Resurgence in Popularity for Leather Settees

Usually what springs to mind when settees are mentioned is not the fashionable loveseat recliner, but rather leather settees.  A settee is typically known by its high back and arm rests, whereas the more modern designed couch or sofa does not necessarily have either.  These upholstered settees are making somewhat of a comeback, after being out of fashion for a good deal of the 20th century. They are not commonly used in living areas, but are more often seen in more formal locations in a home, such as a den or a library.

Typically, a leather settee will usually be a two-seater, although you can also buy three-seater settees.  Whereas once buying leather furniture meant that your choices were restricted to black or brown furniture, these days it is possible to buy leather furniture in a variety of colors. While black and brown remain favorite colors, other popular choices include a rust gold color, whites and various shades of brown ranging from light to dark.

Leather is very comfortable to sit on; it breathes and feels very comfortable in hot weather and cold weather alike. Upholstered leather furniture is also quite a bit more expensive to buy than upholstered furniture made from other materials.

If you are interested in purchasing leather settees there are a few points to keep in mind. First of all, it is important to understand that in most cases you really do get what you pay for. If you want a top quality, soft leather settee then you need to be prepared to pay more for it. The better quality the leather, the softer it is to the touch. Have you ever worn leather gloves? That is the same softness you should feel when you touch a high-quality leather settee.  You may find that cheaper settees also have some vinyl pieces stitched onto the settee particularly in places where your body parts would not normally come in contact with, such as the back for example, or the sides under the armrests.

A common misconception these days is that it has to be labeled, “made in the USA” or “made in Italy” in order for it to be a good quality settee. That is no longer factual. In fact, much of the top quality leather furniture is made in China these days.  Do not base your assessment of the settees quality on where it was manufactured. The same can also be said of the brand name.  What matters is the feel and the quality of the leather, not where it was made, or who made it.

There has been increased interest in antique leather settees and this has given rise to replica settees being made and sold to those who do not have either the good fortune or enough money to buy or own an original 18th century settee.  However, even the replicas are quite expensive. You may end up paying anywhere from $1500 onward for a good quality Victorian replica, although that is still quite a bit cheaper than the $5000 to $15000 you would have to outlay for original antique leather settees.