding style and personality to any room. This time-honoured, natural material softens and becomes more supple with age, and a well-designed leather sofa can last a lifetime.

However, a proper frame structure, soft inner padding and the grain of leather used are big contributing factors when it comes to its overall comfort levels. Here are some pointers to help you shop like a pro:

• Settle on a budget and spend all of it on your sofa – this will ensure that you get the very best your money can buy.
• There are numerous options when it comes to style, length, width and height. Figure out your ideal dimensions before you get started so that you know whether you’re looking for a cosy loveseat or a relaxing recliner.
• While most leather sofas are high-end products, there are differences in quality and grain. Knowing what you intend to use the sofa for will help you choose the best one for your lifestyle. Take into account the amount of traffic it will be subjected to and whether or not you have children and pets.
• Look for hardwood frames and full- or top-grain leather if you want durability.
• Consider the quality of the suspension, cushions and reclining mechanisms if you’re after optimal comfort.
• Make sure you find one that suits your style by ensuring that it matches your colour palette and has the right shape and aesthetic.
• Make sure your leather sofa has been properly treated to repel stains and improve your ability to maintain it, especially if you live in a busy household.

The different types of leather sofas

While all genuine leather is made from animal skins, the part of the hide and how it is processed will affect the appearance, feel and durability of your sofa. Here are some important facts you should know ahead of time:

• Hides are divided into two distinct parts: 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. The terms for this type of leather are aniline, pure aniline and full aniline. This is the leather that develops a sought-after patina as it ages. However, with no protective coating, it does stain easily.
• Full-grain leather is the most expensive of all the top-grain products because it is not processed and carries the natural blemishes that accrue during the animal’s life.
• Top-grain leather is also from the uppermost part of the hide, but it is treated to remove most of its marks and scars before being embossed with a consistent graining pattern. This is known as corrected grain and can be further treated to achieve a variety of qualities such as nubuck, which has a softer texture.
• Corrected grain leather that has been coated with a polymer surface is called pigmented leather. It is available in a wide array of colour options and is durable, stain-resistant and easy to clean.
• Splits are the underside of the hide and have a suede texture. They can be processed and embossed to look and feel like corrected-grain leather, but they are of very poor quality and wear easily.
• Bonded leather is a mix of offcuts and artificial fibres making it the cheapest form of “real” leather available. It peels and cracks easily, is sensitive to sunlight and has a price tag to match.

If you’re interested in finding out more about luxury sofas, read our article on the 5 differences between fabric and leather.

Why styling your room with a leather sofa is easy

Leather sofas are available in a variety of configurations ranging from classic to contemporary, making matching them up with the rest of your furnishings easy.

With their natural grain and texture, they are a timeless choice and blend in seamlessly with any genre.

Their unquestionable style and elegant aesthetic make them a standout focal point in any room.

If you’re looking for design flexibility, it’s advisable to select a leather sofa in a neutral tone or pick out one in a complementary colour to add visual interest.

No matter your choice, your leather sofa will always be in vogue and won’t become dated in the same way its fabric counterpart will, so make the investment if you can – it’s well worth it.

The benefits of owning a leather sofa

While there are undeniable aesthetic benefits to having a leather sofa, it also has a number of practical functions that make it a prime choice. Debatably the most used piece of furniture in a home, it’s critical to select one that is both comfortable and long-lasting. Here are our top reasons why you should buy one:

When it comes to quality, it’s hard to beat!

Leather has always been associated with quality. It has a classic appearance as well as a level of class that no other upholstery can match. And from a durability perspective, modern tanning processes help to increase its longevity, making it more resistant to sagging and stains.

While superior quality does result in a higher price tag, the cost is offset by its flexibility and resistance to tears, saving you heaps of money in the long run.

It promotes good health

Leather sofas actually help to keep your living room cleaner and healthier because they repel dust and pet fur and can be wiped clean in a flash. As a result, if you or a family member suffer from allergies, this type of upholstery may be a necessity.

They’re super comfortable

One of the most important characteristics of a sofa is its level of comfort. Many fabric options become worn over time, with tears and sagging indicating their age. But leather becomes softer and more accommodating as it gets older.

Furthermore, leather has natural temperature control. So, whether it's a scorching summer day or a freezing winter night, you'll be able to relax in comfort.

They add pizzazz to your living spaces

If you’re hunting down a leather sofa, you’re sure to find them in a range of colours and styles and because they’re always in vogue, they lend a more contemporary appearance to your sitting rooms than their fabric counterparts.

Each animal hide has its own unique set of natural markings, making whichever option you choose one of a kind. And, if you go for the top of the range, you’ll never have to worry about them fading.

How to clean and care for your leather sofa

Here are 4 easy ways to keep your leather sofa pristine clean and in good shape:

1. Dust with an upholstery brush or vacuum cleaner once a week.
2. Wipe stains away gently with a microfiber cloth and mild soap. Then, using a clean, dry cloth, buff the surface.
3. To restore suppleness to your leather furniture, use a specialised leather conditioner.
4. To avoid cracking or fading, keep it out of the sun.

In conclusion

There are a few major advantages to owning a leather sofa that no other material can match, including an unrivalled sense of class, comfort and longevity. But as they are a major investment, make sure you do your research properly so that you can find the right one!

At FCI London, we have a bespoke range of both leather and fabric furnishings sourced from top manufacturers worldwide. So give one of our expert designers a call today or pop into our showroom and let’s transform your home into a stylish masterpiece.