Discover how a brown leather sofa can transform your living room. Find out which colour pairings can revitalise your lounge with our design expert.
When it comes to designing your living room, a brown leather sofa can be a versatile option with a lot of style. As an earthy colour, brown exudes warmth and comfort, and works beautifully as a base for other colours ranging from soothing neutrals to bold jewel tones.
If you’re wondering how to bring brown sofa living room ideas to life, first think about what colours go with a brown leather sofa. Light colour schemes like ivory or soft pink help to brighten up a dark brown leather sofa, while a tan leather sofa would pair well with golden yellow or modern black accents for a cool, contemporary look.
A brown sofa is a practical choice for families with pets or young children too, as it’s more forgiving when it comes to scuff marks and stains. When shopping for a brown leather sofa, one thing to consider is the size of your living room. If you have a small living room, opt for a cosy 2 seater or L-shape sofa that will also help zone your space. If you have a larger home, consider a corner sofa or a 3+2 seater sofa set for a complete look.
From classic Chesterfields to modern styles, brown leather sofas come in a variety of designs. With the help of Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice, read on for tips and ideas on how to style a brown leather sofa in your living room.
1. Lighten a brown leather sofa with neutral tones
“Beige, cream and white are colours that go with a brown leather sofa perfectly if you want a relaxing atmosphere,” says Rebecca. Style a clean, minimalist living room with a dark brown leather sofa and fresh white walls. Then add softness and contrast with patterned cushions and a modern rug in neutral colours.
A neutral palette and a brown leather sofa can be a luxurious pairing. “For a grand feel, anchor your living room with a dark brown leather sofa in a classic Chesterfield design,” suggests Rebecca. Stick to beige walls and curtains for an elegant setting, then add gold finishes through your accessories to complete the look.
For playful and free spirited styling, try modern boho décor. Build this look around a dark brown leather sofa and layer on a mix of patterns and textures. Stick to a neutral palette of cream, black and grey to achieve a modern feel. “Mix up faux fur, rattan and lush greenery for a casual, lived-in vibe,” says Rebecca.
Another brown leather sofa living room idea is to pair it with sleek black accents for a modern industrial look. “Black accents tie a look together and give your space a bit of an edge,” says Rebecca. “Start with a brown leather sofa then work in black metal features, like high impact crittall windows. But if that’s not possible, layer black accessories and a black coffee table to help set the tone.” Add cushions, a faux fur throw and a soft rug to relax this style.
“Yellow is one of the best colours to go with a brown leather sofa for a chic, contemporary look,” says Rebecca. “Opt for a deep mustard yellow for a warm, cosy effect or go brighter with a golden honey tone.” Ease your way into using this zingy colour with yellow cushion covers, artwork and other small accessories that you can easily swap out if your preferences change. Choose clean, modern styles to keep the look fresh and current.
You can also use yellow to add a lighthearted touch to a traditional centrepiece like a tan leather Chesterfield sofa. “Go for a bold, saturated yellow for a bigger pop of colour,” says Rebecca. “Punch it up even more with green accents and leafy plants for a fresh, joyful atmosphere.”
Consider complementing a dark brown leather sofa with vivid green tones. “If you’re unsure what colour to pair with chocolate brown, look at nature for inspiration,” says Rebecca. “Brown and green are both earth colours and naturally go well together. Try it out with green walls and fresh plants in your living room.” Then add cushions in light beige and dark brown to keep the overall colour scheme cohesive and clean.
Deep forest green walls also work beautifully with a brown 2-seater. “Pair a green accent wall with a brown leather Chesterfield sofa and luxe gold finishes for a sophisticated space,” suggests Rebecca. “Keep other colours simple and muted - think soft creams and light greys - to evoke a relaxing ambience.” Look for furnishings with modern designs and slim shapes to let your sofa stand out.
Another brown sofa idea is to style it with a jewel tone. “A dark green like emerald can really pop alongside brown leather to create a bold, modern feel,” says Rebecca. “Introduce it through green cushions, artwork and a rug.” Dark accent furniture works best here, like a black coffee table or a dark wooden side table, to stay within the colour palette. Keep your walls white for a fresh, contemporary look.
“A pink colour scheme adds a sweet and inviting feel,” says Rebecca. Start with soft pink walls as a neutral. Then, layer darker shades of pink through your accessories, like abstract artwork featuring dusty pink or magenta designs. Keep it simple with a neutral coloured rug and pink cushions.
You can also style a moody yet sophisticated space with deep mauve painted walls. “For a more feminine aesthetic, bring in large floral prints,” suggests Rebecca. “A brown leather sofa gives the space an unexpected edge while adding cosiness too.” Play up these comfy vibes with velvet cushions and a soft throw.
As a complementary colour to brown, blue accents can have a brightening effect. “Reminiscent of the sky and the sea, blue adds a lighthearted, carefree feeling to this living room,” says Rebecca. Make a statement with a navy blue accent wall, then layer blue accessories like artwork and cushions. Place potted plants around the room for a feeling of freshness and go for a clean look with white walls and light wood flooring.
“Brown is a warm colour, so pairing it with warm wood elements doubles the cosiness,” says Rebecca. “Timber flooring and a brown leather sofa are great together, as they both give the room a natural, comfy feeling.” Use a neutral coloured rug to add softness while leaving some of the flooring exposed. Look for other ways to bring in wood features, such as a wooden console table or wooden picture frames. Stick to a muted colour palette with your accessories to create a relaxing space.
If you have light timber flooring in your living room, bring in darker wood tones for a richer blend of warm, natural colours. “Most light and dark wood tones go well with brown leather,” says Rebecca. “Try side tables or shelving in a deeper wood tone like mahogany, and use black accents to tie it all together. Add pops of nature-inspired colours like sunny yellow and forest green in your accessories to brighten the look.
Brown leather is a classic and versatile choice for the home, whether it’s brown leather armchairs to add comfort to your living room or dining chairs for a timeless look in your dining room. Once you’ve decided what colours to pair with your brown sofa, get inspired with our guide to styling country sofas, or get expert advice on caring for a beloved velvet couch.
