When it comes to luxury, nothing says quality quite like leather. And, when choosing furniture for your home, leather pieces offer a sophisticated look and feel to any room. This supple material adds style and class to anything, but it’s important to know about the various types of leather that are available. Understanding the nuances of leather will help you select the perfect pieces to suit your personal style and your lifestyle.
Types of Leather
Leather is durable for use in furniture, which means it works well in office areas and living rooms. This material comes in an array of various textures, quality levels, looks, and feels. Let’s explore the different types of leather below.
- Full Grain Leather: With full grain leather, the hair of the animal is removed and then the leather is soaked in natural dye. Aside from this treatment, it’s the most natural form of leather available and represents the top 20% of all leathers. It retains the natural look and texture of the animal hide, making it truly authentic. Full Grain leathers have not been fully corrected to remove excess imperfections therefore full grain leathers breathe naturally and are not hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Full grain leather can be processed with different protection levels. Our Leather Specialist will help you find the right leather for your lifestyle.
- Top Grain Leather: This is a very common form of leather requires a correction process to remove the excessive natural markings. The correction process diminishes the natural variation of the hide and removes excessive blemishes. This process also hinders the leathers natural ability to breathe making it hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Otherwise, it’s very similar to full grain with regard to purity. It is less natural and commonly found in commercial applications. Top grain leather still retains its durable properties and is easy to maintain.
- Split Grain Leather: Split Grain leather is a by-product of the leather industry. To produce split grain leather, the durable top outer layer (Top Grain) is removed, revealing the remaining suede hide. It is much more cost effective, however, it has a 1/3 the strength of top grain leather. It can rip or tear easily and the finish will peel within a few years. It is not designed for leather Furniture but more for belts, wallets and things like that. In order to reduce costs, manufacturers use this less expensive option to reduce costs on leather furniture.
- Bonded Leather: It should not be called leather. This is misleading as the consumer only touches vinyl. To get around truth in manufacturing laws in the US, Bonded leather is created from scraps taken from other leather projects and then rolled up using glue. This is then sprayed to the underside of vinyl for the express reason to mislead the public and to use the word leather. Buyer Beware . This is not leather and is produced exclusively in China, This product has been known to peel within 1 year and is known to contain questionable chemicals. It is unlawful to use the term leather with “Bonded” in every other country except the in the US.
- Nubuck Leather: Crafted from the finest European hides, this leather has been buffed to produce a velvety texture with an ultra-soft feel, which distinguishes it from other types of leather in texture and appearance. It is similar to suede, but stronger and thicker with a luxurious nap that is sure to satisfy the most discerning of tastes.
The Benefits of Leather
Leather is one of the most luxurious materials available today. From boots and handbags to furniture, it is certainly a sought-after commodity. While a lot of furniture today is made with fabric upholstery, leather still holds its own. There are plenty of wonderful benefits to choosing leather furniture over its traditional counterparts.
If you’re looking for a quality furniture product, leather is a top choice. It offers a sophisticated look that showcases a high-end aesthetic. In addition to the overall quality of leather furniture, it also tends to resist sagging and peeling and imparts a rich look and feel. And, of course, nothing smells quite like real leather.
Leather furniture made with full grain leathers tend to get softer and more supple over time. This gives the furniture an inviting look and offers you a truly comfortable piece of furniture. Full Grain Leather breathes, so it’s able to dissipate heat and cold making it extremely comfortable to sit on. This material releases moisture so it doesn’t feel unpleasant like some other materials like cheaper leathers like corrected top grain leathers, Splits or bonded leathers.
A leather sofa can last much longer than a classic fabric couch. The material is tough yet totally flexible to easily resist damages like tears or punctures. The natural properties make it exceptionally strong around the seams. It’s also highly resistant to dirt and stains, so leather furniture is amazingly durable.
Any piece of furniture made from leather offers a unique, one-of-a-kind look. Most pieces are sold in neutral colors so it’s also highly versatile as your styles change throughout the years. Thanks to its durability, quality, and appearance, leather provides consumers with a wide range of benefits that last.
Best Uses for Full Grain Leathers
Full Grain Leather is treated using a variety of processes to give it varying degrees of durability. These styles are crafted to work in different environments to give you the best results:
- Heavily Protected Leathers: If you have an active household or children, this type of leather is a wise choice. Heavily protected leathers are made with a durable top coat to resist fading, stains, and protect against spills. It presents a uniform look of the leather’s surface and it can be pigmented in a range of colors to suit your taste.
- Protected Leathers: This form of leather is designed for living. A mixture of supreme softness and comfort, protected leathers have a light surface coat. This coat minimizes variations in the shading but also makes the material easy to clean. It’s a fantastic choice for pieces like sofas, loveseats, and chairs.
- Lightly Protected Leathers: For a more natural look, lightly protected leathers fit the bill. Made from the highest quality hides available, they show all the characteristics of a truly natural product. Because this leather is micro-finished, it’s extremely soft and supple with wider shade variations. It’s commonly treated with a small hint of wax or water-resistant topcoat.
In addition to its many endearing qualities, leather furniture can be completely customized. This high-end material offers a wide range of benefits for every home. From its supple feel to its impressive durability, leather furniture makes any space look appealing.
Choose your leather furniture based on the color, feel, type, and treatment. These factors will help you determine which piece will work in your home. From a busy, active lifestyle to a relaxing oasis, there is something for everyone’s home.
With so many types of leather available, you’re sure to find the right one for your furniture needs. Select a supple sofa the entire family can enjoy. Or, choose a reclining chair to kick back and relax on at the end of the day. This quality furniture will last for years to come and provide you with a comfortable place to enjoy your home.