A new guide to 18 editor-approved leather sofas for 2026 brings together designs spanning compact couches, modular seating and large sectionals. Its featured picks include options from Castlery, Article, Muuto, West Elm, Quince and Crate & Barrel, as well as collectible vintage-inspired pieces.
The selection covers a range of looks and budgets. Castlery’s Jonathan sofa, made with top-grain leather, is presented as the best overall choice, while Article’s Cigar sofa is the budget-friendly pick. Muuto’s Outline is highlighted as a splurge, West Elm’s Henley for its Bauhaus-influenced design, Quince’s Stillman for U-shaped seating and Crate & Barrel’s Drift for its power-reclining features.
Other featured designs include a tufted sofa from CB2’s collaboration with designer Gianfranco Frattini, modular seating from Maiden Home, and a curved Camino sofa from Sixpenny, offered in a blue shade called North Atlantic. The guide also includes vintage and collectible styles, among them a U-shaped leather sofa by Swiss maker de Sede.
Materials and configurations vary across the list, with options including full-grain, top-grain, aniline-dyed and nubuck leather. Some models offer multiple colors or modular components, while others are defined by details such as metal legs, wooden frames, deep seats or reclining mechanisms.
The guide describes leather as a durable, easy-to-clean upholstery that can develop a patina with age. Its care advice includes regular dusting with a dry cloth, promptly cleaning spills and conditioning the leather once or twice a year. It also notes that direct sunlight can fade darker hides, and that leather types differ in how they are made and finished.
Sources: Architectural Digest.