When you’re shopping for a new leather couch, look for the best American made leather sofas that stand the test of time. Homeowners love the look of leather, and the finest materials coupled with fabric options and new designs make the perfect choice for your home and family.
Leather sofas that are made in the USA prove to be better designed and made than other options. Plus, they’re comparable in price to other, inferior-quality sofas made in other parts of the world.
Buy Made in the USA Leather Sofas
I learned my lesson the hard way. My spouse and I shopped online at one of those discount furniture stores for a new sofa. We carefully chose the style, fabric, and size we wanted, and within less than a week it arrived in two very large boxes.
We enjoyed that sofa…for about six months. Then it fell apart, so much so we couldn’t even give it to our college kids without them complaining. (Aren’t college students supposed to be happy with ANY free furniture?)
Upon further investigation, we realized our sofa and matching loveseat were made with thick, heavy cardboard.
That “new” sofa, sadly, ended up in the landfill. We saved our pennies and eventually purchased a made-in-the-USA sofa. A leather sofa. We’ve had it for six years and it still looks as good as it did the day we placed it in our living room.
Maybe you can relate to my story, or maybe you’ve been thinking about buying a new leather sofa. I highly recommend an American-made sofa for the best quality.
You don’t even have to do an online search: our USA Love List provides all you need to know, plus the brands of the best American-made leather sofas you can shop for, right here and now. Keep reading to learn more!
Enjoy this USA Love List Article: Sofas Made in the USA
Why Buy A Leather Sofa?
Leather couches remain the most popular upholstery choice for most people when it comes to buying new furniture, and for good reason. This natural material was one of the first fabrics used to cover what we consider a more modern sofa, even though it dates as far back as the Elizabethan era.
Leather is very durable. It can withstand everyday use and last for many years. It’s resistant to stains, tears, and scratches, making it a great option for the family room.
Leather upholstery tends to require less upkeep than fabric. It requires minimal cleaning or maintenance.
It’s breathable and comfortable to sit on, and it becomes even more comfortable over time as it conforms to the shape of your body.
What to Look for in a Quality Leather Sofa
A quality leather sofa is an investment piece that lasts for many years. Consider these important key features:
1. Different Types of Leather
Full grain leather is the highest quality and most durable option, as it is made from the top layer of full-grain hides and has not been sanded or altered in any way.
Top grain leather is a step down in quality. It, too, comes from the full-grain hide, but it has been sanded and treated to remove imperfections. It’s still a respectable choice.
Semi-aniline leather is treated with a small amount of pigment and a clear finish to protect it. It’s more durable than aniline leather and is less prone to staining. It allows the beauty of the leather to shine through.
Aniline leather is dyed all the way through and may also be treated with a clear, protective finish. It has a soft and supple feel as well.
Split grain leather, made from the lower layers of the hide, is a much lower quality option and is less durable. Bonded leather refers to leather scraps that have been bonded together with a synthetic backing. Bonded leather upholstery does not result in a quality sofa.
Higher quality leather costs more, but it will also be more durable and long-lasting.
Interested in furniture beyond a sofa? Read this! Made in USA Furniture: A Source List
2. Best Materials
High quality materials include not only the type of leather used to make a leather sofa, but also the filling. The filling should be either high-density foam or a combination of high-density foam and down. These quality materials help the sofa maintain its shape while also making it very comfortable.
3. Frame
The best sofa frames are constructed using high-quality hardwood such as maple, oak, cherry, walnut, birch, or poplar. When stained, these wood species show off their grain patterns, color undertones, and other natural features. Pinewood. pressed wood, or heavy cardboard is too soft to use and results in the disintegration of the frame.
The wood should also be properly kiln-dried to remove excess moisture, which can cause warping or cracking over time.
A well-constructed wooden frame is built using traditional joinery techniques, such as mortise and tenon joints or dowels, which help to ensure the frame is strong and stable. If brackets or glue is involved, these types of joinery should be used minimally and with great discretion.
Finally, the best sofa wood frames appear balanced and symmetrical as well as reflect a sturdy, stable feel. A quality sofa is properly supported in key areas such as under the cushions and at the corners. This ensures the sofa can withstand regular use.
Sofa Styles
Leather sofas come in a wide variety of styles and even colors. They range in style from classic and traditional to modern and contemporary. Some of the most popular options include:
- Traditional: These have a classic, timeless look that is perfect for formal spaces or libraries. They feature more ornate details such as carved wood frames, rolled arms, and tufted cushions.
- Chesterfield: This style is also considered traditional but has deep seat depth, button tufting, and rolled arms. They, too, have a formal, elegant look ideal for formal living rooms, offices, and upscale bar areas.
- Modern: Modern leather sofas have a sleek, minimal look that’s great for contemporary spaces. They feature clean lines, simple shapes, and minimal detailing.
- Mid-century modern: Mid-century modern leather sofas have a retro, vintage look that is inspired by the design style of the 1950s and 60s.
The great thing about today’s decorating is you either can use these styles as a guide, or you can just buy what appeals to you personally. Different leather colors can make a typically traditional style look more modern.
Related: Beds Made in the USA
Why Consider a Leather Sofa Made in the USA
Reasons abound for a leather sofa made domestically. American-made leather sofas hold all the quality, comfort, and durability discussed above, as they’re constructed well and made with superior materials, making them the most comfortable.
Furthermore, many American manufacturers provide the option of customization. You can choose a specific type or color of leather along with the wood species or style you prefer.
American-made supports both the local and national economy. Buying a leather sofa made in the USA helps to create jobs in the community. Social responsibility and sustainability also come into play, as most companies prioritize reforestation, shorter shipping miles (as opposed to international shipping), and supporting other American companies.
Finally, you get great customer service when you buy a sofa made in the USA. Our companies work to answer your questions and keep you satisfied with your purchase.
When considering all of these options, you can be confident your leather sofa will make a comfortable, pleasing room addition for years to come. And because it’s made in the USA, you’ll also feel good about its construction.
The Best American Made Leather Sofas
Do you know of an American made leather sofa company not mentioned in our list? Please leave a comment and we'll check it out! As always, thanks for buying made in the USA!
Allform
Allform custom makes its modular sofas, loveseats, and sectionals in the USA using a multi-generation, family-owned facility in North Carolina, the mecca of America's furniture industry. Allform offers two leather choices: Dark Smoke and Whiskey. Give their products a 100-day trial use for free. Allform offers frequent sales and competitive pricing, even interest-free financing! Not only will you find stationary sofas, but you’ll also find loveseats and armchairs, and they’re all offered with the option of a modular chaise.
Want to know more about the Tarheel state? Check out 10 Things We Love, Made in North Carolina
American Leather Furniture
With the two important words, “America” and “leather” emphasized in its name, it’s pretty obvious where American Leather Furniture is made and the type of upholstery it focuses on. American Leather furniture is crafted in Dallas, Texas. The company invests in master leather craftsmen for making some of the highest-quality leather sofas and sectionals you can find. Its frames are constructed from sustainably-harvested wood and are precision engineered to create as little waste as possible. American Leather also uses water-based glues and formaldehyde-free products. Visit the American Leather website to find your local retailer. You’ll also find select items at Room and Board.
Benchmade Modern
Benchmade Modern uses regionally and responsibly sourced materials to make its sofas in the USA. Each sofa is made-to-order in Dallas, Texas. The company’s leather fabrics are called “Ponti” and are full, top-grain leathers with a soft texture. Choose from eight lush neutral colors. The website walks you through each of your important choices, from the leather and size to the cushion and legs. After the sofa is made, Benchmade Modern delivers it to your door. Upgrade to the “White Glove Delivery” and they’ll bring it in and set it right where you want it. Benchmade Modern offers a 100-day return period so you can shop risk-free. Choose from sofas, sofa beds, and sectionals.
Bend Goods
Bend Goods hand makes its leather sofas in California. This small company uses 100% cowhide to help shape its Nanda modular furniture. Leather fabrics are not shown on the website; you have to contact the company. If you like modular furniture like our family does, it will be worth the effort!
Bradington-Young
Bradington-Young offers a whopping 142 leather options in its luxurious seating line! Made in Hickory, North Carolina since 1978, you can choose from stationary sofas, reclining sofas, loveseats, and sectionals. The frames are solid, too. This company employs over 200 American workers and gives back to its community. Visit the Bradington-Young website to find a local retailer. You’ll also find select leather products at Room and Board.
Check this out! Manufacturing 101: How to Manufacture a Product in the USA
Burrow
The founders of Burrow opened its New York doors in 2016 when it couldn’t find a high-quality sofa it liked. Burrow was also one of the first companies to offer a way to buy online and then ship your furniture purchase straight to your home. Shop for a high-quality couch that’s made in the USA from wood harvested in the south. You can have these sofas shipped for free, and since these are modular selections, you can even add extra seating to them later if you desire. The company provides three different leather color options. You can also choose a built-in USB charger and matching bolster pillows. Order two free swatch sets for your shopping convenience. If you’d rather shop in person, Burrow has showrooms in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta.
Cabot Wrenn
Opening its North Carolina doors in 1981, Cabot Wrenn makes leather sofas and other furniture pieces that check all the quality boxes. Each frame is made from maple or birch, then constructed with carefully engineered joinery. The springs are made from eight-way, hand-tied coil construction. The cushions hold high-density foam. Each piece takes at least 80 hours to hand-make.
Century Furniture
Owned by Rock House Farm Family, Century Furniture has been making sofas since 1947 in North Carolina. It has seven leather sofa styles that feature eight-way, hand-tied, spring-down seat cushions, fiber and down cushions, and quality leather.
Craftmaster Furniture
Craftmaster Furniture, sometimes called CM Furniture, has been making furniture since 1972 in Taylorsville, North Carolina, so this company knows the importance of making high quality furniture in the USA. It offers numerous leather sofa styles and over 50 leather options! The company’s facilities are “EFEC” certified for best sustainable manufacturing practices, and its materials all have “Earthcare Inside” in order to reduce its environmental footprint. Craftmaster Furniture gives back to its community in numerous ways.
Fusion Design
Made in the heart of Northern Indiana’s Amish country, Fusion Designs was started by an Amish family but grew so much it actually has a production facility where several Old Order Amish individuals work. Their furniture, including their leather sofas, are anything but simple, as makers use mortise and tenon joinery, add inlays, and pair uncommon fabrics with their sofa design. Its single sofa offering comes in a Mission style that wraps leather around a wooden frame and arms.
Hancock & Moore
Hancock & Moore practices time-honored traditions of building upholstery furniture in North Carolina. Consisting of two manufacturing plants with close to 400 employees, Hancock & Moore employs local artisans who spend 50 weeks a year building furniture, perfecting every element that goes into its processes. In 2015, the owners sold to the Rock House Farm Family of Brands which also includes several other American furniture makers. Shown is the Arrington Quilted Sofa in Bruton Eggshell Leather, a unique design with quilted back cushions and surrounding nailhead trim. Find this and a wide array of other leather sofa designs online.
Want to update your lighting? American Made Lighting: The Ultimate Source List
Homestead Furniture & Design
Located in Mt. Hope, Ohio, Homestead Furniture & Design looks like a storefront but also manufactures its own furniture by local Amish crafters. Not only that but also the company strongly markets itself as a custom designer of furniture. Bring in your ideas, and they’ll build it! Choose from modern farmhouse, modern, midcentury modern styles, and more. Homestead Furniture & Design offers well-made sofas, sleepers, sectionals, and even theater seats in leather.
Maiden Home
Maiden Home makes leather sofas with three leather styles: pebbled leather; Tuscan leather; and nubuck leather, each one unique. The pebbled leather is a top-grain, semi-aniline, and has a slightly raised texture to it. Tuscan leather is also a top-grain leather that comes from Italy; and nubuck leather, also from Italy, has more of a suede texture. These sofas are designed in New York and made in North Carolina.
Mayo Furniture
Mayo Furniture was founded in 1965 and has been making furniture ever since. This family-owned business operates in East Texas and employs over 200 people in the making of sofas and other furniture. “Made in the USA” has always been part of the company’s mantra, and Mayo continues to buy American-made materials as much as possible. They strive to make furniture they would be proud to place inside their own homes. Some of their leather sofas are longer than 90 inches and have removable cushions.
Of Iron and Oak
Of Iron and Oak makes its entire line of amazing furniture in a small North Carolina workshop by experienced craftsmen and women using the highest quality materials like solid kiln-dried hardwood frames and a labor-intensive, eight-way hand-tied suspension. This small company started with the single goal of reclaiming the virtues and value of American craftsmanship. Of Iron and Oak ships directly to you, or you can visit them in their Lambertville, North Carolina studio. The company carries leather sofas in chesterfield, midcentury modern, and classic styles.
Omnia Leather
Omnia Leather takes your comfort personally by designing and making some pretty plush leather sofas in the USA. This company is located in Chino, California where all the cutting, sewing, and assembly take place. As a founding member of the Sustainable Furnishing Council, the leather used comes from cattle raised for the food industry. The tans are water-based. The Italian-inspired styling makes a high-style fashion statement with the Bergamo Bellini leather sofa. It comes standard with a power tilt headrest.
Online Amish Furniture
Online Amish Furniture sources its selections from Amish communities in Indiana and Ohio. It began as a brick-and-mortar store in Michigan and now includes online services. The Amish-made sofas include Mission, Slatted, Sleigh, and Paneled varieties, but be sure to choose leather as an upgraded fabric. Although shown in fabric, the Lexington sofa can be custom-made with leather, as well as with reclining options.
Pompanoosuc Mills
Located in Vermont, Pompanoosuc Mills builds quality furniture, including a small selection of leather sofas, in Vermont. This company has been in business for over 50 years. It also allows you a 30-day “love it” guarantee. Its leather sofa offers a clean, transitional style that works well in both traditional and contemporary settings. It’s made from a solid hardwood frame and soft, durable leather. Pompanoosuc Mills guarantees its furniture against defects and materials for ten years from the date of purchase.
Roger + Chris
Roger + Chris makes sofas that are pretty both inside and out. Its handmade frames are crafted from poplar lumber with double-dowel or mortise-and-tenon joinery. These frames are guaranteed for life. Not only does this brand offer American-made leather sofas and other furniture from North Carolina, but you can also buy them in a vast variety of options. Choose back and seat firmness, for example. You’ll find dozens of leather options, including tough, kid, and pet-friendly semi-aniline leather. These specific options, located in the swatchbook tab, mean greater scratch resistance and stain protection for your family. Pictured is the “Howdy” sofa, a Parisian-style sofa with a western twist. It features hand-applied nailheads and weathered leather upholstery.
Smith Brothers Furniture
Smith Brothers Furniture of Berne, Indiana, has been around since the 1920s. The company employs 500 people in this small rural community. Hardwood maple, steel coil springs, highest quality foam, and top grain leathers go into making the brand’s sofas, sectionals, and more. These truly are heirloom-quality, and I’m speaking from personal experience! Shop Smith Brothers’ styles or have the company custom make your own. Check the Smith Brothers Furniture website to find a local retailer, or visit its retail store in the small Swiss destination town of Berne, Indiana.
Check out:Things We Love Made in Indiana
Southern Motion
Located in Northern Mississippi, Southern Motion opened its doors in 1996 with the singular goal of making ultra-comfortable reclining furniture. Since its inception, Southern Motion continues to increase its sofa and other furniture options, and today you can choose from nearly 30 styles that are available in premium leather upholstery. You’ll also find matching pieces to complement the sofa of your choice. The company does not sell its furniture directly from its website, but you can find specific local and online retailers who happily will assist you.
Stickley
Once upon a time, Stickley was a household name for quality furniture made in the USA. This company began in 1900. Today, its website claims, “Over 90% of our products are handcrafted in Upstate New York or Archdale, North Carolina, by teams of talented local artisans and skilled workers.” And while that may be true, it’s hard to know from its website as to which products are made on domestic soil. Still, a deep dive into the Internet finds some articles with images or videos that show workers cutting leather and draping the fabric onto sofas in its North Carolina facility. Stickley remains an American company and is working hard post-pandemic to streamline its processes to make better furniture more quickly. Each sofa offers eight-way hand-knotted springs that provide even support and comfort.
Interested in other home goods? Enjoy these USA Love List articles!
- Made in USA Clocks: A Source List for Wall Clocks, Decorative Clocks, Table Clocks, All American Made
- Made in the USA Home Decor Gifts
- Made in USA Area Rugs, Decor Rugs, Floor Mats, Carpeting: An Ultimate Source List
Pin this list to save it for later!