Ask the Experts: What Goes With Tan Leather?
Embrace this versatile material, colour and texture with inspirational ideas from designers in the know
Tan leather is as popular as ever and for good reason – it’s timeless, versatile, and gets better with age. What’s not to love? These gorgeous spaces and expert tips on what to pair with tan leather will inspire you to bring this winning trend into your home.
Tan leather furniture serves as a perfect base for those wanting to test the waters with colour. Start small by pairing your piece with cushions, textiles and accessories in just one or two hues – a few pieces will be enough to lift the overall mood of a room without overwhelming it.
Navy, green and red are options that work beautifully with most shades of tan.
Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz for an expert eye on creating a colour palette that suits your home
Navy, green and red are options that work beautifully with most shades of tan.
Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz for an expert eye on creating a colour palette that suits your home
What materials work well with tan leather?
When it comes to pairing tan leather with other materials, the more the merrier. “Think about mixing textures when pairing with leather,” says Emma Blomfield, interior stylist and co-founder of The Decorating School. Blomfield says rattan and leather look great together because they are at opposite ends of the texture spectrum.
“Linen and denim are also great options to put with leather as they complement each other brilliantly,” she says.
When it comes to pairing tan leather with other materials, the more the merrier. “Think about mixing textures when pairing with leather,” says Emma Blomfield, interior stylist and co-founder of The Decorating School. Blomfield says rattan and leather look great together because they are at opposite ends of the texture spectrum.
“Linen and denim are also great options to put with leather as they complement each other brilliantly,” she says.
Samuel Gowland, regional director of sales and marketing at Walter Knoll, agrees that combining different textures creates a stylish balance.
“Contrasting materials is always a good option,” he says. “Velvet is very much in vogue at the moment.” Place a sisal rug under a tan leather armchair or scatter linen or velvet and leather cushions together on a lounge for tactile appeal.
“Contrasting materials is always a good option,” he says. “Velvet is very much in vogue at the moment.” Place a sisal rug under a tan leather armchair or scatter linen or velvet and leather cushions together on a lounge for tactile appeal.
If you fancy a relaxed bohemian look in your home, try incorporating highly textured additions such as macramé, sheepskin or a kilim rug for some 1970s chic.
Tip: Quality and care will pay off when it comes to leather sofas, says Blomfield. “Choose the leather carefully – tan leather can scratch really easily so try to avoid it for a sofa that will be getting a lot of use, unless you’re willing to fork out for good-quality leather,” she says. “Our jeans and pants can rub on the leather, and pets’ nails scratch the leather really easily.”
Do neutral colours work well with tan leather?
“Tan works really well with other neutrals including charcoal, off-white or punchy black,” says interior designer Tennille Joy Burnup of Tennille Joy Interiors. A statement piece, such as a leather upholstered coffee table or a vintage armchair, pairs perfectly with a muted colour palette ranging from white and light taupe through to darker greys and slate.
See more neutral and beige living rooms
“Tan works really well with other neutrals including charcoal, off-white or punchy black,” says interior designer Tennille Joy Burnup of Tennille Joy Interiors. A statement piece, such as a leather upholstered coffee table or a vintage armchair, pairs perfectly with a muted colour palette ranging from white and light taupe through to darker greys and slate.
See more neutral and beige living rooms
“A sitting room or study lends itself to the earthy warmth of tan,” says Burnup. To create a soothing space, keep colours pared back and furnishings minimal in neutral, nature-inspired hues.
Does a tan leather sofa suit timber in an interior?
“Tan leather goes with any type of timber tone and that’s why I love it; it’s very versatile,” says Blomfield. Recycled and distressed timber paired with vintage leather is the perfect recipe for French industrial style, while straight, clean lines with a few smooth curves spells mid-century modern.
“Tan leather goes with any type of timber tone and that’s why I love it; it’s very versatile,” says Blomfield. Recycled and distressed timber paired with vintage leather is the perfect recipe for French industrial style, while straight, clean lines with a few smooth curves spells mid-century modern.
Tip: “Leather, being a natural material, is a beautiful finish to use in upholstering furniture,” says Gowland. “Depending on the grade of leather – whether it is pigmented or corrected grain, semi-aniline or aniline – gives you the ability to use it across many different environments. Cleaned regularly with warm soapy water, leather will wear well for years to come.”
How do I combine black and white with a tan leather sofa?
Tan leather brings softness to a bold monochrome print, whether it be a floor rug or a wall print.
“In Milan, we presented a tan leather version of our X-ray sofa with a black and white structure, and it was really graphic and warm at the same time,” says Souletie. “It provided a luxurious feel, both from the material and the quality of the leather, but also from the combination of colours.”
Tan leather brings softness to a bold monochrome print, whether it be a floor rug or a wall print.
“In Milan, we presented a tan leather version of our X-ray sofa with a black and white structure, and it was really graphic and warm at the same time,” says Souletie. “It provided a luxurious feel, both from the material and the quality of the leather, but also from the combination of colours.”
Combine tan leather and monochrome for a modern yet timeless look – and think beyond a four-seater when embracing this trend.
“Tan leather is a brilliant option for many items in your home,” says Blomfield. “A few of my favourites are cushions, armchairs, ottomans and accessorising baskets.”
“Tan leather is a brilliant option for many items in your home,” says Blomfield. “A few of my favourites are cushions, armchairs, ottomans and accessorising baskets.”
A leather sofa can cost a little more than the average fabric sofa, but you can expect it to have a long life. “Tan leather gets better with age,” says Blomfield. “The natural aged patina of tan leather makes a chair or sofa look lived in and inviting.”
Your turn
Do you have tan leather in your home? Tell us what colours and materials you’ve mixed it with and share your tips in the Comments below. And while you’re at it, like this story, share it and save the images.
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Your turn
Do you have tan leather in your home? Tell us what colours and materials you’ve mixed it with and share your tips in the Comments below. And while you’re at it, like this story, share it and save the images.
More
Doing a spot of redecorating? Find out The Top 10 Items to Declutter in Your Home
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A large part of its appeal is that tan leather is so versatile – particularly for those who are hesitant to try bold colour. “Everybody needs colour in an interior,” says Jean-Baptiste Souletie, co-founder of French design studio La Chance. “Tan is a good balance between the search for colour and a reassuring choice… it works with pretty much everything.”