How Long Should a Leather Couch Last? Facts You Must Know!

When I was a first-time homeowner, I can’t help but ask, how long should a leather couch last? Is there really a specific timeframe for these types of furniture?

So, I did what most of you would – I researched. I found a lot of things I found helpful, and I thought of sharing them for your own benefit.

Generally, leather couches last anywhere between 5 and 25 years. The exact time frame depends on a couple of factors like the quality of the leather and how you care for and maintain it.

I’ll help you by giving you a comprehensive guide on the lifespan and general longevity of leather couches.

I’ll be discussing everything, starting from the various influences that can affect its life expectancy.

Different Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Leather Sofas

Before purchasing your leather couch, you need to understand that there are several factors at play that contribute to its lifespan and longevity.

This list is a combination of what I have found, as well as the experiences I’ve garnered after being a family person for the past decade.

Leather Quality

The quality of leather plays a crucial role in the lifespan or longevity of the couch, and in the market, there are also fake and real or genuine leather products. 

So, in case you’re asking about how long should a bonded leather couch last; since it’s a combination of real and fake leather, you can expect it not to last a long time.

On the contrary, if it’s genuine leather, it should last for a very long time.

For couches and sofas, though, the most common types of leather used are:

• Aniline Leather
• Pigmented Leather
• Semi-Aniline Leather

Usage

I can’t stress this enough – usage is actually the most vital dependent variable in a leather couch’s lifespan.

It plays a BIG factor in the longevity of leather sofas. For instance, if the couch is used and seated on frequently, then it will deteriorate and be damaged faster.

The same goes for when a leather couch is not used that much because it will crisp up.

The technique here is to use the couch moderately; not too much, and not too less. 

Care and Maintenance

And last, but most definitely not least is the care and maintenance of the leather sofa.

Regularly maintaining your couch will definitely make it last longer.

Things like scratches, spillages, and other similar instances can seem minor, but they will affect the overall condition of the sofa in the long run.

What Type of Leather Couch Lasts the Longest?

Of course, the longest-lasting leather couch would be those that are made from genuine or real leather, which usually has a lifespan of about 25 years.

Could you imagine purchasing a leather couch made of faux leather and it’ll last longer than a genuine one?

Genuine Leather:

For this 25-year-span, I’m talking about the original ones, genuine leather, which cannot or never be replicated, not even by a high-tech machine.

Faux Leather:

Faux leather or artificial leather, on the other hand, usually lasts under a decade, no matter how good the manufacturing process is.

If you’re not sure how to identify genuine leather, you can check the smell. It should smell organic or skin-like, versus faux leather, which will smell like chemicals.

Another thing you can consider looking at is its shape.

Real leather shouldn’t be symmetrical; they’re usually uneven because the natural fibers of leather are not. 

On the contrary, faux or synthetic leather would be synchronized or aligned almost perfectly.

How Long Should a Leather Couch Last?

Generally speaking, leather couches or sofas should last somewhere between 5 and 25 years for real genuine leather.

Faux or artificial leather can last up to five years, while bonded leather couches can remain untouched for up to two to three years.

After this time, there would usually be issues and problems with the couch.

But even if you’re using genuine or real leather, its overall lifespan still will depend on the factors I elaborated on above.

So, what do you do to make it last longer and better?

Here are six good tips you need to do right now to make sure you outgrow your piece of furniture.

6 Tips on How You Can Make Your Leather Sofa Last Longer

Leather couches are expensive, and they’re complex to maintain. Most couches do not actually last a maximum of 25 years because of mismanagement.

However, their lifespans shouldn’t be grave and heavy problems if you know how to maintain them properly.

Here are six different tips you can do to make sure that your leather sofas last their lifetimes.

1. Clean Spills and Spoilages Immediately

Spills and spoilages – these types of accidents happen, and they’re inevitable. What you can anticipate is the future of your leather couch.

Make sure to wipe it dry ASAP after spilling using a dry microfiber cloth. This does not only help in maintaining the couch but also guarantees that it doesn’t stain.

2. Avoid Overusing the Sofa

If you have kids, then you definitely know what I’m talking about.

Couches or sofas are designed to be used and sat on, you don’t purchase them and stare at them for the whole day, you sit on them!

But even if this is the case, try to monitor how people use the couch.

Make sure that children do not jump on it, play on or around it, puncture it using sharp, pointy objects, and slam it up and down excessively.

3. Keep Pets Away From It

Dogs, cats, lizards – even birds can cause potential damage to the sofas even if they’re lightweight. Most domestic animals with claws can damage the surface of the leather couch.

Although the damages are minor, they can grow and become bigger and more serious.

As much as you can, keep your pets away from the furniture to avoid this problem overall. 

Note: You can place a cover on top of the couch for instances like this. 

It’s relatively important for the surface of the couch to remain intact in order for its interior to be kept safe as well.

4. Spot Clean Your Couch Regularly

Minor scratches, dirt, dust, and other unwanted physical dilemmas are normal, especially for full-grain, authentic leather.

What you want to do in this scenario is to quickly get rid of these before they permanently stain the couch.

Rub a clean and dry microfiber cloth to the scratch, dirt, or dust gently to remove it.

5. Keep It Away From the Sun

How it’s positioned inside the house also plays a crucial role in the process. My couch is situated far from the windows.

Make sure that you don’t overexpose it under the sun for too long, even if a window is blocking the sun’s rays.

Overexposure to the sun can cause the color to fade, as well as chip the couch’s exterior off.

6. Avoid Moving it Constantly

Last, but most definitely not least is to ensure that you do not move the couch constantly.

When you purchase it, position it inside the house where you think will fit it best to avoid repositioning and relocating it.

Mishandling or mismanaging the sofa can make it brittle, which will then lead to it being more prone to damage. So, it’s best to refrain from moving it around the house.

Ace these things and I can guarantee that your leather furniture will live up to the generation of your children.

Continue doing bad habits and expect it to last not more than five years.

When you get to know it more, you’ll find that it’s not that difficult to maintain. You’ll be able to effectively care for your leather couches.

Read Next: How Much Does Furniture Depreciate?

Final Verdict

In case you’re asking, how long should a leather couch last, then this is the answer you’ve been waiting for.

Leather couches and sofas don’t last forever, but you can make them last longer if you maintain and care for them properly.