We offer a wide range of leather options across many of our products that you can customise to your liking. For example, the Barcelona Leather Chaise (featured above) comes in 7 leather options. We hold the Brumby Natural leather in stock and the rest are custom ordered in. They typically arrive in 12-16 weeks. Below are some of the options we have available in our range.
Not all leather is created equal, here’s what to know before you buy.
If you’re thinking about investing in a leather sofa, you probably already know it’s not just about style, it’s about longevity, comfort, and choosing the right kind of leather for your lifestyle. But with so many terms flying around (corrected grain? splits? panels?), it can get confusing fast.
That’s why we’ve pulled together five key things to look out for when buying a leather sofa, straight from the team here at Secret Sofa. And if you want the full deep-dive, our CEO & Product Designer, David breaks it all down in our video found at the end of the blog.
Let’s get into it.
1. Corrected Grain vs. Top Grain Leather
Let’s start with the surface. Literally.
Corrected grain leather is made to look uniform. It’s been buffed and treated to remove imperfections, which gives you a very even grain and consistent colour across the sofa.
But at Secret Sofa, we prefer top grain leather which keeps the natural surface of the hide intact. That means you’ll see the authentic characteristics of the leather: tick bites, stretch marks, subtle scars. Every piece tells a story, and no two are exactly the same.
👉 Think of it like natural stone or solid timber it’s those variations that make it beautiful.
2. Splits vs. Non-Splits
Here’s where things get technical (but important).
Cowhide is thick, so it’s often split into layers. The top layer is the strongest and most durable. The lower layers, known as “splits,” are thinner and less flexible and, unfortunately, less durable.
Some manufacturers use splits on the less visible parts of a sofa (like the sides or back panels) to cut costs. At Secret Sofa, we don’t do that. We only use premium, full-thickness leather throughout, so your sofa stays strong and consistent all the way around.
3. Real Leather vs. Faux Leather
This one’s more obvious, but still worth covering.
Real leather is incredibly durable, ages beautifully, and offers natural texture and character.
Faux leather (made from polyester or polyurethane) can mimic the look of leather, and it’s often more affordable but it won’t wear the same way or last as long.
If you’re looking for that authentic, long-lasting feel that gets better over time, real leather is the way to go.
4. Large Leather Panels vs. Small Panels
Design details can reveal a lot about leather quality.
Take a look at our Harmony sofa it features pleating on the seat and back, which isn’t just a style choice. It also means the sofa uses smaller panels of leather, helping reduce material costs.
Now compare that with our Barcelona sofa, which features large, uninterrupted leather panels. These have to be cut from the centre of the hide the most premium part so they come at a higher price point, but they deliver a more luxurious finish.
👉 Bigger panels = better leather quality = a more premium product.
5. Leather Sofa Care
Leather does take a little TLC, but it’s worth it.
Just like our skin, leather needs moisturising to stay supple and soft. We recommend conditioning your leather sofa 2–3 times a year to keep it looking and feeling its best.
Also, be mindful of direct sunlight, it can cause leather to dry out or fade faster than fabric. If your sofa sits near a sunny window, consider using blinds or a throw to protect it during peak hours.
🎥 Want to Learn More About Leather Sofas?
Our CEO & Product Designer, David, dives into everything you need to know in our latest YouTube video from leather types to construction techniques to care tips. It’s a must-watch if you're serious about investing in the right sofa for your home.
