How to Identify Genuine Leather Sofas
Genuine leather furniture can last decades and add timeless style to a space. It can be difficult to differentiate between genuine leather and "split", "bonded" or faux (fake leather) alternatives.
If the edges are uneven or rough It is likely that the product is genuine leather. True leather will also have an uneven 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 before it starts to peel away and crack. The best way to protect your leather furniture is applying a leather preserver that will keep it soft and flexible.
You should also look for a sofa made of full-grain leather which is the finest quality leather available. This type of leather isn't cleaned, and it retains its original appearance. This allows you to match the color and texture of the leather to your current interior design.
While full-grain leather is more expensive option than top-grain, it has many advantages over other types of leather. It is more durable and dyeable in a variety of colors. It's also breathable, which means it keeps you cool during summer and warm during winter. Full-grain leather is also an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies, as it doesn't trap dust mites and pet dander like fabric upholstery.
The top-grain kind of leather is utilized for leather sofas. It has been polished, buffed, and sanded to eliminate any imperfections. This process also decreases the durability of the leather, however it provides the same look and feel. This type of leather is found in a variety of high-end leather products because it is more soft than full grain leather and more affordable.
Before you purchase a leather sofa, it's important to know the difference between top-grain and full-grain. Both types of leather are high quality, but full-grain is more durable than top-grain.
Full-grain
A leather sofa adds style to any room. You can style it with accent pillows and woven throws for colour or opt for a more basic design to create a minimalist appearance. The kind of leather used make the sofa will determine its style and longevity. A high-quality leather will not only last for a long period of time, but also more attractive as it is used. The most desirable type of leather is full-grain, that 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 difference between full-grain and top grain leather is that the former is buffed and sanded in order to remove imperfections. The sanding and buffing process also reduces the strength of the leather and causes it to break, scratch, and puddle easily. The tanning process can be detrimental to the environment. However, chrome-free tanning options are available to those who wish to minimize their impact on the earth.
Full-grain is more expensive, however, it is also more durable and resistant to wear. It is also simpler to maintain, as it requires only a regular cleaning with an easy-to-clean cloth. It is a great choice for those who do not want to maintain fabric sofas but do not want to spend additional money on high-end leather furniture.
If you are looking for a leather sofa you may be unable to find a full grain model than a top grain. You might want to visit an exhibit where you can examine the sofa up close and feel it to check its feel and durability. You can also ask about the tanning and how it affects leather.
Another important aspect to consider is choosing the right leather color for your sofa. Traditional colors like dark navy blue might seem outdated however they work with all styles of decor. Other factors to consider include the design and height of the sofa. Sofas with tapered or thin legs will look contemporary, while those with turned or spindle feet will suit the traditional style of interiors.
Semi-aniline
Many people have questions whenever they visit our showroom. They may be looking for information on the types of leather we offer or they may need help understanding industry jargon. This is especially relevant for those who are considering buying a leather sofa. Leather is a popular upholstery material for both commercial and residential properties however, many people aren't aware of the different types of finishes used to make these products.
A frequent question we get is: What is the difference between semi-aniline and aniline leather? Both are top-grain leather but there are some important distinctions. Aniline leather is softer and offers a more natural look however, it is also more fragile. This type of leather is prone to fade from exposure to sunlight and can be stained by spilled liquids. If it isn't cared for properly, it can dry out and crack with time. Because of its fragility, aniline leather requires a high level of maintenance.
Semi-aniline leather, on the other hand is treated with a light layer of surface protection to ensure more durability. This treatment process will make the leather more resistant to staining and fading. In addition, this treatment helps the leather retain its natural appearance and soft feeling.
Although it does not have the unbeatable natural look or softness of full aniline grain, semi-aniline leather is still beautiful. Many families prefer buying leather sofas with this style because it offers the perfect balance of protection and beauty.
Pigmented leather is the most durable kind of leather. It is more resistant to stains, scratches and fade than other kinds of leather. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Pigmented leather also needs less maintenance than other types of leather.
If it isn't properly maintained, pigmented or other types of leather may crack and dry out over time. It is recommended to condition your leather at least two times each year to ensure that it is well-hydrated and prevent it from cracking or drying out. If you are shopping for a used leather sofa, make sure you check the quality before buying it. This way you can ensure that you are getting a good quality product for a fair cost.
Bonded
The majority of leather enthusiasts avoid bonded or fake furniture made of leather. The reason is simple - bonded leather is made of pieces of shredded material and fibers that are then glued together and covered with polyurethane and embossed to resemble leather. It is not very durable and is often damaged, cracks, peels or scratches easily. It's not as soft or supple as genuine leather. This is the reason a sofa made of bonded leather might look attractive in an exhibition, but it will not last.
If you are shopping for used leather sofas, search for genuine top-grain upholstery. This kind of leather is more soft and more flexible than fake leather, and it will also appear better. It is easy to discern the difference between a genuine and faux piece of leather, but you can also find out by examining the grain characteristics. Look for natural markings on the hide, wrinkles and scarring as well as fat wrinkles caused by the fat deposits of the animal. Genuine leather is distinguished by these marks.
Another way to identify the genuine leather sofa is to feel it. Genuine leather is warmer in winter and cooler in summer, while bonded leather is more rigid and doesn't acclimate to your body temperature. Genuine leather will age gracefully over time and eventually develop a rich patina.
While leather sofa set can buy an authentic second-hand leather sofa for a reasonable price but it is important to be aware that it will require more maintenance than a bonded or faux leather piece. A proper cleaning routine will keep it looking clean and soft for a long time. Clean the furniture piece with a dry rag to remove any dirt. Add a few drops of liquid detergent to water to make a mild soapy solution. Dip a clean, dry cloth into the solution and rub it over the leather surface.
After you've cleaned the couch, you should clean it using a clean cloth that is clean of any detergent. Apply leather conditioner to your couch at least two times a year. This will help to maintain the quality of the leather and stop it from drying out and cracking with time. Also, ensure that you keep your leather furniture away from direct sunlight since it will degrade rapidly in bright light.