Buying guide for best leather sectionals
If you’re considering new furniture for the living room, a leather sectional could be in the running for your newest — and coziest — seating option. Not only do these sofas withstand the test of time, but they’re also elegant, large pieces that complement most living rooms.
It’s no surprise they’re so popular, especially in homes with big families. Depending on the size of the leather sectional, you can comfortably seat anywhere from three to eight people at a time.
One is also ideal if the living room is your main entertaining space, because its comfortable design is nothing short of inviting to guests.
As far as style goes, the grand design of leather sectionals makes one the focal point of the room. You’ll find a wide variety, too, ranging from those with stately tufted details to integrated recliners outfitted with cupholders. To take a look at some of these designs, and everything in between, keep reading our buying guide on leather sectionals and check out our favorites. We’re sure you’ll cozy up to one soon enough.
Key considerations
Shapes and designs
L-shape: These can sit as many as eight people and are the most popular leather sectionals. Some have a sharp 90° corner, which makes them easy to fit into the corner of a room. Other designs have a rounded-off corner for a more curvaceous, modern appearance.
U-shape: These leather sectionals can also accommodate up to eight people. These are ideal for entertaining or intimate gatherings because the design means occupants face one another. Many people place ottomans or a coffee table inside the U to accommodate food, beverages, or board games.
Sofa-chaise lounge: These usually consist of a traditional three- or four-seat sofa with one or two chaise lounges at the sides. These tend to have the smallest footprint, making them ideal for smaller spaces. It’s also common to see chaise lounges in L- and U-shaped sectionals.
Features
Leather
There’s considerable variety when it comes to the type of leather in these sectionals. As expected, the better the leather, the more expensive the sectional.
Full-grain: The best-quality leather is full-grain leather, which comes from the outermost layer of the hide. Since it’s more expensive, plus more challenging to work with, you won’t find it as a choice for sectionals very often unless you’re shelling out big bucks for a designer or custom piece.
Top-grain: This comes from the second layer of hide and is the second-best leather. It is often used in premium leather sectionals. It is soft and supple, which is the result of sanding to remove blemishes as well as chemical treatment to retexturize the surface.
Genuine leather: The name “genuine leather” is a bit misleading. This is actually one of the lowest qualities of leather, made from gluing together layers of low-quality leather.
Bonded leather: Bonded leather is synthetic, the result of combining pieces of leather with other materials, such as polyurethane. These sectionals are much cheaper than their true leather counterparts, and their quality and durability are noticeably inferior.
Cushions
The cushions in leather sectionals can make or break a buying decision. While firmer cushions might feel uncomfortable or unappealing, they retain their shape better over time, not to mention are far more supportive. Softer cushions seem comfy, but they’re notorious for collapsing. If you always sit in the same place on a sectional with soft cushions, there’s a good chance that the seat will end up with a permanent dip.
Color
For many leather sectionals, you’re limited to the basics of black, brown, and charcoal. You’ll find that the shade of brown is unique to the design, ranging from tans and caramels to cognacs and deep, earthy tones. More expensive sectionals have larger color selections, often including white, ivory, red, or burgundy.
Reclining seats
If you’d like to kick back and relax in ultimate comfort, consider a leather sectional with reclining seats and leg rests. More often than not, these sofas feature two or more reclining seats. They resemble modern deluxe movie theater seats, so if you’re a fan of binge-watching, a reclining leather sectional is essential.
Most models are operated by a lever or pull tab located on the outer wall of the sectional or sometimes near the armrest. Some reclining sectional seats are electric, offering more in the way of adjustability. As expected, you’ll end up paying a premium for the more advanced mechanisms in these leather sectionals.
Storage
Some leather sectionals are outfitted with hidden compartments in the armrests. These are ideal for stowing remotes, video game controllers, or even snacks. It’s also common to see cupholders in these designs, which tend to be large to accommodate glasses and bottles of many sizes.
Modular pieces
Leather sectionals with modular pieces give you a bit of flexibility in their layout. In these, certain sections can be rearranged or broken away from the main sofa, namely end seats, chaise lounges, and ottomans. While their versatility makes them incredibly popular, especially if you entertain a lot in the room, you might find some sections look out of place when moved away from their original locations.
Delivery
Given their size, you’ll need to schedule the delivery of your new leather sectional. Some retailers can ship within the week, whereas others schedule delivery up to a month out from the purchase date. In some cases, you’ll get free delivery, but it’s not unusual to pay a modest fee for it.
Did you know?
If you’d like to buy more than just a leather sectional, you may find coordinating pieces from the same collection. In fact, you could snag a good deal by purchasing them together.
STAFF
BestReviews
Leather sectional prices
Prices start at $2,000 and go up to $10,000 and more, depending on size and quality of craftsmanship.
Inexpensive: Smaller leather sectionals, including smaller sofa-chaise lounges, cost between $2,000 and $3,000. While comfortable, the designs and details remain simple.
Mid-range: Prices for midsize leather sectionals start at $2,500 and go up to $6,000. These designs feature better construction and fine details, such as tufted seats, modular pieces, and reclining chairs.
Expensive: The largest leather sectionals cost between $4,000 and $10,000. These have all the bells and whistles you’ll see in smaller sectionals, but the construction is superior, and they have the most luxurious, high-end curb appeal around.
Caution
Light-colored leather can be stained by certain items, including denim or dyed leather apparel. If the dyes transfer, they could leave a stain that is expensive or impossible to treat or remove.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
Read and research descriptions and specs. Some product descriptions of leather sectionals can be misleading, particularly when it comes to leather terminology. To confirm the type of leather and construction, you may want to contact the manufacturer directly.
Measure your room. Leather sectionals are some of the largest pieces of furniture around, which is why it’s important to make sure you have enough room for one. Measure the room, and be sure to take into account the additional room required for any reclining seats.
Add a rug. Many people add an area rug in front of a leather sectional to create a more intimate, welcoming space. While square and rectangular rugs are most popular, round area rugs work well with certain sectional designs.
FAQ
Q. My leather sectional has a tear in it. How can I repair it?
A. Start by contacting the manufacturer to see if it sells repair kits. If you’re covered under a warranty, it may put you in contact with an approved vendor who can repair it. You can also contact professionals in your area, including furniture upholsterers and tailors who do leather repair.
Q. Is there a way to recycle my old sofa when I replace it with a sectional?
A. Contact your local public works department to inquire about furniture recycling. Some municipalities will take them to a recycling center for a small fee. Others may take the sofa on bulk pickup days, but you might need to schedule this in advance. Another option is to donate your sofa to a local charity.
Q. How do I clean my leather sectional?
A. It’s a good idea to dust it on a regular basis, along with the rest of your furniture. You can also use the hose attachment on your vacuum to clean between the cushions. As for the leather itself, make sure you buy the right conditioning and care products. Since a leather sectional is a big investment, it’s not a bad idea to spend more money on premium cleaning products.
