Leather Furniture Consumer Guide – Abridged Version

Are you thinking of buying leather furniture? Did you know that there are different types of leather? Which is the best for you? Read on and learn some important tips to keep in mind when shopping.

Start by thinking about the wear patterns you expect with your new leather pieces. Will the furniture be placed in an active “high impact” environment with children, pets, food and drink in abundance? Or is your home a quiet, “low impact” environment?

Quality leather is a remarkably durable material that will offer many years of comfort. However, the right type of leather should be selected based on how you expect the furniture to be enjoyed. As a leather furniture repair and restoration specialist, I repeatedly hear from my clients how their salesperson, designer, etc. I never told them that leather would stain, discolor, tear, etc. So, avoid these problems by learning a few simple clues and asking a few simple questions. To understand the issues, let me take you through a mini manual on leather.

There are two ways to dye upholstery leather: with dyes only or with dyes and pigments. Leather that is strictly dyed with a dye is called unfinished, while pigmented leather is classified as finished. So what is the difference?

If the leather is colored only with dye, then there is no protective layer. It is sometimes referred to as “pure aniline” leather. (Aniline is a type of dye that colors leather.) This leather is soft, supple to the touch. Their color is rich and deep as the dyes are translucent and penetrate, often completely through the leather. The natural beauty of the leather is accentuated by the dye giving the furniture a luxurious look and feel. Only the finest hides can qualify to be unfinished, making it unsurprisingly the most expensive category. However, there is a dark side. This kind of leather stains easily (these leathers are very porous) and the color fades, in some cases very quickly. (UV is the culprit).

Finished leather is dyed with the same aniline dye as unfinished leather; however, these skins go through a secondary coloring process. A pigmented coating (finish) chemically designed specifically for leather is applied. It has to flex and allow the leather to breathe so that it has unique attributes that set it apart from ordinary wall paint. Pigmented leather finishes are opaque, creating a film of color on the leather. The colored coat is then augmented with a clear coat that forms your primary protection. This clear coat also dictates the gloss, from glossy to matte. Quality finished leather may not feel as soft and supple as unfinished, but it will be able to withstand the rigors of an active household. It won’t smear as easily. It’s easier to clean and fades so slowly you’ll never notice it.

Your first key is placement. Simply put, a high-impact, active environment such as a family room, media center, conference room, dining room, etc. dictates leather finish. A low impact home with UV tinted windows and little threat of stains can enjoy the beauty of raw leather.

The next step is to consider your budget. This is where your expectations are properly set. There are two main considerations, the leather and the frame.

Premium leather is the most durable, but will cost the most. This is the epidermis of the leather that offers the vast majority of the leather’s durability. Split leather (“split” leather from the epidermis) will not stand the test of time in an active household, but as a low grade it is generally more affordable. If you want a piece that will last a long time, you should insist on top quality leather.

The internal parts or guts of the furniture must be considered. Is it built of hardwood properly held together with firm, solid dowels, or is it glued together with cheap plyboard, staples, and cardboard? (Not kidding, cardboard.) Clearly, solid construction will cost more, but it will provide many years of trouble-free service.

Color selection is another thing to think about. The lighter the color, the more maintenance it will require to keep the leather looking new and clean.

Finally, is it all leather or did the manufacturer infiltrate some vinyl? Vinyl and all its derivatives from fancy names like synthetic leather, matte leather, combo leather, etc. It’s a synthetic, not the real deal. It won’t feel or wear down like leather. It’s less expensive than leather, but it just doesn’t have the durability of quality leather.

So based on your budget, set your expectations correctly and think about how the piece will be used. Then when you shop, ask the following questions.

1. Is the leather finished or unfinished? Remember to consider location and usage patterns.

2. Is it top quality leather? If it isn’t, it won’t have the durability you think you’re getting.

3. Is it all leather or some vinyl? Do not be fooled.

4. How is the frame built? Do you remember the story of the three little pigs? If it’s going to last, it has to be well built.

With the answers to these questions at least you’ll know what you’re buying. For more information, please visit this website advleather.com/