Ways to Stylish Interiors With Leather
Forget uncool 1980s associations - designers are now following a more muted model when it comes to leather
Laura Wheat
26 July 2017
Houzz UK Contributor. Freelance Journalist and interiors obsessive, newly ensconced in a handsome Edwardian semi on top of a hill.
Houzz UK Contributor. Freelance Journalist and interiors obsessive, newly ensconced... More
With the surge in popularity of non-magnolia neutral paints in recent years, our homes are increasingly becoming a blank canvas onto which we add interest through furniture and accessories. These white, grey and taupe spaces lend themselves to the layering of natural materials such as wood and leather to create a rich tapestry of texture and soft, muted colour. If you’re uncomfortable with including animal products in your home, faux versions are now just as appealing – and can be even more practical than the real thing.
Try leather ‘lite’
Proving that leather furniture needn’t be heavy or imposing, these tempting toffee-coloured chairs slot seamlessly into this room’s décor, appearing homely and inviting alongside the cushion-clad window seat. Adding a pair of vintage armchairs is an easy way to make a living space feel more individual. Or take things a step further with reupholstery; it’s a good option if you find a tired-looking bargain with great bones.
Browse through images of leather seaters
Proving that leather furniture needn’t be heavy or imposing, these tempting toffee-coloured chairs slot seamlessly into this room’s décor, appearing homely and inviting alongside the cushion-clad window seat. Adding a pair of vintage armchairs is an easy way to make a living space feel more individual. Or take things a step further with reupholstery; it’s a good option if you find a tired-looking bargain with great bones.
Browse through images of leather seaters
Find occasional inspiration
Foldaway chairs are a useful addition to any home – providing extra seating and handy movability – but you’d rarely want them on show. This leather butterfly chair, a design classic, is suitably sculptural, meaning any house guests will be sitting pretty. It’s attractive enough to leave out for a spot of contemplation – should the opportunity arise.
Foldaway chairs are a useful addition to any home – providing extra seating and handy movability – but you’d rarely want them on show. This leather butterfly chair, a design classic, is suitably sculptural, meaning any house guests will be sitting pretty. It’s attractive enough to leave out for a spot of contemplation – should the opportunity arise.
Take the bench
Dress up your dining space with svelte seating that also packs a practical punch. This black leather banquette sits neatly along the wall and works with the industrial vibe of the exposed brickwork. Messy eaters (or those with young children) could choose a convincing faux version which is easier to maintain.
Dress up your dining space with svelte seating that also packs a practical punch. This black leather banquette sits neatly along the wall and works with the industrial vibe of the exposed brickwork. Messy eaters (or those with young children) could choose a convincing faux version which is easier to maintain.
Up the ante on your office chair
Look beyond nifty nylon numbers to a truly modern classic that will stand the test of time. Warm walnut leather is a versatile choice for most interiors, working especially well if your home office is decorated in neutral tones or any shade taken from the cooler side of the colour wheel.
See thousands of photos of more midcentury-inspired home offices in the searchable Houzz photo stream.
Look beyond nifty nylon numbers to a truly modern classic that will stand the test of time. Warm walnut leather is a versatile choice for most interiors, working especially well if your home office is decorated in neutral tones or any shade taken from the cooler side of the colour wheel.
See thousands of photos of more midcentury-inspired home offices in the searchable Houzz photo stream.
Switch to soft shades
This upholstered bed is both original and unexpected. While black or red leather would work for those looking to make a dramatic statement, warm caramel leather is benign and versatile. Here, chest-style tables, brass elements and ethnic-inspired fabrics create a cohesive and calming space, while a dark wall and ceiling up the contrast.
This upholstered bed is both original and unexpected. While black or red leather would work for those looking to make a dramatic statement, warm caramel leather is benign and versatile. Here, chest-style tables, brass elements and ethnic-inspired fabrics create a cohesive and calming space, while a dark wall and ceiling up the contrast.
Ready a reading nook
Is there anything better than a timeworn chair that begs to be sat on? Choose a classic club for suits-all style and covetable comfort. Make your reading nook work day or evening with a well-placed lamp and a small side table for drinks. This chic chalet has charm and tactility in the bag thanks to an abundance of natural materials.
Is there anything better than a timeworn chair that begs to be sat on? Choose a classic club for suits-all style and covetable comfort. Make your reading nook work day or evening with a well-placed lamp and a small side table for drinks. This chic chalet has charm and tactility in the bag thanks to an abundance of natural materials.
Triple the charm
Woven leather bar stools and matching warm-toned wood cabinets give this kitchen a nudge towards the 1970s (in a good way). Where solid leather seats could have looked one-dimensional next to the simple lines of the slab-door cabinetry, introducing subtle variation makes a fitting feature of the stools – tempting visitors to pull up a pew.
Woven leather bar stools and matching warm-toned wood cabinets give this kitchen a nudge towards the 1970s (in a good way). Where solid leather seats could have looked one-dimensional next to the simple lines of the slab-door cabinetry, introducing subtle variation makes a fitting feature of the stools – tempting visitors to pull up a pew.
Make a sofa statement
Leather in the living room is a timeless choice for upholstery. This mustard marvel sits long and low, with more than a whiff of the midcentury about it. Sitting against neutral walls and a Berber-style rug, it adds richness and a slice of colour. For low-key luxe, look for leathers with a soft, buttery quality that aren’t too shiny and layer with blankets or throws for extra cosiness.
Check out the 12 most versatile sofa colours for the living room
Leather in the living room is a timeless choice for upholstery. This mustard marvel sits long and low, with more than a whiff of the midcentury about it. Sitting against neutral walls and a Berber-style rug, it adds richness and a slice of colour. For low-key luxe, look for leathers with a soft, buttery quality that aren’t too shiny and layer with blankets or throws for extra cosiness.
Check out the 12 most versatile sofa colours for the living room
Beautify your bathroom
As with wood, introducing even a tiny touch of leather brings an air of eclecticism and organic appeal to stark or sterile spaces. In the bathroom, this could mean a leather-look alternative with waterproof qualities, or the real thing if it’s kept clear of wet areas. These simple tab handles are a contemporary choice, continuing the mixed metal theme that’s running through the scheme.
As with wood, introducing even a tiny touch of leather brings an air of eclecticism and organic appeal to stark or sterile spaces. In the bathroom, this could mean a leather-look alternative with waterproof qualities, or the real thing if it’s kept clear of wet areas. These simple tab handles are a contemporary choice, continuing the mixed metal theme that’s running through the scheme.
Add an ottoman
Top up on textural interest in the living room by including a leather ottoman or pouf. This navy number has exposed wood framing and a quilted detail to offer more than just somewhere to put your feet up. The characterful design punctuates the all-grey suite and rug combo, lightening the look and curing it of any corporate associations.
Read more:
Sofa Secrets: Before You Buy or Reupholster
Leather and 5 Other Trending Finishes for Wardrobes
Tell us:
How have you used leather in your home? Tell us about it in the Comments.
Top up on textural interest in the living room by including a leather ottoman or pouf. This navy number has exposed wood framing and a quilted detail to offer more than just somewhere to put your feet up. The characterful design punctuates the all-grey suite and rug combo, lightening the look and curing it of any corporate associations.
Read more:
Sofa Secrets: Before You Buy or Reupholster
Leather and 5 Other Trending Finishes for Wardrobes
Tell us:
How have you used leather in your home? Tell us about it in the Comments.
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Really nice ideas here, those toffee-coloured chairs are beautiful!
What other colour do you like? Navy blue?Coral? Do you have throws in those colours? Throw them on the couch and see what the colours do in that light. Get a shiny and a matt cushion on appro and put them on the sofa. Observe the light. Take back the one that doesn't go. Do this with a couple of items. Think in terms of that sofa takes up a lot of 'colour space' if you love the colour of your sofas, match it up on the wall behind it. then match up the light that comes through that window with a lovely light carpet. Try matching the contrast of the cushions/ tthrows with a textile on the windows that 'marries your two main colour- the couch/wall and cushion/ throw combination. Or work backwards- Find a curtain that has a sofa colour in it and then pick a nice colour out of the pattern. Then go out and find cushion throws in that shade. Next: Add jewellery: Candlestcks in gold or silver and a chandelier or light fitting to pick up the 'bling' Artwork: If you don't have a favorite piece, try doining one yourself in your two new favorite shades. Can be geometric with masking tape or a splash and dash in the patio, with lot of newspapers under it. Get it framed silver or gold (same as candlesticks) and no one will know it's not a famous abstract artist. Be warned: Frames can cost more than the entire room.