5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Leather Sofa

Are you ready to buy living room furniture but aren't sure where to start?!

 Buying a new leather sofa can be a lot of fun, but it can also make for a difficult decision. There is so much to consider when trying to determine the perfect sofa, and with so many options it can seem overwhelming.We're here to help you through the process because we only see the fun in leather sofa shopping, and we want to help you do the same.

This post is all about 5 tips for choosing the perfect leather sofa.

The very first thing that should be looked at is how large the space is that the sofa will occupy. Grab a tape measure and take a few measurements. This will only take a couple minutes, and it is essential information. Be sure you are selecting a sofa that will fit based on the size of the space, as well as the shape.  Once you get your measurements, it’s also a good idea to take some painters tape and actually mark it on the floor of the space in the  configuration your furniture will be going in. That way you get an accurate visual for the size and layout. 

When looking in showrooms, it’s important to remember that the showrooms are a lot bigger than your actual living room or office space, so the furniture will look different in perspective to what will fit your space.  For example, a large sectional sofa looks a lot smaller in a 13,000 square foot showroom compared to the size of your living room.  

You wouldn’t want to order such a large piece of furniture and find out its taking up the entire living room space.

Here are some guidelines.

A sofa should not occupy two thirds of the wall it sits against. If exceeding two thirds, the room will be overpowered by the sofa.

Standard seat cushions measure about 24” inches.  

If incorporating a coffee table, it also should not be more than 2/3 the length of the sofa.  If the sofa is long, it’s best to have two smaller coffee tables to better please the eye.

Keep in mind there needs to be enough room in-between the furniture to allow for people to move around.

You also don’t want people to be too far away or on the contrary too close from each other when conversing so it’s important to keep a notional circle of about 10 feet within the layout.

Ottomans should be a little lower than the sofa so it is comfortable when you put your feet up.

2. What style of leather sofa do I like best?

One of the best parts about shopping for a leather sofa is how many different styles there are to browse. From chesterfields to contemporary styles and everything in between, the options are endless. But because of this, it’s important to determine which style is your favorite so that you can be sure you select the sofa that is perfect for you. It’s also important to consider the style of the overall home when making this decision too.  However, working with a designer they will have the ability to help you mix two different styles together to make it fit the style of the home or work space accordingly

Related Post :    

3. How strong is the frame of the sofa?

When purchasing a leather sofa, you’re likely not anticipating on purchasing another one soon after. So, to be sure you don’t have to, it is essential to choose a sofa with a strong, well put together frame. You can’t go wrong with solid hardwood. Make sure you ask manufactures about the frame and structure of the furniture, basically, what you don’t see underneath.

Ask about the warranty if the frame is not solid hardwood.  Some manufactures will use plywood or pressed particle board sometimes even metal for frames.  If you are anything like me, you want to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck and buying something that will last a long time is a good investment. Buying locally, or American made is typically your best bet. I have a couple retailers and manufactures that I highly recommend for quality, handcrafted living room furniture.

Related Post- The Value of American Made Furniture.

4. What color is the room, and décor of the room that the sofa will go in?

Naturally you will want to be sure the colors and patterns of the sofa go well with the room that it will occupy. Does it have to match perfectly? No, it doesn’t. But the sofa should complement its surroundings to ensure a pleasing aesthetic of the room since it is typically the main focal point in a space.

From a designer stand point, we find it  ideal to combine the style of the exterior of the house with the interior of the house and consider the history of the house and the location it is in.  There are however ways to integrate the past and the present with modern unfolding. This comes back to your personal preference, so have an idea of a color scheme you are looking for when you begin your shopping.

We like to follow a ratio for color when designing spaces.

60 % of the room will be in one or two main colors such as walls or large furniture

30% of the room will be in subtle accent colors which lifts the main color such as area rugs, curtains and small furniture

10% of the room will have one or two contrasting colors such as toss pillows, pictures and accessories.

“S” is for one small black detail which gives strength to the chosen color such as a small accent chair or piece of art.

The natural world offers three great colors to start with. Blue, brown and green.  These are often found to be the most common color choices for leather sofas. For the modern style lovers, mixing a little white or grey can make a softer transition to add a little contrast to grey, white or black areas.  Adding different variations of the chosen color throughout the space really brings it all together in a proportional fashion.

5. Can the sofa be cleaned easily?

When purchasing a leather sofa, the answer almost certainly, “Yes.” Leather sofas are much easier to clean than sofas of other fabrics because leather does not stain as easily and overall has more cleanability. The fabric is the key component as to whether a sofa is easy to clean or not, and leather is the easiest.

  Leather is also hypoallergenic on the contrary to fabric which houses pet dander, dirt debris and even mites. 

Leather is thicker and more puncture resistant than fabric as well. Families with pets and kids do best with leather.

Check out my blog on why leather is best for pets and kids to know more.

These five questions to consider should have you more than prepared to begin your sofa shopping. Remember – in the end, it’s all up to you. Determine what your personal preferences ahead of time, and shopping for your new leather sofa is sure to be exciting.

Related Post : 

This Post was all about 5 tips to choosing the perfect leather sofa

Other Posts You May Like