From Grumpy Old Men to Kids and Dogs: The Changing Face of Leather Furniture

You either had one or you knew someone who had one: The Chair.

It was a big, overstuffed leather recliner. It probably sat in a library or a den, or maybe just a dark corner. It looked like the most comfortable thing in the world, but you’d never know because only the man of the house was allowed to sit in it. And he was grumpy.

Yes, once upon a time the big leather chair was the most important and iconic piece of furniture out there. But those days are gone.

You see, back in the good old days, all anyone could afford was one really great chair. Now everything has changed. Most of the free world has running water and indoor toilets. We have televisions and computers, and phones attached to our heads. Sometimes they are all the same thing.

Today, leather furniture can be found across all income spectrums, even in homes with kids and pets. And the iconic recliner has been replaced by the modern sofa grouping.

You may think you couldn’t possibly afford or maintain leather, but you might be surprised at the range of prices and ease of care that leather offers.

The first thing most people think about when it comes to furniture shopping is cost. Furniture, especially leather, is a big investment, and you want to make sure you’re getting what you pay for.

Leather sofas come in a wide range of prices, just like fabric. You can find pieces anywhere from $600 to $5000. Although a leather sofa will cost you about twice as much as its fabric counterpart, it will also last four to ten times longer. Some top-end, very well made pieces can actually last a lifetime.

The question to ask yourself when sofa shopping is not how expensive it is, but how much value it has. The difference is like buying a $20 pair of shoes every 6 months, or investing in custom-made, hand-crafted leather loafers that cost hundreds of dollars, but last upwards of 20 years.

The best thing about leather is that it stands up to the test of time. Not only is high quality leather remarkably durable, but even when it does start to show signs of wear it just looks better, like a broken-in baseball mitt or a comfortable saddle. No fabric-covered sofa is going to improve with age.

The key to durability, though, is the grade of leather. Higher grades mean higher costs, but they are much longer lasting.

Leather is naturally durable and stain resistant. It doesn’t absorb odors the way upholstery can. Leather is comfortable and adjusts to your body temperature, and it is repairable should the unthinkable happen. And this is where the kids and dogs come in.

Kids are dirty—they typically carry one to two pounds of mud on their shoes and clothing. They are a frightening mix of bodily excretions and grape juice. Kids make tears, snot, drool, and an assortment of other things. Sometimes all at once. And the kids are going to crawl all over the furniture, even if you tell them no. Since when do kids listen?

Dogs shed a lot. On purpose. There is something in the dog mind that tells it, if I shed on this thing, I own it. If I own it, I am the best dog. A Very Good Boy indeed. And, like kids, dogs carry around a surprising amount of crud. The dog is also going to crawl all over the furniture, even if you tell him no. Since when do dogs listen?

Here is where leather really earns its keep. Properly protected leather will shrug off kids and dogs alike, and clean up with nothing more than a damp rag. No vinyl off-gases, no trapped allergens, no countless hours of hair and stain removal.

Sure, you could just get molded plastic, but your guests won’t sit in it, the kids will find a way to destroy it, and the dog will just go sleep on your bed.

So now that I’ve convinced you leather is the right choice, what kind of sofa do you want?

In the past, if you wanted a leather sofa, you had two choices: Dark Corner of the Library, and Dark Corner of the Library with nailhead trim. Not so today.

The new leather is remarkably versatile, colorful, and trendy. Now you can choose anything from camelback, button-tufted pieces to super-modern, sleek styles in bright colors with steel accents.

Those who want a more traditional look should opt for styles labeled Chesterfield or Chippendale. Look for features like camelbacks or scalloping, rolled arms, and button tufting. Very classic pieces may feature hardwood accents and finials.

Transitional furniture is somewhere between classic and modern. It is generally soft and overstuffed, with clean lines and not a lot of detail. These are sometimes labeled Bridgewater, Club, or Lawson styles. These are the ones you look at and immediately want to fall into.

Modern pieces have clean, sharp lines, and may have accents like steel. They often have a futuristic, modular look. Most sectionals fall into this category, as do sofas referred to as Slipper and Tuxedo.

The different styles are not carved in stone, however. It is entirely possible to find an ultra-modern piece that has incorporated a Chesterfield-style, and to find a sectional that retains elements of classical styling like rolled arms and tufted button backs.

To get the most out of your leather sofa, invest in the best. Look for full or top grain leather in a soft finish. Nothing feels quite like the comfort of quality.

In addition to the type of leather, find out what material the frame is made of and how it was put together. Look for features like high density foam seats, zippers, and quality springs or coils.

Zippers make it easier to have your sofa cushions re-stuffed. A distinct possibility, since good leather is going to outlast even the best filling.

Coils or springs should have individual pockets or be hand-tied. Although you can’t really get a good look at the innards of a sofa, a knowledgeable salesman should have this information.

The more attention to quality and detail, the longer your sofa will last, even under daily use.

When it comes time to purchase, be sure to do your homework. Educate yourself on the different types and qualities of leather. Decide which style you like. Comparison shop for the best prices.

Some companies will send you sample swatches so you can see how the color and texture will go with your décor, and with the internet, you can browse and click to choose exactly the color and texture you want.

The furniture store lets you browse, touch, and smell the goods, but the Web is the ultimate source when it comes to price, selection, and convenience. Some sites even have free shipping, extended warranties and damage protection, and services that offer anything from curbside delivery to in-home installation and set-up.

No matter what color, style, or features you choose, buy a sofa that will last, and one day you can be sitting in it with your grandkid on your knee, telling him that you remember when.