I Test Sofas for a Living — These Are the 11 Best Leather Models for Every Space and Need

If you like a mid-century modern vibe, go with West Elm’s Axel couch. This beautiful leather sofa has an upright, clean-lined design, yet it’s still soft and comfortable. It is also compact enough to fit into smaller living rooms and will undoubtedly bring a polished look to your space. As with almost all of West Elm's sofas, the Axel is highly customizable, available in 10 upholstery options and three widths.

Design Within Reach is known for its top-of-the-line modern furniture, and this sofa is no exception. It’s certainly a splurge, but it’s an investment piece that will stand the test of time. When I tested the couch in-store, I loved its small footprint, full-grain black leather, and contrasting oak base. A bench-style seat rounds out the design and only makes the Emmy look that much sleeker.

One of the best ways to make your space look warmer is by adding a cushy brown couch. For that, I recommend Pottery Barn’s Pacifica sofa. The 69-inch width will easily squeeze between a side table and a doorway. I also deemed this model the best for working from home, as its medium-firm seat cushions and upright silhouette encourage you to sit alertly and pull up a side table for your laptop.

This next sofa is one of the newest releases from Burrow. I technically viewed the Mambo in fabric upholstery, but in my opinion, it looks even cooler in this warm camel-colored leather. It boasts an oversize frame made up of firm cushions, which provide plenty of lounging space. The back cushions also offer lumbar support, and you have the choice between low, square arms or high, curved arms that double as side pillows. The impressive seat depth is also a star feature for those who prefer to recline instead of sit upright.

Visually, CB2’s Rodez sofa is one of my favorites. This 105-inch version is great for homes with lots of square footage, though it does also come in an 88-inch-long apartment size. The sofa has a firm seat, luxurious leather upholstery that’s soft to the touch, and a low profile. The Rodez is a solid pick for any home with an artsy, somewhat industrial aesthetic.

I’ve seen a handful of Chesterfield sofas in both leather and fabric upholstery, but Raymour & Flanigan’s Hutchinson model is easily my favorite one. The tufted, roll-arm silhouette is opulence at its finest. I could easily visualize its rich leather form next to a grand fireplace and ornate Persian rug, though there are so many ways you could style it. Available in a rich brown color, the Hutchinson is sure to bring an old-world sensibility to your living space.

There’s a misconception that leather isn’t durable enough for family households, but Blu Dot’s New Standard sectional proves otherwise. It comes in a full-grain aniline leather that’s meant to naturally patina over time, so it’s crafted with long-term use in mind. Plus, the L-shaped model has more than enough seats for your entire brood, and it looks so elegant, to boot.

Ashley’s Emilia sectional similarly ensures that everyone in your group will always have a place to sit — no more fighting for the best spot! It’s also modular, so you can reconfigure the layout or even split it into two sofas. And, when I tested it in-store, I found the sectional’s seats to be deep, wide, and plush, making it a great pick for lounging.

Alicia, AT’s deputy commerce editor, looked at all of the sofas at Wayfair’s first-ever brick-and-mortar store in Illinois. She noted that the stain- and water-resistant Anorea sofa, which is made of real leather, looks way more expensive than its $1,380 price tag. “With this iconic silhouette and tufted design, the three-seater Anorea sofa is a real statement piece,” Alicia’s review reads.

If you don’t feel like committing to a fully traditional style like Raymour & Flanigan’s Hutchinson sofa, you might be interested in trying something like Pottery Barn’s Edgewood sofa. It puts a modern twist on the classic Chesterfield design with its light wooden base and straight lines. Still, the Edgewood has gorgeous button tufting and a pretty firm seat, so it retains the best features of the original style that it’s based on.

Another elegant, traditional-leaning leather sofa is CB2’s Marconi model. It has a very low profile and normal seat depth. When I sat on it, I noticed that the sofa’s whiskey-colored upholstery was soft and tufted into a cool argyle pattern along the back and arms. As for the back, it’s low and firm, but the included lumbar pillows offer plenty of support. It’ll instantly add an old-world ambience to your living space.