Leather screams luxe. A touch of leather gives a lift to any room, adding masculine style in tones of brown and black or whimsical glamour when colourful. But leather has substance, too — it’s easy to keep clean and hard-wearing.
It tolerates children, pets and spills better than most other fabrics and because it’s natural, it adds a great layer of texture. Here’s a sampling of stylish pieces for every room.
Refined rustic
This leather bench adds a touch of rustic, equestrian chic, but is eminently practical. Crafted with a solid pine, chunky frame and top-quality saddle leather trimmed with nail heads, it’s perfect for the end of the bed or the entryway. Find the Caden Leather bench at potterybarn.com for $1,366.
Hard at work
Reproduction antique steamer trunk at Restoration Hardware.
This reproduction antique steamer trunk has been re-designed for the 21st century. Made from cigar coloured leather with a solid wood frame and 3,000 brass nails, it offers a desktop, multiple drawers, a bookcase and places to hide all your cables. What more could a working person need? It’s $4,470 (depending on U.S. exchange rate) from Restoration Hardware.
Is it or isn’t it?
Leather-look magazine basket at Urban Barn.
To be honest, this handy magazine basket isn’t leather. But it looks and feels just like it. Its intricate stitching and equestrian detailing shout leather loud and clear. Don’t tell anyone the truth. Find it for $39 at Urban Barn, 22 York St.
Petite and practical
Bernhard chair at IKEA.
With its clean-lined chrome legs and lightweight frame, this leather chair takes up little space and comes with a small price tag for leather. With a padded, flexible seat, it’s comfortable, too. Available in white, black, blue and yellow, the Bernhard chair is $189 at IKEA, 2685 Iris St.
Laundry chic
Laundry hamper at Urban Barn.
Sleek and sophisticated with chrome handles and contrast stitching, this grey laundry hamper will give a lift to even the dirtiest of clothes. It’s $99 at Urban Barn, 22 York St.
On ice
Champagne bucket by Tommy Bahama at HomeSense.
This leather-wrapped chrome champagne bucket by Tommy Bahama certainly suggests an upscale celebration. Available in sizes for champagne, wine or a whole case of beer, this one retails for $49.99 at HomeSense, 1501 Innes Rd.
Spring seat
The Tulip chair at westelm.com.
This chair is called The Tulip. With its soft, sinuous lines and even softer honey-coloured leather, it begs you to settle down with a good book and a cup of tea. It’s $885 at westelm.com.
Mirror image
Floor mirror at crateandbarrel.com.
So who is the fairest of them all? This full-length mirror is not meant for hanging; just lean it against a wall where its thick, black leather-wrapped frame will add a touch of sleek chic to the bedroom. It’s $799 at crateandbarrel.com.
Saddle up
Office bin at potterybarn.com.
Even your garbage can be upscaled with this 30-centimetre-tall saddle leather office bin. Perfect for the gentleman’s workspace, it’s made from cowhide stained a deep chocolate. It’s $120 at potterybarn.com.
