Leather: Like It or Leave It?
Thursday, September 16, 2010 | Category: Furniture
I have always had a slight aversion to leather. I take that back- I have an aversion to pairing leather with leather with leather (*see below photo*). I’ve seen more than enough houses where a dark brown leather sofa is paired with a dark brown leather chair paired with a dark brown leather recliner paired with a dark brown leather ottoman (maybe I’m exaggerating- but you get the idea!) and that look is just not for me. I like to mix things up a bit more! I rarely specify leather for clients (or for myself). I find leather to be very cold and uninviting and never the material that I want to curl up on a sofa with.
{Yikes!}
Of course leather has its good qualities…
1) It is flexible. It can go more modern (paired with metallic legs/arms) or more traditional (paired with antique brass nailheads)
2) It’s very practical and durable. In the instances where you have kids or pets, a leather sofa might be a good idea. I’m not in either situation (yet) so I think I’m going to try to hold on to my white skirted sofa for as long as possible!
3) It’s smooth, soft, and clean looking. There is no fuss with leather (unlike a slipcover) and it never looks disheveled.
4) It’s season friendly. It warms in the winter and cools off in the summer.
There are some exceptions to my leather rule and here they are below. A conglomeration of stylish leather pieces at every price point that make even the most leather-apprehensive person, take a good second look.
Z Gallerie Shield Dining Chair
Anthropologie- Atelier Chesterfield
Arteriors- Calvin Top Grain Polished Nickel Barstool
Jonathon Adler- Preston End Table
Four Hands- Dixon Dining Chair- Wasabi
Pier 1- Faux Leather- Bal Harbour Dining Chair
Design Within Each- Eames Aluminum Executive Chair
Jayson Home and Garden- Sienna Chair
Restoration Hardware- Devon Leather Chair
Would you do leather furniture in a heartbeat or are you a die hard fabric fanatic like myself?
- Posted By Emily-Dallas
- 9 Comments
- Category: Furniture
9 Comments to 'Leather: Like It or Leave It?'
maison21 16 Sep 10 at 11:31 pm
i love leather, but a little goes a long way. i try to never use it for more then one piece in a room (i love when i say things like that, btw- watch my next project have leather everywhere!)
Totally agree- leather can look amazing if used sparingly and in the right application!
But I know, it’s like never say never, right? It will come back to haunt you later! ha ha. The worst is when someone/a client says- I thought you said never to do that? (for ex: this post will probably come back to haunt ME later)-but there definitely can be exceptions to our “decorating rules’!
Christine Davis 17 Sep 10 at 5:03 am
Leather is masculine, and I’m single, so I don’t have it in my house. But I do love leather when it is a bit worn and has grown soft. Have seen it in paneled libraries and dens, and it fits perfectly. I also love the smell. It reminds me of the tack room, saddle soap, and my ponies when my sister and I were ten! Ah! You’ve given me a memory that I want to write about!
pamela 17 Sep 10 at 5:30 am
I like it if it’s old.
Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner 17 Sep 10 at 6:18 am
Ah, but pair a fabulous leather club chair with a cozy modern quilt and you’ve got the perfect juxtaposition! I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect chair. But don’t worry…I have an upholstered sofa to pair it with
Bowe On Interior Room Design 17 Sep 10 at 1:01 pm
I have to say I love leather. Especially some of the bold colors they are coming out with today.
And I am with some of the other folks here, it is nice, but lets not over do it. To much leather can take away from the rooms over look and feel.
Lindley Arthur 17 Sep 10 at 1:56 pm
Not crazy about it, unless it’s a lighter shade and used on a smaller piece. I agree with you and that it feels cold.
Kiersten @ thebellalife 23 Sep 10 at 1:51 pm
Oh goodness… that first picture makes me want to gag. Yikes is an understatement!!! I could not agree more, I don’t think that leather should be paired with leather and leather. Only hints of it. I don’t think anyone fashionable would pair a leather jacket, with leather pants, leather shoes AND a leather purse (Oh dear, I sure hope no one would do this). However, I love the pieces you found! Especially that couch from Anthropologie. Magnificant post!
Classic with a Twist 25 Sep 10 at 9:06 am
Actually, I made the mistake and purchased a leather couch for my own family room… NO ONE sits on it! While it is classic in style and looks gorgeous, it is not practical at all. Even the dog can’t curl up on it with us:). I rarely recommend large leather pieces for my clients- thus saving them money as well!