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Sectional leather sofas have become more and more popular over the years for several reasons. They’re extremely durable, they have a sharp modern look and they’re very easy to keep clean. A sectional sofa looks best placed in a large room and they usually provide more seats for your visitors than a traditional sofa. This guide will touch on some important details you should know before shopping for a new sectional leather sofa.

The first step before you can begin the search is taking measurements. We want to make sure the sofa you’re going to purchase fits the room, so make sure to measure a maximum size as well as a minimum. A sofa that’s too small for the room will definitely not look right! Come up with an idea of how you would like to configure the sofa and measure that area.

Usually sectional pieces can fit through a standard size doorway, but always measure the doorways. The last thing you want to do is purchase a sofa and have no way of fitting it in the room you had in mind. I’ve seen some very narrow doorways over the years!

Now that you’ve taken your measurements, you can begin shopping. There are going to be different choices of leather grains for you to choose from; top-grain leather or split-leather. Top-grain leather will cost more, but it will also last longer so it maybe worth the extra investment. It’s more durable and has a more natural appearance. Top-grain leather often has several color tones in the leather, while split-leather is very consistent and won’t show other colors or patterns.

Now that you know the type of leather you want, choosing a color is the next step. If you’re looking for the most durable option, make sure it’s treated with pigments. However, the downside of a pigment treated leather sofa is it creates a less natural appearance and feel to the sofa. Another option is semi-aniline leather which has more of a natural pattern and has a nice shine to it, since it’s been treated with a light wash. Then the most natural looking option is the aniline leather which has not had any treatments. This option is less durable and can easily be stained.

For a softer option, suede and nubuck are available. When top-grain or split leather is buffed, this process creates a suede or nubuck material. In my opinion, these options are very comfortable and feel very soft. On the downside, they’re tough to keep clean and care for.

The last tip to keep in mind is take note of the cushions. Of course check out the comfort level, but notice if the cushions can be removed. If they’re removable, it will be easier for cleaning purposes, although most cushions are attached.

These are some of the key points I’ve learned over the years working in the furniture industry. There are many options, so be sure to shop around before making your final decision

This writer is an design expert living in NYC and is a big fan of contemporary furniture. Her favorite type of furniture is contemporary headboards and sleigh beds. Find more information at her blog, leatherheadboard.org