Black Leather Furniture Has Made a Fashionable Return to Interiors
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0Summary
Black leather is back—and it’s no longer basic. From sculptural accent chairs to vintage-inspired sofas, this material reemerged at Spring 2025’s High Point Market in a big way. Designers like Laura Umansky and Shannon Smith are embracing black leather’s modern edge, celebrating its durability and striking contrast when paired with warm woods or softer silhouettes. It’s classic. It’s editorial. And it’s finally being styled for a new generation of interiors.
Reflection Questions
How does your current furniture reflect (or resist) contrast in material, color, or texture?
Do you associate black leather with any past design eras or style types—and how do you feel seeing it styled in fresh, modern ways?
If you could bring one dramatic, sculptural piece into your home this season, what would it be—and where would it go?
Journal Prompt
Think about a piece of furniture that’s stood the test of time in your home—whether it’s inherited, vintage, or just well-loved. What makes it enduring? Write about the materials, forms, or memories attached to that piece. Now, imagine how a new addition—like a sculptural black leather chair—might complement or challenge that sense of permanence. What kind of story would they tell together?
Much to our surprise, black leather furniture reinvented itself and launched a new look at High Point Market in April 2025. From loveseats and sofas to ottomans and stools (even a director’s chair or two), black leather is truly back. After all, leather is synonymous with quality, durability, and versatility.
When paired with walnut, oak, or birch, black leather furniture strikes a beautiful balance between complete comfort and timeless materiality. Learn all about the trend and why it’s making waves below. And whether you love the look of a Mid-Century Modern Mel Smilow chair, adore the sharp silhouettes that Mario Botta is famous for, or can’t resist a classic black leather couch, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites at the end of this article.
The Return of Black Leather: Bold, Sculptural, and Surprisingly Sophisticated
One of the most unexpected—and undeniably chic—trends we spotted at Spring 2025’s High Point Market was the confident return of black leather. Once associated with bachelor pads and 1990s media rooms, black leather is now reclaiming its place in the design conversation with new shape, sensitivity, and structure. Four Hands actually teased the trend last year with an almost-black leather sofa (see above).
At the Century showroom, DesignDash co-founders Melissa Grove and Laura Umansky paused to admire one unique example: a black leather accent chair with architectural lines and balanced proportions. Clean and refined, Laura loved this piece.
Laura’s team from her own design firm also attended the Market and LUDC Director of Interior Design Shannon Smith echoed her sentiment. “Leather upholstery was shown in a big way,” she observed. “Particularly large pieces in black leather.” Somehow, leather furniture is much more editorial this time—almost without exception.
What makes this revival feel fresh is its contrast. Whether rendered in a leather loveseat or sofas, black leather was most compelling when paired with curvilinear forms, feminine edges, and natural materials like warm walnut, brushed brass, and creamy boucle. And always, fashion and interiors were speaking the same language.
Just look at Saint Laurent’s Spring/Summer 2025 runway, where Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello sent drop-shouldered, cinched-waist leather jackets down the runway. Leather’s not new, but it is fresh. The same could be said of leather’s role in furniture design this year.
Whether channeling French runway influence or grounding a room with high-contrast materials, the unexpected return of black leather is proof that timeless textures never go out of style. They just evolve through the ages.
7 Black Leather Furniture Pieces to Pique Your Interest This Spring
#1 Woven Leather Ottoman in Walnut and Black Leather by Mel Smilow from 1stDibs
A true mid-century icon, just like the Eames lounge chair featured later on in this list, the Woven Leather Ottoman by Mel Smilow blends minimalist American design with enduring craftsmanship. Originally conceived in 1956 and lovingly reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 2013, this ottoman is still a paragon of simplicity and structure. The black leather straps hand-woven over a solid walnut frame create a tactile, geometric presence that feels surprisingly current.
Smilow has always celebrated quality over flash, and this piece proves why its designs remain timeless. This piece works beautifully as a footrest, low stool, or accent piece in spaces that need a bit of texture and warmth.
#2 Gallagher Lounge Chair Walnut Black Leather from 1stDibs
With its restrained frame and angled profile, the Gallagher Lounge Chair proves that less is often more. A black leather sling seat contrasts elegantly with its walnut wood structure in a celebration of materiality that our team can certainly get behind. Vegetable-dyed and hand-crafted, it brings both polish and personality to a reading corner or Mid-Mod living room. Seemingly Danish-inspired, it is understated yet unforgettable.
#3 Eames Lounge Chair in Black Leather from 1stDibs
Few pieces define American modernism like the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, which were originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956. This authentic set from Herman Miller, clad in supple black leather and molded rosewood, is as comfortable as it is elegant.
Once featured in museums, still sought after for private collections, and endlessly replicated, this set is iconic. The 1970s edition shown here retains its original labels and captures that rare combination of history, form, and feel.
We see it everywhere, but the Eames is here to stay.
#4 Marcia Three Seater Sofa in Leather from SoHo Home
Laid-back yet sculptural, the Marcia Sofa from SoHo Home captures a London-cool aesthetic with its solid oak frame and feather-wrapped leather cushions. Designed to mirror the relaxed feel of Shoreditch House, it invites long chats, laid-back lounging, or stylish hosting.
Bonus: the cushions are fully reversible for versatility that doesn’t skimp on sophistication. It’s a new staple for open-plan spaces and curated living rooms.
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#5 Morelato Sculptural Chair by Mario Botta from Artemest
Designed by architectural legend Mario Botta, the Morelato Chair is less seat and more sculpture. It pairs a birch plywood structure with precise joinery and black leather details.
While not fully upholstered, its black seat and headrest anchor the piece visually. These features are a lovely contrast to the pale frame. It’s cerebral and architectural, which we feel is ideal for collectors or those who like furniture with narrative.
However, the listing doesn’t actually specify that the seat of this piece is real leather, so be sure to check that before committing.
#6 Ingresso Accent Chair from House of Leon
Channeling tactile Milanese design, the Ingresso Chair pairs brutalist energy with comforting contours. Its poured aluminum frame comes in a cast-iron finish, but the interior tells a softer story with an optional faux black leather seat. The contrast is what makes it memorable; it’s bold outside, welcoming inside.
This piece is perfect when left to its own devices in an entryway, reading nook, or striking corner moment, but it plays well with others, too. We love how the Ingresso arrives appearing a bit worn as if someone just sat there. The lived-in look wears well over time.
#7 Four Hands Kensington Leather Armchair from Perigold
Heirloom-quality leather, plush tufting, slightly low profile, and solid wood frame make the Kensington Chair a grounded yet elegant addition to any room. Whether in a study or living area, it exudes warmth and timelessness with a bit of “executive” energy.
Fully assembled and designed to feel lived-in from day one, it’s Four Hands’ contemporary answer to the traditional club chair. We love that it is equally handsome, versatile, and ready to anchor a room.
Which Interior Design Trends Caught Your Eye at High Point This Spring?
If you attended High Point in April 2025, please share your trend report below! We noticed black leather (of course), curvy furniture, color-drenched spaces, and so much more. Our team would love to hear from you!
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