When shopping for your leather sofa, make sure to carefully read the verbiage of the product before purchasing. “You could think you are getting a real leather sofa, but it in fact could be ‘genuine’ [bonded leather] or faux," says Ariel Richardson, Founder and Lead Designer at ASR Design Studio. “A good tell for real leather is to lift the sofa cushions—the bottom of the cushion is normally a fabric to minimize costs.” While researching leather sofas for this piece, we considered factors such as the type of leather used, color options, cushion fill, and overall construction quality. The Pottery Barn Turner Square Arm Leather Sofa is our top pick, thanks to its range of sizes and leather colors, as well as its high-end construction and comfy down-blend cushions.  Here are the best leather sofas. This leather sofa also stands out thanks to its top-quality construction. It boasts a corner-blocked, kiln-dried hardwood frame for exceptional durability, and the legs have adjustable levelers for stability on uneven floors. No-sag steel sinuous springs provide cushion support, and the seat cushions have a foam core wrapped in down for a delightful cushy feel. The sofa will look stately in just about any room, but it’s still extremely comfortable for everyday use.  The Turner Leather Sofa will arrive at your home via Pottery Barn’s white glove delivery, which means you won’t have to lift a finger, and there are a few quick-ship leather finishes that ship within a few weeks. However, if you’re looking for a custom leather color, you may have to wait a few months for your sofa to be made to order. Price at time of publish: $2,999 The Zander Sectional has a stylish exposed wood base with splayed wooden legs, and its frame is crafted from sustainably-sourced wood. The cushions are filled with a combination of foam and down for a soft feel that you’ll sink into, and the two pieces of the sofa are held together with alligator clips. The design features side cushions for ultimate comfort, no matter how you sit, and stylish details like the piped edging make it a statement piece for your home. Price at time of publish: $2,499 This sleeper sofa has foam-filled cushions that our tester said were firm but comfortable, and the innerspring mattress offers ample support—though it isn’t the most plush option out there. Because it houses a mattress, the Rasberry Sofa Bed weighs more than 200 pounds, and you’ll likely need assistance to move it into your home. However, you can’t beat the price for a genuine leather sofa, and it will look high-end in any space. Price at time of publish: $1,940 This sofa features a boxy silhouette with tufted back and seat cushions, and all the covers are removable for easier spot cleaning. It’s supported by a durable frame (though it’s medium-density fibreboard, not solid wood), and the cushions are filled with foam for ample support. The sofa actually ships in a box, meaning you will have to put it together yourself, but assembly is quick and easy. Price at time of publish: $660 The Maxwell Leather Sofa is as well-made as they come, thanks to a handcrafted kiln-dried frame made from solid hardwood. It has reinforced joinery with mortise-and-tenon construction, as well as eight-way hand-tied springs for unmatched durability. The cushion backs are finished with fabric that allows the leather to breathe, but the visible top portion is covered with leather for a seamless look. It’s hard to find anything to fault with this well-made piece of furniture, but of course, the high quality comes with an extremely high price tag to match— especially if you’re not a Restoration Hardware member. Price at time of publish: $5,298 This sofa has a sturdy corner-blocked wooden frame, and its cushions are filled with a combination of high-density foam and polyester filling. Both the seat and back cushions are loose, and they’re backed with fabric for better airflow. While the Sven Sofa has quite a defined appearance, it’s worth noting that it will develop a relaxed vintage look with regular use, which some people might not like. Price at time of publish: $1,899 No matter how it’s customized, every Nomad is built on a warp-resistant Baltic birch frame with cushions stuffed with three layers of foam and soft fiber. Each sofa has a built-in USB charger that really gives it a modern vibe. It’s also made with ethically-sourced materials produced with the environment in mind. And, the sofa is fairly wide; There’s plenty of room for three or more to sit—or one person to sprawl out and nap. Price at time of publish: $2,495 The Natasa Sofa has a solid wood frame with supportive sinuous springs, and it can comfortably seat three people with its 800-pound weight capacity. Its cushions are filled with a combination of foam and feathers, and they are on the firm side—an important distinction if you like a cozy couch that you can sink into. The cushions can be removed as needed for spot cleaning, and overall, this well-priced sofa would make an elegant addition to any living space.  Price at time of publish: $960 This sofa has a solid wood frame and sinuous spring suspension, and its cushions are filled with both foam and polyfiber for a soft, yet supportive feel. The edges of the sofa feature flange seams that offer both durability and a defined silhouette, and the piece qualifies for free shipping to select cities. Price at time of publish: $4,328 In addition to its good looks, this sofa is also impeccably made and will last for many years with proper care. It has a corner-blocked frame and no-sag steel springs for cushion support, and there are even adjustable levelers on the legs to help it sit properly on uneven floors. The sofa features polyester-wrapped cushions for a firmer feel, and the front legs even feature caster wheels for a unique vintage touch. Price at time of publish: $2,599 The experts explain the differences in types of leather:

Bonded leather: Unlike full-grain leather, bonded leathers are made from a pulp of leather scraps. They’re then “adhered to a fabric backing, coated in polyurethane, and embossed to look like leather grain,” says Betsy Moyer, co-founder of Retreat. “A sofa made of bonded leather will lead to a short lifespan, as inevitably that polyurethane coat will break down, causing the material to crack and flake.” Note that bonded leathers can also go by the name “genuine leather,” so be sure to further research furniture with that label before making a purchase. Full-grain leather: This kind of leather bears the natural lines and markings of the cowhide for an authentic appearance. Top-grain leather: This is leather that’s been polished down for a smooth, uniform appearance. It’ll still display some unique markings and will develop more markings and a patina with wear. Faux/vegan leather: Though historically made from polyurethane, a type of polymer, as of late, many brands have been innovating. “It can also be made from materials such as pineapple leaves, cork, apple peels, other fruit waste, and recycled plastic,” says Richardson from ASR Design Studio.

Leather Dying Process

Within these categories, there are three types of leather that you’ll want to look out for, based on different dying and treatment processes. 

Aniline leather: Also called “naked leather,” it has the most natural-looking aesthetic, but since it’s not coated with any polymers or pigments, it has a tendency to stain easily. Semi-aniline leather: This kind of leather has a treated surface that makes it more resilient against wear and tear, but not as much of the natural texture shows through. Protected pigmented: This type of leather is the most durable and commonly used type (it’s also used for car upholstery), but because of how it’s treated, it does not have the unique aesthetic quality of aniline leather.

Frame Material

For a top-quality leather sofa—or any type of sofa, for that matter—experts recommend looking for one with a solid kiln-dried wood frame. The process of kiln drying removes moisture so the wood won’t warp or crack over time. Plywood and particleboard are commonly used for frames, but those materials may not be as durable.  

Cushion Fill

Look for a leather sofa with cushions that are stuffed with materials that offer a balance of plushness and support, such as springs or high-density foam with an outer layer of soft fibers or down feathers.  Richardson recommends a foam core surrounded by a plush down envelope. “This is more expensive but also more comfortable,” she says. “If you are allergic or sensitive to organic materials, then be sure to look for a synthetic down. If you want a really soft seat, consider feather-down cushions.”

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. She has a background in design and ample firsthand experience testing furniture, and while researching sofas for this article, she evaluated factors such as the type of leather used, color options, construction materials and techniques, as well as delivery options, product warranties, and more.

“Before you buy, be sure to know the measurements of your other furniture,” says Karina Lameraner, Senior Creative Stylist at Modsy “Consider the architectural details of your space–for example, a large bay of windows, a long wall, or a grand fireplace. You’ll want to choose a [sofa] that feels proportional to those details.” Additional research was done by Karen Tietjen, who enlisted the help of Burrow co-founder Stephen Kuhl, designer Ariel Richardson, and interior decorators Karina Lameraner and Betsy Moyer. They shared advice, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.