Investing in new furniture for your living space requires a fair amount of planning and research and one of the most important factors to consider is longevity. So you might be asking yourself: how long does a leather sofa last?

While they’re a classic choice and are known to endure much longer than their fabric-based counterparts, numerous factors need to be considered before you invest in one. The type and quality of leather used, overall craftsmanship and maintenance protocols will all influence whether or not you’ll be passing it down to future generations.

Here is everything you need to know about the durability of leather sofas and what enhances their lifespan.

How long does a leather sofa last on average before it needs to be replaced?

Leather sofas are extremely robust, lasting around 15 to 20 years compared to about 5 for a fabric one. However, when it comes to a sound investment, quality is everything because, as the saying goes, you usually get what you pay for.

Superior, top-grain products often survive a lifetime while cheaper versions, and particularly faux leather, fall apart within a few years, costing you thousands in the long run.

What factors affect how long a leather sofa will last?

Here are three factors that will affect the longevity of your leather sofa.

1. Quality

Quality is key, so to understand the main differences between the various top grains, here’s a breakdown

• Full-grain leather comes from the topmost surface of the hide and is not altered or processed in any way. The best of the best, it is extremely hard-wearing and is characterised by the natural markings that the animal acquired during its lifetime. World-renowned sofa manufacturers like Gamma & Dandy offer fabulous collections like the Swing sofa, which promotes a relaxed yet distinguished lifestyle that will future-proof your living space.
• Top grain leather also comes from the upper part of the hide but is buffed and sanded during the manufacturing process to get rid of any imperfections. It is then imprinted with a grain-like pattern to give it character and visual appeal. Colour pigments are then added for uniformity. Although thinner and smoother than full-grain hide, it is still an excellent choice if you’re looking for longevity.
• Nubuck is top-grain leather that has been ‘napped’ to untangle the natural fibres and give it a suede-like appearance. It is durable and water-resistant but will not last as long as the other two. However, if you have a lower budget range, it is a reasonable choice.
• Split-grain or ‘genuine’ leather, bonded leather and suede are all highly processed and are at the bottom of the list in terms of wear and tear. They have a much shorter lifespan and should only be considered if you can’t afford anything else. However, we recommend that you avoid it altogether and save up for something really worthwhile.

2. Lifestyle

Another factor that will determine durability is your lifestyle. If you have children or pets and your leather sofa is in a high-traffic area, consider purchasing a semi-aniline product.

This means that the hide has been ‘corrected’ through the addition of pigments, protecting it from accidents that go hand in hand with day to day activities. While it is less pliable than full-grain leather, it will endure family life and requires less care.

3. Maintenance

All luxury leather sofas need to be well looked after in order for them to last for years. Always read and adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines to ensure that you get the very best out of your purchase.

Enhancing the longevity of a leather sofa through proper care

Wear and tear are unavoidable on any sofa but if spills are cleaned immediately and you look after them properly, your leather pieces can be preserved indefinitely.

Follow these tips for maximum efficacy:

• Weekly dusting with an upholstery brush or vacuum cleaner is recommended.
• Wipe stains away gently with mild soap, warm water, and a microfiber cloth, then buff the surface with a clean, dry one.
• Because leather furniture has properties similar to our own skin, it is critical to treat it regularly with professional care products like commercial leather conditioners.
• This will help to restore and maintain suppleness. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from any form of heat to avoid cracking and fading.

Signs that your leather sofa may need to be replaced

If you’re unsure what to look out for when it comes to indicators that may lead to having to replace your leather sofa, here’s a list.

• Visible cracks: A common sign of leather deterioration, these can usually be repaired by a professional when caught early. However, the bigger they are, the more likely it is you’ll have to buy a new sofa.
• Peeling: This occurs for a variety of reasons including poor leather quality and fixing it is usually just a short-term measure.
• Loose stitching: This is a clear indication that your sofa needs some restoration, so don’t overlook it or it will eventually lead to a full replacement.
• Sagging seats: Leather sofas can sag over time which is usually a sign that the padding in your cushions needs to be redone. Don’t mistake this for pooling, which is part of its natural aging process. For more clarity on this, read our article on creasing and pooling in leather sofas.
• Mechanical faults: If you own a recliner, it is likely that the mechanics might fail at some point. Locating the fault isn’t always simple and repairs are problem-dependent, so call a professional immediately and get it fixed.
• Discolouration: If your sofa has discoloured to the point where you can no longer live with it, it’s time to go shopping for a new one.

The replacement costs of a leather sofa compared to fabric ones

Calculating the true cost of a sofa is more difficult than you think. Why? Because over the years an average fabric upholstery is going to need maintenance, repairs and will eventually have to be replaced, and these hidden costs should be factored into your total outlay.

Consider these facts:

• Luxury leather sofas will last you upwards of 30 years and may even become a family heirloom, while a fabric one will need replacing in as little as five.
• Leather sofas are timeless and will always be in vogue, but the colour, style and pattern of a material counterpart doesn’t stay on trend forever. Quality leather is both stain and tear-resistant and will improve with age.
• Fabric sofas, on the other hand, are far more susceptible to damage, especially if they are in heavy-traffic areas. They also fade over time. So while a fabric sofa will be between 5% and 25% less expensive than a leather sofa of the same size, the durability, functionality and longevity of your purchase should always be properly considered.

As suppliers of luxury sofas with decades of experience in the design industry, we recommend that you always go for the best quality your money can buy. And for us, nothing beats a top-grain leather sofa.

Tips for buying a new leather sofa

Buying a new leather sofa is always an exciting endeavour, but with so many different types available, it may get confusing. Here are three tips to help you make the best decision.

1. Always go to a reputable furniture shop where you won’t get taken in by misleading information.

2. Look at the label. This will tell you about the grain and quality of the sofa. If you see the words “man-made” or “made with animal products”, it is not authentic.

3. Leather has a distinct smell, shows flaws and imperfections is textured to the touch. In comparison, faux leather is smooth and shiny and has a distinctly plastic odour.

For more inspiration, read our article on 6 important things to consider when buying a sofa.

3 Luxury leather sofas we love

If you’re about to embark on a shopping spree for a new leather sofa, here are 3 that we’re nuts about

The Brandy sofa by Gamma & Dandy

If you’re looking for the ultimate in comfort, then the Brandy sofa is an outstanding choice. A gorgeous blend of classic charm and contemporary chic, it is perfect for eclectic environments, allowing you to sink blissfully into its soft cushioning and relax in style.

The Peanut B sofa by Bonaldo

Fun and fabulous, Bonaldo’s Peanut B sofa offers an array of modular units, giving you optimal flexibility in your design choices. From seats with extension mechanisms to asymmetrical shapes, you have all the options you need to suit your specific space constraints. Available in a sophisticated range of both leather and fabric, there are plenty of colours to choose from, making it a must-have for the modern home.

The Nick sofa by Cierre

Masters of leather upholstery, Cierre offers a magnificent range of sofas that will tickle you pink. Amongst our favourites is the Nick collection featuring sleek lines and cube-shaped seat cushions supported by a sleek stainless steel base. With an adjustable metal back frame that offers the best in lumbar support, we think it’s the bee’s knees.

In conclusion

If properly maintained, a good quality leather sofa will last you a lifetime. So invest in one today because they’re certainly worth it.

Whatever your taste, at FCI London we have an extraordinary range of bespoke furnishings for your whole home.

So get in touch with our design team today or pop into our showroom and let’s transform your living spaces into something spectacular. You can also take a browse through our latest design projects portfolio for some inspired home decor ideas.