There may not be a more polarizing material than leather.  While some people can’t seem to get enough, others want nothing to do with it.  For those who are intrigued but wary, we’re here to tell you that leather is a great option for any piece of furniture.  There are some primary concerns when it comes to leather furniture, but we’re going to address them and show you just how easy it is to fall in love with leather.

Shown: Our Mode sofa collection

Concern: Leather is expensive

Leather can be synonymous with high price tags.  But don’t rule it out just yet.  First, view leather furniture – especially large pieces – as an investment piece that may cost a little more in the beginning, but will be more cost effective in the long run.  For example, you could buy a $499 fabric sofa that may only last three years.  Cheaper up front, sure, but that means you’ll spend around $1,500 minimum in 10 years on this path.  Now consider the fact that you could have initially purchased a leather sofa for under $1,500 that would still be going strong 10 years later.  If you plan on buying furniture with the intent of keeping it for a long time, leather is the clear winner.

Concern: Leather is TEMPeramental

There is nothing worse than sitting on a cold leather sofa when you’re cold or a hot leather sofa when you’re hot, right?  This is a valid concern when it comes to leather that is exposed to the elements for an extended period of time.  But with furniture that is indoors there isn’t much fluctuation in temperature, meaning you’re not exposed to really hot or really cold leather.  In fact, since it’s a natural material, leather will be surprisingly cool in the summertime and will warm with body heat in the winter.

Concern: Leather is delicate

If you have kids or pets, there is absolutely no way you can have leather furniture, right?  Wrong!  Unlike some fabric furniture that can get dingy over time, leather actually gets better with age.  It not only looks better, but it feels better too.  Regular dusting, light vacuuming, and bi-annual conditioning can keep leather looking great.  Spills are usually easily cleaned up when tackled right away with a clean cloth.  If you’re still concerned, you can even purchase a protection plan with your leather furniture which will give it an added layer of protection against kids and pets.

Concern: Leather is bold

Just because you introduce a large leather piece into your home doesn’t mean you have to buy leather everything from now on.  Leather can actually mix well with just about any existing home decor.  Fabrics, prints, metallics, old, new, casual, traditional, contemporary; It can all work with leather.  Soften a strong leather piece with fabric accent pieces like a cozy throw or a collection of coordinating toss pillows.  And any neutral color – black, gray, brown, white – will make any leather piece fit more easily into your home.