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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:

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, unfortunately, no longer in stock. 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!

“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 Senior 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. 

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

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

For a sink-into-the-seat, too-comfy-to-leave feel, this is the leather couch for you. 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 Otter Wax, 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

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

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

You want a couch that gives the sumptuous look that only leather can provide, but you also want to feel cozy and comfortable. The Ilkeston 81.6 Wide Vegan Leather Manual Reclining Sofa is the ideal solution, armed with cup holders and two reclining seats. Made from stain-resistant material, it’s the perfect seating option for those who want a couch that looks good but is functional.

Dimensions: 41 H X 81.6 W X 37′ D | Material: Faux leather| Free Shipping: Yes | Warranty: 60 days

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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