Glenn Close’s Leather Sofa Is the Unsung Hero of Her Neutral Living Room – and the Secret to Effortless, Timeless Style

There's something about a leather sofa that will always feel a little familiar. Maybe it reminds you of the one in your friend's home, or even one from a historic country home (since these pieces have been around for centuries, after all). In my case, I think of Glenn Close, and the simple yet timeless piece in her Montana home.

The actress's light brown leather sofa is the unsung hero of her living room. It complements her white, open-plan space without being overwhelming. Instead of injecting interest through a bold color, its texture does most of the talking, and it's a style trick that's replicable in every kind of living room. You can achieve her look with any brown leather sofa, but this one from Wayfair is my current favorite.

While sofa trends come and go, leather has remained stylish since it was first popularized in the 19th century, and its versatility (as Glenn reminds us) means its appeal hasn't wavered. It's so simple to style, and doesn't feel out of place in any neutral living room. It's classic, but never boring.

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Glenn's leather sofa puts a lens on the timelessness of leather, but I'm not alone in my admiration for this style. Design expert Lena Gierasinska mirrors my sentiments, adding that a brown leather sofa is one of the easiest pieces to style in any kind of home (yes, it really doesn't matter if you're a maximalist or a minimalist).

'Styling a brown leather sofa offers an opportunity to express a wide range of aesthetics, from sleek modern minimalism to cozy rustic charm,' she says.

'In a minimalist setting, it becomes a sculptural centrepiece amid soft neutrals and clean lines. In an eclectic space, it grounds vibrant textiles, collected art, and leafy plants with its earthy tone. Whether paired with brass accents and global textures or matte black fixtures and industrial elements, a brown leather sofa never overwhelms; it enhances, elevates, and evolves with its surroundings.'

This sofa has upgraded living rooms since the 19th century, and, with Glenn's endorsement, we expect it'll continue to do so for another 200 years (and far beyond).