Leather has a way of making any room feel upscale and comfortable, and few things say “luxury” quite like leather furniture. If you’re considering purchasing leather furniture for your home, there are a few things to keep in mind. There are many different types, grains, thicknesses, coarsenesses, and textures of leather, so it’s essential to pick the right one for your needs and your home’s aesthetic. Make sure you do your homework on leather types, brands, and other important factors before you go shopping. To help you get started, here are a few pointers to consider.
What You Need To Know When Buying Leather Furniture
1. Leather lasts four times as long as fabric and ages better, depending on the type of leather used in the furniture.
2. Aniline leather, which is the softest and most expensive type, is dyed and soaked in a drum before being dried out completely, with no protective coating added.
3. Protected aniline, or semi-aniline, is also dyed in a drum, but with a protective coating on top of the dyeing process itself.
4. The most durable type of leather is pigmented leather, which most furniture manufacturers use. A polymer surface coating containing pigments is responsible for long-term durability.
5. Make sure the cushions can be removed from the seats. Leather can last a long time, but the cushions inside frequently need to be replaced before the leather wears out.
6. Take into account the fact that leather furniture will often last three times longer than fabric upholstered furniture, is relatively easy to clean, and this will be reflected in the price.
7. Do not consider furniture that is a leather-vinyl combination, as the two materials age at different rates, and the leather will always outlast the vinyl.
8. Leather is a commodity, and the price can fluctuate based on supply and demand. Leather is made from animal hides, and only around 3-5% of hides are considered suitable for fine leather items. Leather goods are graded according to different standards in different countries.
9. The quality of the wood of the furniture is just as important as the quality of the leather. For furniture frames, kiln-dried hardwoods such as hickory are preferred. As a result, these are heavy woods, and the resulting furniture will be no exception.
10. When a hide’s surface has patterns or markings, it is referred to as “graining.” The tight, durable, and moisture-resistant graining of full-grain leather can only be found in the uppermost layer of the hide. A full-grain leather product is prized for its durability, natural characteristics, and the way it develops an appealing patina with time. Compared to full-grain leather, top-grain leather has been meticulously buffed to remove any flaws or imperfections. It is possible to achieve a more consistent color with top-grain leather.
Final Thoughts
Buying from low-quality leather furniture dealers is the most common mistake people make when purchasing furniture. Before making a decision, check out the company’s reputation and customer feedback, as well as the furniture lines they carry. You need to know how much money you have to spend before you go shopping, where the furniture will be used, and which retailers and manufacturers you trust the most.
Ask your retailer questions about the item you want to purchase. What kind of leather is it? Is it full grain or top grain? How was the leather dyed, aniline, or pigmented? How much of the furniture is covered in genuine leather? Can the cushions be removed and replaced? What kinds of wood are used in the frame construction? Is there a warranty? What type of suspension or support system does it have? What type of care and cleaning does it require?
These questions and the answers you receive should assist you in making an informed decision about leather furniture for your home.