Nate Berkus has persuaded me that black leather is back
Once dubbed ‘tacky’ and ‘dated’, most of us have avoided black leather furniture for a long time, favoring more tactical, warmer materials. However, things are shifting as once again we are beginning to appreciate the looks that dominated the previous decades.
While I’ll still be avoiding buying a new black leather sectional, I’ve been convinced by designer Nate Berkus that I might actually be able to embrace this interior design trend and bring black leather into my home in the form of some chic vintage pieces.
Taking to Instagram and hailing the material as ‘classic and modern, regardless of era or style’, trusted and always on-trend interior designer Nate Berkus has made me think twice about black leather.
Whether it’s seating or small accents, black leather is a surprisingly chic way of bringing luxury and texture into the home. There are a few things that make a home look dated in 2025, but Nate proves that black leather definitely isn’t one of them. With the right balance of old and new, Nate says black leather brings the ‘perfect modern dose in a room filled with classic pieces’.
In his Instagram post, Nate provides us with a wealth of looks that prove black leather can work with pretty much any interior design style, be it mid-century modern or transitional design.
The chicest black leather furniture is synonymous with the 1970s and is often associated with the midcentury modern style. While not all black leather is chic, I’ve found that many vintage leather pieces (or vintage-inspired styles) bring a pinch of cool retro modernity that can beautifully contrast with my more traditional furniture. Mixing decades in interior design can make a space feel eclectic, curated, and one-of-a-kind. Nate proves his love for the past in the first image of his post where he’s incorporated a modern cinema-style leather seat with a 1950s European-style sconce.
Demonstrating the importance of texture, Nate showcases a vintage leather armchair in the second image of his Instagram post, proving why black leather can work so well. Its’ distinct smooth and shiny surface brings a contrast to a room that’s filled with organic textures. Nate shows that even in an eclectic style space it’s a welcome addition.
Black leather is surprisingly luxurious too (I mean, of course, it is if Nate has featured it). The final image of Nate’s post features a simple yet sophisticated leather chair with a shabby chic frame. Even in simple areas like his hallway, the bold color provides interest and surprise, particularly when mixed with wood. Whether incorporating a statement armchair in a modern organic style living room or a set of leather bar stools in a minimalist kitchen, black leather looks good paired with even the softest palettes.
Shop my favorite vintage-style leather seating
Chairish
French Black Leather Togo Lounge Chair by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, 1970s
A classic retro piece, this Togo Lounge chair is a midcentury lover’s dream. Position this seat in your lounge area for the ultimate cozy yet chic setup. You’ll want to be the first to claim this seat when guests are over.
CB2
Ambrogio Walnut Wood and Black Leather Dining Chair by Gianfranco Frattini
Black eather and wood is an unbeatable pairing, I feel the wood tones down the harshness of the black and makes it feel more livable. This midcentury-inspired dining chair is effortlessly cool and would look great tucked under a desk or in a group placed around a dining table.
Wayfair
Juliona Metal Accent Stool
Stylish yet practical, this fold-away leather stool feels vintage and modern all at the same time. It’s multi-faceted too as you can put this piece in the living room for extra seating or place it at the foot of a bed to hold a pile of clothes.
Well, as usual, Nate Berkus has convinced me that black leather is an unexpected way of bringing texture and luxury into the home, no matter your style. If you’re a little cautious of this statement material fear not, as there are plenty of small pieces you can try first before you really commit to the look.
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