If you’re among those who can’t disassociate black leather sofas from their bachelor pad connotations, you’re not alone. Black leather sofas rank high among design’s most polarizing objects, perhaps topped only by the recliner. They don’t have to skew so single man in the city, however. Reconsidered, the black leather sofa can look cool, classic, and even chic. Curious how designers are recasting the black leather sofa and how you can do the same? Check out the ideas and tips below!
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Source a Unique Shape
Don’t be boxed in by notions of boxy black leather sofas that lack personality. Opting for a black leather sofa in an unusual shape is an excellent way to escape the style’s usual homogeneity. Brands like Weiman have produced black leather sofas in curvy chaise silhouettes, while European brands DeSede and Roche Bobois have produced the style in pillow-y, postmodernist shapes. As a general rule, avoid track arm silhouettes which can sometimes feel too fortress-like, especially when clad in all-black leather. If the simplicity appeals to you, try seeking out the black leather designs of Florence Knoll. The proportions of Florence’s sofas feel more polished and refined than the stereotypical bachelor pad stand-by.
Invest in Details
Bespoke details—think tufting and wood-clad sides—can also help elevate a black leather sofa from basement-dweller to living room mainstay. In environments where you crave a more traditional air, consider tufted chesterfield designs. For more modernist interiors, look for black leather sling sofas from the mid-20th century that feature polished rosewood or teak wood frames. It’s possible to source wood and leather sling sofas from Danish designers as well as Brazilian and Italian designers. Many Bauhaus designers, including Thonet and Le Corbusier, also integrated elegant chrome details that lend the design a compelling sculptural quality.
Vintage Brands to Consider
For a rebellious take on the black leather sofa, consider designs from DeSede, B & B Italia, Ligne Roset, and Cassina. For prim and polished black leather sofas, check out offerings from Florence Knoll, Le Corbusier, Wittmann, and Herman Miller. Looking for a wood-leather hybrid design dating to the mid-century? Try Poltrona Frau, Ekornes, and Percival Lafer.
Lead photo courtesy of Savant Vintage
