How to decorate with embossed leather

 Are you looking for a way to give your home a touch of the exotic?   Do you want to add a luxurious texture to your decorating style?  Take a look at some of the beautiful embossed leather patterns I discovered at a local leather furniture manufacturer and beyond.

This platinum leather is spectacular!  

Leathers come in a variety of metallics.  Some even have patterns.

Paisley is a favorite design for embossed leather.  Wouldn't this pattern be fabulous on a chair or barstool?

The colors on this faux alligator hide add a new dimension.

This is one of the most unique "skins" I saw.  It would look outrageous on a sofa!

This collection of "skins" is in a shiny finish that really brings the design alive.

While many embossed leathers replicate animal skins such as lizard, elephant, alligator, crocodile, ostrich etc. there are many designs available like geometric, floral, aztec, and even patterns like those found in ceiling tiles.  You can even custom design your own with a company called Barbarossa Leather.

This motif is similar to those in ceiling tiles but I have never seen them in  these rich exciting colors!
(Images from Barbarossaleather.com )

Leather in a lacey pattern though less exotic would still have a lovely impact where ever it is applied...maybe on a wall?

Let's explore some of the ways embossed leather can be introduced in home furnishings.

An antique chair upholstered in teal embossed leather with an alligator pattern takes on a whole new look.

I don't like to use the word stunning very often but that's what I would call this faux alligator chest by Ralph Lauren.  I would also describe it as elegant and dramatic. It is definitely a statement piece.

Embossed leather can be found on contemporary furniture like this incredible Yarelli accent chair.

This artful chair designed by Gary Knox Bennett also incorporates embossed leather on the seat and back.

You might think this executive chair is new on the market however, it is a Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern piece dating from the mid 1950's.

Incorporating a leopard patterned fabric with an aged alligator leather certainly lends an exotic feel to this chair.

Embossed leather does not have to be exotic.  The soft French blue medallion embossed on the chair seats of these dining chairs is so pretty.  

What if you don't want to cover your sofa or chair with embossed leather but you still like the look?  How can it be used in other ways to add interest, texture and style?

The Spanish screen above is hand painted as well as embossed. 

Here is a close up of a similar handpainted embossed leather. How elegant!

Sometimes an entire piece done in embossed leather might be overdone, but what if you used it as an accent like the cabinet above?  This would be a fun way to refinish  old furniture.

Above is a console/desk by Butler Specialty that combines wood and embossed leather. Great mix!

Ottomans like these from Napastyle.com bring a warmth and texture where ever you place them.  Add them to a contemporary or traditional style, Use them in an office, family room,  or living room.  They actually remind me of an old saddle.  

Though these tables have an antique quality, embossed leather can be used on any table top. 

Morrocan painted embossed ottomans are a colorful way to brighten up any space.

These Karl Springer tables from 1stdibs.com are sold but I found a pair in red faux lizard at a local consignment shop.  I bet these were a lot more expensive.  The pair my client bought are going in her den as bunching tables in front of a sleep sofa.  Perfect!

I wonder if this croc would be so playful if he knew what that lampshade is made of?

It is not uncommon to find trunks covered in embossed leather but this 17th century antique Spanish Colonial treasure would set you back $5,900 on 1stdibs !  Now that makes me want to dig through my local consignment shops to see if I might find a suitable imposter.  If I came across something that was not so aged or intricate perhaps I could add some shoe polish or color it with paint or stain.  Hmmm....

Look closely and you will see the wall is upholstered in embossed leather.  Brilliant!

A gold Fendi embossed leather pillow?  It makes a statement all on it's own.

So where would you use embossed leather in your home?  Would you add a few accessories like this pillow, a covered box, picture frame or ottoman?  What about using it to recover the back of a wing chair or the doors or drawer fronts on a chest or armoire, or maybe a headboard?  As you can see the possibilities are endless. Whether your style is contemporary, traditional or somewhere in between; exotic, elegant, fun or fabulous introducing embossed leather is bound to add that one extra layer that will make your space special.

Do you have anything in your home that is made with embossed leather? Are you tempted to recover

something with this unusual material?  

However you might choose to incorporate it, I invite you to share your ideas and experiences in the comment box. You can even email me photos at the address below.  I look forward to hearing from you.

                                        Happy Decorating!

If you would like assistance with a interior decorating project of your own, please email me at

pictureprettyint@aol.com

(While the first photos are courtesy of Picture Pretty Interiors, the remainder are courtesy of Pinterest and Houzz.)