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Over the years the popularity of leather has skyrocketed!
There are many factors that play in its popularity. One factor is price. Leather
prices have fallen substantially over the years making it more affordable to the
consumer. The other factors relate to the features and benefits of the product.
Listed below are some key points to consider in your leather purchase.
Leather has become so popular because of features and benefits such as these:
- Leather has a sensuous lure about it. It portrays
elegance yet it's practical for everyday use.
- Experts claim leather, if properly treated, will outlast
upholstery furniture 4 to 1. Having a useful life of 15 to 20+ years versus
4-5 years for most fabrics.
- Leather is one of the most durable materials used in
furniture coverings. It is difficult to puncture, yet has a soft, supple
feel.
- Being a natural material, leather will breathe and will
not become sticky in the summer and cold in the winter. Leather will
maintain the same temperature as your room.
- Leather ages well. Over time, leather will develop a "patina" and may become
more supple with age.
- Leather is easy to care for and clean.
- Modern leather does not crack and peel. It retains its
shape without sagging.
- It resists heat and sun damage.
During the leather preparation process, hides have
been tanned in large vats using a chromium salt solution. The hides are then
sorted and graded. Suitable cowhides are then split into the top layer (the
epidermis) and a thick lower layer, or the split leather. The top layer,
commonly known as the top grain, is the part of hide that has the pores, scars,
fleabites, hair and such. After the hide is split, it goes through an aniline
dyeing process. Some leather coloring stops at this point of the tanning process
while others receive more coating operations, with clear or pigmented finishes,
that does not penetrate the surface. After drying occurs, the hides are then
sorted again into two categories: corrected leathers and uncorrected leathers.
Corrected leathers have had a grain correction. Typically, corrected leathers
are not the premium hides. Buffing or sanding the surface removes surface
imperfections, such as brands, fleabites, and scars. After more dyeing, or
pigmentation, the hide is "embossed" giving it a uniform grain. The
final step prior to measuring and cutting the hide is to apply a urethane
finish. Corrected leathers are more stain resistant and generally are not as
soft and supple as the uncorrected leathers. Corrected leathers are the most
family-friendly of all leathers.
Uncorrected hides generally have fewer markings and are not sanded or buffed.
Such hides are classified as full grain or uncorrected leathers. These hides are
typically better in quality and are therefore more expensive. Also, these hides
have what is called patina, or their own personal identity. No two hides are
alike just like no two fingerprints are alike. One hide might have color
variations up to 25% when another hide might have a unique brand or scar.
Uncorrected leathers have a unique look and feel that is not found with
corrected hides.
One of the major selling points of leather is the care factor. Over time
body oils, perspiration, skin acids and soiling will work into the leather if it
is not cleaned regularly. In order for leather to last as expected, the consumer
must clean the leather by dusting or vacuuming on a regular basis. This will
help minimize any dust or oil buildup that results from everyday living.
Further, every 4-6 months, it is recommended that you clean your leather with a
mild cleaner and apply a protection cream to keep the leather soft and supple.
By doing this faithfully, you are guaranteed to have many years of use and
enjoyment from your leather furniture.
: A
top grain leather that has been soaked in aniline dye but receives no additional
coloring. It may contain a protective treatment such as Scotchgard. The most
expensive leather as well the best quality. The most soft and supple of all
leathers. The natural grain of the leather has not been sanded or buffed in any way, and will develop a rich patina with age. A very small percentage of hides are
actually pure aniline leather.
: A top grain leather that is aniline
dyed and coated with a matching pigment and/or other topical finishes to even
out the color and add protection. This leather also maintains its original grain
thus allowing the natural character of the leather to show through.
: Usually less
expensive and more common than the pure and semi- aniline leathers. The
coloration is more consistent and the grain is an embossed, manmade grain.
Corrected leathers are easier to clean, repel water and stains, and are ideal
for heavy family use.
: A top grain leather that is buffed to
create a soft nap. Often has a light finish and is especially vulnerable to
stains. Nubuck leathers will fade when placed in sunlight. Do not place in
windows, under skylights or in places that will put them in sunlight.
: Artificially created signs
of wear and natural aging.
: A top grain leather with no
corrections or alterations to the natural grain pattern.
: The bottom layers of the hide that have
been split off from the top grain. Much stiffer and less durable than the top
grain leather. May be used on promotional furniture or on the sides and backs of
other pieces to help contain costs.
: The softness or "feel" of
leather.
: Leather finished by buffing with an emery
wheel to produce a napped surface. Suede is made from the split layer of the
cowhide.
Leather Furniture Store
We’ve got the style of leather furniture that you are looking for, including:
American, classic, contemporary, custom, distressed, fabric with leather, fine,
Italian made, recliner, home theater, living room, reclining, sectional, sofa,
modern, quality, rustic, traditional, western, red, brown, white, or black.
We feature leather furniture from the finest brand name
manufacturers, including Natuzzi, Lane, Berkline, Broyhill, Lazy Boy, Flexsteel,
Leather Italia, Legacy Leather Ashley, Thomasville, and more.
Find leather furniture online - online store, outlet, sale,
buying, discount, discounted, and wholesale.
Other helpful decorating and furnishing links:
furniture glossary
- furniture care
- furniture safety - furniture
shopping tips - furniture
styles - leather furniture
- furniture stain care - wood
furniture care - wood glossary
- bedroom tips - buying
a recliner - dining room
decorating tips - living room
decorating tips
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