I’ve had a few requests to do a “working with what you have” post about leather furniture. It’s a good topic because I’ve noticed that those that have leather living room furniture usually have more than one piece (i.e., the full matching set) and often feel like they’re drowning in a sea of brown. 
If that’s your predicament, here’s how I would approach decorating a room around leather furniture:
pillow // curtains // table // painting // rug // (affiliate links)
Leather is a great texture to use in a space (and practical for so many reasons). I personally think the magic formula to making a room feel fresh instead of weighed down is to lighten up everything else around it so that the leather becomes the element that warms up the room. Mix in different finishes on your accent tables, frames and lamps. Too many wood tones can add to the “brown effect.” I also love the contrast of leather and fresh white. If white walls feel like a risk for you, here are a few examples to help you envision the look:
Emily Henderson
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I have a leather chesterfield sofa in my family room (I love the design/texture/comfort that sofa offers, but the color is bit reddish to my taste – well, it’s craigslist find.) and I painted the walls BM Simply White and I love how clean and modern it feels. I think light gray walls would work great with leather furniture too if you’re going for a more moody effect. Great post! Happy Monday xx
Yes, to the light gray. And, I love a leather chesterfield.
This couldn’t have come at a better tim- I am working with someone right now and we are trying to incorporate a big leather sofa! Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh good! And, was just reading about your mini design sessions (probably at the same time). :) GREAT idea. Hope it goes well.
I have leather furniture in one room and it is hard to work with. It always looks cold. I like the white with it in all these rooms though. Thanks for sharing!
We recently bought a Natuzzi leather sofa at an estate sale. It is a deep navy blue, a more modern style than what I would normally choose, but the COMFORT can’t be beat. Thank you for this timely post!
Timely for me, too. We’ve been considering a leather sofa for the maintenance aspect (young kid messes). I’ve been looking at the super light shades but these are great images/tips for darker browns. Hmm. Thanks!
These are gorgeous images, Emily and I love the contrast of the white walls and the leather…nothing quite like a well worn leather sofa…
Great post, Emily……….you’re genius! All of the sudden, the old leather sofas look chic and new!
xo
Holly
Thank you so much for all of the design tips you write about. I have one of those all brown family rooms, matching leather sofa and chair, brown end tables, brown tv console. We love the sofa because of the dog, just wipes off. (I have slip covered white in my living room.) I am now going to get to work! I never knew how to make brighter! Thank you!
So glad this helped. Have fun changing things up!
Great post! We have a navy leather sofa that is in good shape in terms of cushions, but has very worn leather thanks to our big dog’s claws. Do you know if you can reupholster a leather sofa in fabric?
I don’t. No experience with that :(
This so fits my scenario- from ceiling to floor shades of brown. Thank you for these tips! And thanks for your reply to my comment yesterday- I really appreciated it!
Would this formula {white walls + colorful accents} work for black leather, too? We inherited a modern, black “bachelor pad” style sofa and, for budget’s sake, I’m trying to work around it… But it’s stumping me!
Maybe you could make it feel a little more sophisticated by using creams, golds and a few wood tones? Look at this example:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/491244271824223309/
Love how that room feels!
Thank you – you make it seem simple, which is an art! I have a sofa that’s covered in brown fabric. The walls are a brownish-yellow, and are definitely due for a paint job. Do you think your approach for the leather sofa would also work for a brown fabric sofa?
I do! I think white walls and colorful accessories can give any room a fresher feel.
How about if you don’t like white walls. What are other options besides gray,?
I have an old stone farmhouse in Bucks County Pennsylvania. the walls of my living room are stone. there are some gray, cool brown, and even a hint of purple in the stone. I want to use a leather couch. should I go with a dark brown? I feel it might disappear. Or go with a lighter colored leather? Want to add some teal, green, navy and even fushia here and there. love a white rug. Love the first picture.
Thanks for this post. What shade of white would you use with a dark brown sofa and chair? I have terrific woodwork and 4 big windows in a small living room and inherited brown leather sofa.
Your post is so helpful and hopeful.
Joanna