Modern Looks for Leather Sofas

This morning, cup of coffee in hand, I disappeared down a rabbit hole of inspiration in search of images of leather sofas styled in modern ways. I got asked the question by a friend in spin class about her leather sofa, how she could make it feel less frumpy and more contemporary. I thought I’d tackle the topic today on her behalf.

Like a great leather jacket, a leather sofa is always a classic choice. However, leather sofas carry a lot of visual weight and can dominate a space screaming “I’m the boss” if not balanced by thoughtful accessories and a variety of textiles. The key is to limit the use of leather in a space to the sofa alone, then to layer the room with different metallic fixtures, wood tones, textural accents and interesting fabrics. Despite their visual bulk, the images below illustrate that there are many ways to accessorize around a leather sofa to keep a space looking fresh.

Here are a few of my takeaways:  1. Add a cozy textile like a sheepskin rug or a lambswool pillow to contrast the coolness of the hide.  2. Surround the sofa with metallic and/or wood tones with your coffee or accent tables.  3. Place a mod floor lamp next to the sofa to add interest and illuminate in the evening.  4. Patterned pillows go a long way, consider mudcloth or shibori patterns to capture the bohemian vibe.  5. Layer an interesting rug underneath.  6. Place a basket filled with blankets next to one side.  7. Draw the eye away by hanging interesting artwork above.  8. Soften the space with beautiful window treatments and accent chairs upholstered in different fabrics.

 

h&m

 

kristina crestin design

 

new darlings

 

domino 

 

 

sources unknown

 

room & board

 

 

urban outfitters

sugar & cloth

 

house tweaking

 

inside out magazine

 

Personally, I’m drawn to the streamlined or tailored versions that aren’t too puffy, but I admit, lounging on a worn leather sofa with fuller cushions is so relaxing it’s hard to get up! Below are nine great looking favorites if you’re in the market for a leather sofa of your own.

 

 

From top left: axel sofa / larkin in cigar / dale caramel loveseat / braden sofa /  trevor leather / tufted hanover /  sven charme / echo oxford / beatnik sofa

 

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