Finding the Fit: The Search for a Sofa

There was a time when I thought leather furniture simply didn’t offer enough practicality to justify its investment. I assumed leather required too much maintenance, and that it didn’t offer enough style options.

But it turns out leather furniture is on par with upholstered in terms of flexibility.

The last two parties I attended, New Years and Superbowl, I noticed that each of the hosts had leather furniture in their homes.

It’s interesting that out of two random friends, both would have similar furnishings.

The first couple has a black sofa, loveseat, and chair set. These are soft, cushiony pieces that invite you to flop into them.

The second couple has a dark brown sofa and loveseat, both with reclining options. These have a soft architecture as well, and are a style that suits their country decor.

One family has two young boys, and the other is trying for their first child, so I can see why they made these choices. It’s a lot easier to clean up spills and messes on leather, plus it will last until the kids graduate high school.

Myself, I’m the proud mother of the world’s sheddingest terrier, so I’m almost sold on the idea of leather for its durability and ease of cleaning.

But my friends’ tastes tend to fall somewhere between traditional and country, with overstuffed pieces one might find on the floor at most major furniture stores.

I prefer something a little more transitional Asian—clean lines, square arms, flatter cushions.

Certainly I could have more peace of mind and less cleaning up after the dog with a leather sofa, but I would have to change my entire interior design scheme, and I’m not sure I would be happy with the results.

So even if I manage to justify the need for a new sofa, can I really find one that suits my quirky style?

I searched several websites and design magazines and left with the feeling that, yes, leather can totally work in a more modern setting.

Leather not only comes in style options like sectionals, hide-a-beds, and even recliners, it also features a spectrum of colors like pear, wasabi, cherry, plum, navy, and of course a wide variety of whites, ivories, browns, and blacks. If you want to get really trendy, there are even petal-shaped modular pieces, compact arcs, and pieces that look like they belong on the set of a sci-fi.

The great news is that no matter what kind of sofa one chooses, the commitment level to design is low. The new eclectic styles means an individual can take pieces from across the range of design and mix and match them with other schemes.

There are classic pieces like nail head trim leather wing chairs set in the midst of ultra-modern design. They contrast, yet somehow seem to pull the room together.

Likewise, there are contemporary furnishings in antique Moroccan settings, pulled together with vintage pillows and throws.

This year’s design trend is completely mixed-up, combining elements of French, Art Deco, and Mid-century Modern. Even Western, which is very popular this year, blends in elements usually found in eastern and contemporary styles.

This means almost any furniture can be mixed and matched with the new style to create something completely original, eclectic, and beautiful. You just need to follow a few simple rules.

First, no matchy-matching. If you have a Western-looking sofa, with rolled arms and metal or hardwood trim, your other pieces should be more modern, whether in style, color, or pattern. If you have a monochromatic color scheme, punch it up with bright patterned fabrics. Likewise, if you tend to go overboard with color, focus on making either your furniture or your accessories—but not both—a neutral color class.

Second, invest in quality pieces. Shabby Chic and World Market work best if you have a few high quality pieces, like that leather sofa, surrounded by flea market finds. In some interiors, antique furnishings are anchored with an oversized button-tufted leather ottoman.

Third, add one quirky element that really stands out. Examples I found include oversized, bold modern art, overwrought metal chandeliers and mirrors, edgy lamp design, and oversized twig and branch accents.

My own design style has to fit into a very small house, with a somewhat minimalist look. This, and the Asian flavor, means loft-sized furniture without a lot of detail.

A search for leather sofas finds me looking at styles from Zuo and Tosh.

The Zuo model is called “Modern Fortress” for good reason. The metal bars that wrap around it have an industrial feel. I have to say, I love this sofa. It looks so sleek and yet inviting. But I also know I’m going to injure myself on it, so I keep looking.

The Tosh “Paris Modern” model is equally beautiful, though I know there’s no way my husband would go for the armless, slipper style. He likes to lounge. If I had a bigger house, though, this would have to be featured somewhere in it. This sofa just says class.

There are many options in sectionals. Almost any of these would work in my eastern scheme.

I really like the Coja “Boyd” leather sectional, but it’s much too big for my living room. The red color is awesome, but I would have to repaint my walls.

Likewise, the EHO Studios Italian leather sectional sofa with ottoman and chair in bright pear green really calls to me, but its size is not suitable for my room.

I’m also drawn to the Abbyson Living “Casablanca” microfiber/leather sectional in mocha, but I know better than to get microfiber so long as Max the Shedding Wonder Terrier is a part of the family. My current sofa is black microfiber, and every one of his little wiry hairs ends up on it.

Ah, but then I stumble upon the perfect leather sofa. The EHO Italian Leather sectional in black is perfect. The right size, and priced in the mid-range for similar models. It’s small, simple, with stylishly flared arms like the ends of a sleigh bed.

This sofa is the perfect blend of contemporary styling and flexibility. Whether I decide to stick with Asian, or change it up to eclectic, modern, or shabby chic, this piece will work for a long time.

No matter what your style, a brief internet search should yield plenty of options for leather furniture or accessories, in everything from antique Victorian to modern Asian.

Just remember to invest in pieces that can accommodate a wide range of style trends, and you’ll be set for years, and kids, and dogs to come.