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Cozy up on one of these durable options from top brands like Crate & Barrel and Ashley Furniture.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Natural surface markings such as scars, wrinkles, and insect bites are inherent to the material.
These markings contribute to leathers unique characteristics and innate beauty."
Each option was evaluated based oncomfort,durability,quality, andvalue.
Credit: Pottery Barn
For more on how we tested couches, see our testing process below.
The firm cushions and square arms make it less comfy for some.
Adjustable levelers and Greenguard Gold certification are bonuses.
The Pottery Barn Turner Square Arm Leather Sofa feels high-end to the touch, with beautiful stitching and top-grain leather.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Abby Mercer
When it came time to actually use the couch, we gave it glowing reviews in all categories.
Upon arrival, the movers unpacked the couch and brought it inside.
From farther away, it resembles a nice patina.
The square arms are hard, requiringthrow pillowsto make them suitable for lounging or napping.
Product Details: Dimensions:From 64.5 x 38.5 x 35 in.
The couch sits lower than most options.
The best leather couches combine form and function.
This sofa is modern, defined by its boxy design, intentionally visible seams, and top-stitch details.
Delivery took less than 15 minutes thanks to white-glove service.
The cushions also bounce back into shape well.
The frame is made from FSC-certified engineered hardwood, kiln-dried to prevent warping.
Though clearly high quality, its still quite the investment.
Credit: Crate & Barrel
Product Details: Dimensions:120 x 63 x 26 in.
We have noticed some discoloration and cracking in high-use areas.
Themodular designis an added benefit, since the seats can be reconfigured.
The Crate & Barrel Gather Leather 2-Piece Sectional Sofa has supportive cushions that bounce back into shape well.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Lory Stewart
The leather itself is very soft, with that distinct leather smell when the couch was first unboxed.
Altogether, it took at most 25 minutes to bring the boxes in and put everything together.
Also, the back of the couch is at a slant, making support pillows essential while laying down.
Instead of taking off the covers and washing them, we could spot-treat and vacuum.
The leather also feels cool to the touch, which is a plus for both pups and people.
Product Details: Dimensions:132 x 132 x 36 in.
Its stiffness makes it uncomfortable for long-term lounging.
When it comes to couches, thefuton is the most utilitarianstyle.
Its known for getting the job done versus providing a luxurious experience.
The faux leather is more convincing than youd expect: smooth and soft to the touch.
Product Details: Dimensions:78.5 x 34 x 32.5 in.
The nubuck leather is less durable than other leathers.
Cushy and comfortable, this couch is incredibly cozy thanks to the suede-like French nubuck material.
We ordered the couch in November and arrived in January as originally anticipated.
The white-glove delivery provided the exact level of service the brand promises.
Product Details: Dimensions:From 72 x 42 x 35 in.
This couch is better for sitting on than cozying up or napping on.
Ordering was intuitive, and we thought Burrow provides just the right amount of customization options without being overwhelming.
you could choose from seven sizes, three colors, six leg finishes, and three arm styles.
Assembly took under 30 minutes with straightforward directions and no tools required.
We found it to be more of a sitting couch, not a lying-down couch, comfort-wise.
Even though the couch is lightweight, its still sturdy, with a frame made out of hardwood.
Product Details: Dimensions:60 x 35 x 33 in.
It offers a large spectrum of customization options regarding size, depth, cushions, and leather.
We also considered customer service.
During this time we considered comfort, durability, quality, and value.
Your height and the height of your family members are critical.
Use these factors to determine the ideal couch size.
Consider the weight capacity for durability, urges interior designerMarie Cloud.
Most weight capacity is measured on a per-seat basis.
Credit: Ashley Furniture
Frame materials are another great indicator of higher couch weight limits, too.
While they dont mean a manufacturer is doingeverythingright, its a good indication of quality or sustainability standards.
There are a few certifications that are especially useful when shopping for furniture.
The Ashley Furniture Emilia 5-Piece Leather Modular Sectional made cleaning up dog hair so easy—we only needed to spot clean.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Austin Reyhons
This one may be particularly important if you have allergies or skin sensitivities.
One reason is that manufacturers have their pick of densitiesmeaning that you do, too.
Moldability is also a pro.
Foam can be shaped into any design, allowing for the cushions to appear uniform.
Low-density foam cushions may experience compression after frequent use.
When this happens, the couch may lose some shape or become less comfortable.
Foam cushions can also trap heat due to lack of breathability.
New foam cushions mayhave a chemical odor, though this should go away with time.
Down and feather fillings are associated with high-end seating because theyre all-natural, breathable, and extraordinarily plush.
If you like deep, cushy seating, youll love down and feathers.
These cushions require more maintenance, including regular fluffing and potentially replacement as they become compressed and less soft.
Another popular option is polyfill, made from polyester fibers.
It may be used in conjunction with another punch in.
Polyfill is budget-friendly, and, like down and feather, its soft and lightweight.
The difference is that its low-maintenance, requiring less fluffing.
As a synthetic material, heat retention is also likely.
While its very comfortable, it wasnt as plush as we hoped.
The leather is slippery, causing the cushions to slide.
We found it slightly overpriced for what youre getting.
Your Questions, Answered
How can you tell if a leather sofa is good quality?
Leather thickness is also important.
You dont want thin leather.
Test it by pressing down on a cushion.
Does it bend smoothly or crease and stretch?
You should notice leathers undeniable scent, which is earthy and potentially even a little bit sweet.
If you smell plastic, thats a bad sign.
What is the highest-grade leather for a sofa?
The highest-grade leather for a sofa is full-grain leather, which uses the outer layer of the hide.
With time, the patina will add even more character.
Because of its premium quality, full-grain leather is also the most expensive option.
Credit: Walmart
You should also expect a break-in period and regular maintenance.
You may end up noticing more scratches or possibly even fading or discoloration.
Bonded leather is a budget-friendly option that bonds together scraps of genuine leather using polyurethane or latex backing.
We found the faux leather on the Better Homes and Gardens Nola Modern Futon more convincing that you might expect.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Kim Vogt
The faux-leather look and chemical odor will give away that youre using a bonded substitute.
The story was updated byQuincy Bulin, a writer for BHG.com specializing in home decor and furniture.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Sixpenny
The Sixpenny Aria Leather Sofa is one of the softest couches we’ve ever tried thanks to the hand-sanded nubuck material.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Maria Rowella
Credit: Burrow
We assembled each couch based on the manufacturer’s instructions, or used white-glove delivery where possible.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
We made sure to sit on each couch for at least one hour per day for up to six months.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
