Not sure which leather couch to buy? Here are 5 ideas

Want to know the best way to magically make all the stress and irritations of the day disappear? Try collapsing into a beautiful genuine leather couch. There’s just something about the majestic look, feel and smell of a real leather couch that will make you feel like a king or queen in your own home. If you’ve decided to buy a leather couch, but feel a bit hazy about how to begin your search, we’re here to help. After all, a leather couch is an investment, and it’s a decision you don’t want to rush.

In this post we cover answers to all the important questions to help you choose the right leather couch for your lifestyle, tastes and budget. We’ve also got some inspiration to get you started with 5 of our favourite leather couches from our gorgeous homegrown Incanda range.

Let’s get started!

Wondering how to choose the right leather couch? Start with these 5 tips

Leather furniture is not only beautiful and luxurious, but you can rest assured that an authentic leather couch will give you amazing value for your money. Leather lasts exceptionally well, it’s easy to maintain, easier to clean than fabric, and never seems to go out of fashion. When hunting for the right leather couch to deliver the value you’re after for your particular needs and lifestyle, here are 5 tips for choosing the ideal candidate:

Look at the leather

When you buy leather furniture, you want to be sure of the quality of the leather used on the couch. Not all leathers are created equal, and not everything that’s labelled “genuine leather” actually is. If you want to know you’re buying a quality leather couch, look for one made from either Full-grain leather, Top-grain leather or Nubuck leather for a softer suede-like feel. These high-quality leathers are all taken from the strong top layer of the hide, which offers the best in durability and natural resistance to stains, scratches and fading.

Lower quality upholstery leathers like PU leather and bonded leather are made from inferior leather hides, underlayers, or offcuts combined with synthetic ingredients, and do not offer the durability you’d want in a quality couch. However, they can be used on parts of a couch that don’t see a lot of use, like the back and sides, with a combination of higher quality ‘leather uppers’ on the main areas of the couch, to offer a more affordable option.

Look at your lifestyle

Think about where you’ll place your couch and how it will be used. If you’re furnishing a formal lounge that will be used by adults and only on occasion, you’ll probably want to prioritize the look and feel of the couch – all-natural full grain, Nubuck or top-grain leather all make impressive choices, depending on your preferences. If, on the other hand, the couch will be used constantly in a family room by kids, pets and the rest of the family, then protected top grain may be a more practical choice that’s easier to clean.

However, with a bit of careful care, the occasional buff, or a protective throw to handle pets’ claws, any high-quality leather couch will be able to hold up well to family wear and tear and still look amazing – one of the main reasons to go with leather in the first place!

Look at the legs

When it comes to choosing a leather couch design, it’s easy to overlook, but remember that the legs (or lack thereof) actually set the tone for the style and feel of the couch. Here’s a rough guide for different types of leg styles:

‘Invisible’ legs – many contemporary style leather couches have hidden feet, with the couch hugging the ground. This gives the couch a more grounded and bulky appearance, which is great for larger spaces and open plan living areas where the couch can help define and delineate the living space more clearly.

Tapered legs – these add a lighter, airier feel, lending to a mid-Century modern or Scandinavian style.

Bun feet – often combined with rolled arms and ornate detailing, bun feet are often used on more traditional or classic style couches.

Metal legs – these can be quite versatile, and depending on the type of metal, shape and finish can lend to a modern, minimalist, industrial or urban style interior.

Look under the hood

When shopping for your new leather couch it’s easy to fall in love fast, but remember to give it a more careful look and check on the construction and materials used not only on the exterior but the inside of the couch.

This includes the upholstery materials and cushion filling, craftsmanship on stitching, seams, tufting and detailing, and of course the frame materials. The quality of a good leather couch should be carried through all of these components, adding to the comfort and durability of the piece. The leather may last a lifetime, but you don’t want your coach collapsing on you after a year or two.

Look at the finish

Finishes are treatments applied to the surface of different types of leather, and range from natural to more protective coatings that add to the durability and performance of the couch. They can also be used to enhance the appearance and colour. Aniline leather dying techniques are used on high-quality leathers, retaining its natural appearance. These dyes add to the durability of the leather, but the couch will still need some maintenance.

A pigmented leather finish provides greater protection from everyday wear and spills and still looks beautiful, but gives the leather a slightly stiffer feel. Embossing, top-coating and synthetic layers are other options for leather finishes. Make sure you select a couch with the type of finish that will meet your lifestyle needs.

How long does a genuine leather couch last?

Doesn’t the solid, reliable look of a leather couch just give you that happy feeling of Grandma’s old biscuit barrel that never ran out of cookies? One of the reasons to buy a leather couch is the knowledge that it will be with you for years to come. High quality leather couches, made from Full grain, Top grain or high-quality uppers, should last from 15 to 20 years. The best quality Full grain leather will be around for 25 years or even longer.

The type of finishes, and the maintenance and care required by the couch will also affect its lifespan. Don’t expect lower quality synthetic or faux leather couches to last more than 5 years. As with most furniture items, it’s worth it to invest in the best leather quality you can afford – it’s an investment that will pay off for years to come.

Best leather couches of 2024: Our 5 family favourites 

Whether you like the traditional look of a deep couch you can sink into, or a slim model to add that touch of sophistication to your office or living space, here are 5 unique leather couches from our own Incanda range to suit any palate, available in a range of sizes and gorgeous leather tones. We hope they’ll inspire you on your journey to finding your perfect leather couch!

Karoo Classic Leather couch

As its name suggests, the Karoo Classic leather couch is a style stalwart that will ground your space and make everyone feel at home. With its deep plush cushions and upholstered low arms, this couch is the perfect destination for Sunday afternoon naps!

Clarens Leather Couch

Built on a sleek wooden frame, this unassuming two seater is perfect to show off in an open, airy space. With its plush cushions and slatted back, it offers an attractive and slightly unconventional look that’s both comfortable and sophisticated. The Clarens comes in a choice of Blackwood or Oak Smoke, with a wide range of leather colours to choose from.

Kalk Bay Leather Couch

If you’re looking for a modern retro-vintage feel, the Kalk Bay couch will make a statement in any formal lounge or suit any living room.  Its well cushioned upholstery and curvy lines combine both elegance and comfort.

Barkly Leather Couch

The beautiful, sophisticated Barkly couch is a modern version of the classic Chesterfield sofa, featuring deep tufted buttoning and equal height armrests and back. This classy couch will add charm and command attention in any formal or informal setting.

Cape Town Leather Couch

With its slender arms and tapered legs, this elegant beauty will add class and versatility to any contemporary or minimalist space. Available in a full range of leather tones, the Cape Town Leather Couch is the perfect addition to your everyday home or home away from home!

Shop the full Incanda leather couch range 

We hope these tips have given you a clearer idea of what to look for when it comes to leather, and finding a piece of furniture that suits your style, needs, and pocket. A well-chosen leather couch is an investment in long-lasting comfort and beauty, and with a little care, it will become a treasured part of your home for years to come. Uniquely crafted with sustainability in mind, Incanda’s leather couch range offers you the best in home-grown quality that’s bound to last a lifetime.

Browse our full range of exquisite leather couches online, or visit one of our 8 showrooms throughout the country, to find the perfect couch to uplift and beautify your home.