WHICH SIZE OF LEATHER SOFA DO YOU NEED?
A leather sofa is something of an investment piece. Timeless in style, strong and durable in design, to buy a leather sofa is to own one for life - if you should so choose. With this in mind, think about how it will fit into said life, literally. Do you have space for a large leather sofa, a distinguished, commanding piece of furniture if ever we saw one, or would a small, chic leather sofa suffice? If your leather sofa will be sat on regularly (we wouldn’t blame you if this purchase is predominantly for show) then you have the option of 2, 3 or 4 seater, not to mention unique corner sofas. The latter blends a contemporary style with the old-age leather aesthetic, which only serves to add to its charm.
Before you take the plunge, be sure to measure the space carefully. Try laying out newspapers on the floor to the measurements of your sofa. Sounds crazy, but trust us - this will help you to ensure it will fit. Don’t forget to measure doorways and stairwells as well as the room itself - no point in buying a beautiful new sofa if it can’t quite make it all the way into its designated room.
WHAT SYLES DO LEATHER SOFA COME IN?
Though infinitely stylish, this doesn’t mean leather sofas don’t come in modern designs too. On the contrary, many come in streamlined, sleek shapes. On the traditional side, studded designs such as the classic Chesterfield come to mind; old-school in form, yet fits perfectly into contemporary settings. On the flipside, we have leather chaise sofas - and they don’t come more retro-inspired than this.
WHAT COLOURS OF LEATHER SOFA ARE AVAILABLE?
Leather sofas from Habitat are presented in a variety of colours and finishes. From classic black - among the most practical, this is popular in guest houses and student accommodation - to elegant brown in all manner of shades. Grey offers a modern option, while cream and natural colours work well in minimalist homes, helping to enhance that sense of space. Remember; light leather will always uplift a room and allow bright accessories to do the talking. Darker, on the other hand, helps to create a cosy feel in any given room.
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A LEATHER SOFA?
A leather sofa can effortlessly meet two objectives. One, it can make a statement. As referenced earlier, there is something beautifully ‘commanding’ about such a classic piece of furniture, particularly in larger sizes. A high-quality leather sofa can, quite simply, own an entire room. If this is your desired intention, then opt for a more delicate, corrected grain when selecting your finish - ideal for a style statement such as this.
Two, leather is often chosen solely for its hard-wearing design. If it is your aim to have your sofa move from pillar to post, across the family room and beyond, then we recommend looking for a thicker, tougher finish such as pigmented leather. This will ensure it survives all the family.
HOW CAN YOU STYLE YOUR LEATHER SOFA?
When it comes to the rest of the room, don’t forget to soften the mood. This soft angle can be approached via cushions, either expertly coordinating or artfully clashing. Given that the sofa itself will represent a solid block of colour, playful prints can work a treat - provided the room itself isn’t already bursting to the brim with plentiful patterns. Will you need a rug as well? Will it fit into the space? These are the questions you need to think about right now.
When looking to add a little mood lighting, introduce subtle hints of colour with a floor or table lamp - glass shades with contemporary, decorative bulbs will create a stunning contrast to the old-school charm of the leather.
Last but not least, think about adding a few more complementary pieces of furniture. Wooden side tables, glass coffee tables or shelves filled with books will all work to add a certain kind of charm; achieving an old-school aesthetic that will forever have its place in the now.