How to Identify Genuine Leather Sofas
Real leather furniture is long-lasting and timeless. However it can be difficult to distinguish genuine leather sofas among "split," "bonded," and faux (fake) leather choices can be tricky.
If the edges are rough or uneven it is likely the product is genuine leather. Genuine leather may also have a bumpy underside or "fat wrinkles".
Top-grain
A leather sofa is a significant investment and one that can last for a long time. If you take good care of it, a quality leather sofa can last for three times as long as textile sofas. If you don't take care of it, it will only last a few years until it starts to peel off and crack. The best way to protect your furniture made of leather is applying a leather preserver that will keep it soft and supple.
You should also look for furniture made from full-grain leather which is the highest-quality leather available. This kind of leather is not sanded or buffed, so it will retain its original appearance. This lets you match the color and texture to the existing decor.
Full-grain leather may be more expensive than top-grain but it has many advantages over other types. It is more durable, and can be dyed in a variety of colors. It is also breathable so it keeps you cool during summer and warm during winter. Full-grain leather is a good choice for people with allergies because it does not trap dust mites or pet dander like fabric upholstery.
The other kind of leather used in leather sofas is top-grain leather that is sanded and polished to remove imperfections. This process also decreases the durability of the leather, however, it gives the same appearance and feel. This type of leather is typically used in high-end leather products because it is softer and more affordable than full grain.
Despite its popularity, it's important to understand the differences between full-grain and top-grain leather prior to buying a leather sofa. While both kinds of leather are high-quality, full-grain is a more resilient material than top-grain, which is less durable and can be damaged if it is not properly taken care of.
Full-grain
A leather sofa is a stylish addition to any room. You can style it with accent pillows and woven throws to add colour or opt for a more basic design for an understated look. However, the kind of leather used to make the sofa will determine its style and longevity. A good quality leather will not only last for a long time but will also become more attractive with time. The most desirable type of leather is full-grain, which retains the natural texture, markings, and imperfections of the original hide and is breathable. It also develops over time a deep patina, which is widely desired by those who love leather.
The top grain leather has been sanded to remove any imperfections. The process of sanding and polishing reduces the strength of the leather, causing it to break, scratch, and puddle up easily. The tanning process may also cause harm to the environment. Chrome-free processes are offered for those who want to minimize the impact of their tanning process.
Full-grain leather is more expensive than top-grain however, it is more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is also easy to maintain as it is just a simple wipe with a soft cloth. It is a great choice for those who do not want to maintain fabric sofas but don't want to invest additional money on high-end leather products.
When shopping for a leather sofa, you may find it harder to find a full grain sofa than a top grain. small leather couch may want to go to a store to examine the sofa and determine its durability. You can also ask about the tanning process and how it affects leather.
Another crucial aspect to consider is selecting the appropriate color of leather for your sofa. Traditional colors like dark navy or tan butterscotch blue may seem old-fashioned but they are a good match with a variety of styles. Other factors to consider are the design and height of the sofa. Sofas with tapered or thin legs will appear modern, whereas those that have turned or spindle feet are suitable for a traditional interior design.
Semi-aniline
When visitors visit our showroom, they often have lots of questions. They might be looking for information on the types of leathers we carry or require help in understanding terminology used in the industry. This is especially relevant for shoppers interested in buying a leather sofa. Leather is a very popular upholstery material for both homes and commercial buildings, but many consumers are not familiar with the different finishes used to make these items.
A common question we get is: What is the difference between semi-aniline and aniline leather? Both are top grain leather however, they have a few important distinctions. Aniline leather is softer and has a more natural appearance however, it is also more fragile. This kind of leather is susceptible to fading from sunlight exposure and may be stained by spilled liquids. It may also dry out and crack in time if not properly cared for. Because of its brittle nature, aniline leather requires an extremely high level of care.
In contrast semi-aniline leather is treated with a light surface coating to offer more durability. This treatment process helps the leather resist staining and fading and makes it more tolerant to the everyday wear and tear. This finish also helps the leather maintain its natural appearance and soft feel.
Semi-aniline leather, while it may not have the natural appearance and feel of full aniline, is nevertheless stunning. Many families opt to purchase leather sofas that have this finish because it provides a balance of protection and beauty.
Pigmented leather is the strongest type of leather. It is more resistant to scratches, stains and fading than other types of leather. This makes it a good option for families with children or pets. It also requires less care than other kinds of leather.
If it isn't properly maintained, pigmented or other types of leather can crack and dry out over time. It is recommended to treat your leather at least once each year to keep it hydrated and to prevent it from cracking or drying out. If you are shopping for a second-hand sofa made of leather, be sure to check the quality of the leather before purchasing it. This way, you can be confident that you're receiving a high-quality product for a fair cost.
Bonded
Leather enthusiasts often avoid fake or bonded leather furniture. The reason is simple: the bonded leather is pieces of shredded material and fibers which are glued together and then covered with polyurethane and embossed to appear like leather. It is not very durable and can crack, peel, or scuff easily. It's also not as soft and supple as genuine leather. This is the reason a sofa upholstered with bonded leather may look appealing in a showroom however it won't last.
When you are looking for used leather sofas, search for genuine top-grain upholstery. This kind of leather will be more supple and more flexible than faux leather, and it will also appear better. It is easy to spot the difference between a genuine and faux piece of leather, but you can also determine by examining the grain characteristics. Look for the natural markings of hide, creases, scarring and fat wrinkles (caused by the animal's natural fat deposits). Genuine leather is distinguished by these markings.
Another way to determine if you have the genuine leather sofa is by feeling it. Genuine leather is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Bonded leather is more rigid and doesn't adjust to your body temperature. Genuine leather also ages gracefully and develop a rich patina with time.
It is possible to buy a used genuine leather sofa at a fair price, but it will require more care than a bonded leather or faux leather product. A proper cleaning routine will keep it looking nice and soft for many years. Dust the furniture piece using a dry cloth to get rid of any dirt. Prepare a mild soap solution by adding a few drops of liquid detergent to water. Dip a dry, clean cloth in the solution and rub it onto the leather surface.
After cleaning your couch, wipe it with the clean, non-detergent fabric. Apply leather conditioner to your couch at least two times each year. This will help maintain the quality of the leather and stop it from drying out and cracking over time. Also, protect your furniture made of leather from direct sunlight as it is susceptible to degrading very quickly.