How to Identify Genuine Leather Sofas
Real leather furniture can last decades and add timeless style to a space. However, identifying genuine leather sofas among “split,” “bonded,” and faux (fake) leather options isn’t easy.
Look for rough or uneven edges that indicate the product is genuinely leather. True leather will also have bumpy edges or “fat wrinkles”.
Top-grain
A leather sofa is an important investment and one that can last for years. If you take good care of it, a quality leather sofa can last for as long as three textile sofas. If you don’t, it will last only a few years before it begins to peel and crack. One way to safeguard your leather furniture is by applying a leather preservation product which will keep it soft and flexible.
It is also recommended to look for a sofa made from full-grain leather couch, which is the best quality leather available. This type of leather is not sanded, and it will keep its original look. This allows you to match the texture and color of the leather to your current interior decor.
Full-grain leather can be more expensive than top-grain but it has a number of advantages over other kinds. It is more durable and dyeable in a variety of colors. It’s also breathable, meaning it will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Full-grain leather can also be an ideal choice for those with allergies, because it does not trap dust mites and pet dander like upholstery fabrics.
The other kind of leather used in leather sofas is top-grain leather that has been buffed and sanded to eliminate any imperfections. This process also diminishes the durability of the leather, however it provides an even look and feel. This kind of leather is commonly used in luxury leather products because it is softer and more affordable than full grain.
Before you purchase a leather sofa, it is important to know the difference between top-grain and full-grain. While both kinds of leather sofa restoration are high-quality however, full-grain leather is a more resilient material than top-grain that is less durable and may be damaged if it is not properly cared for.
Full-grain
A leather sofa adds class to any room. It can be decorated with woven throws and accent pillows to add some color or kept simple to create a more subtle look. However, the kind of leather used create the sofa will determine its style and longevity. A good leather will not only stand up with time, but also become more attractive and unique as it is used. The best kind 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 highly desired by those who love leather.
The main difference between full-grain and top grain leather is that the former is buffed and sanded to remove imperfections. The sanding, buffing and cracking of the leather is decreased by the process. The tanning process can also be harmful to the environment. Chrome-free processes are offered for those who wish to minimize the impact of their tanning process.
Full-grain is more expensive however, it is also more robust and resistant to wear. It is also easier to maintain, as it requires just an occasional cleaning with a soft cloth. It is an excellent choice for those who wish to avoid the maintenance of sofas made of fabric, but aren’t willing to pay the extra cash for the best leather sofa.
If you are looking for a leather sofa, you may be unable to locate a full grain model than one with a top grain. You may want to go to a store to examine the sofa and determine its durability. You can also inquire about the tanning and how it affects leather.
Choosing the most appropriate color for your leather sofa is another important consideration. Traditional colors such as tan butterscotch or dark navy blue may appear old-fashioned, but they pair well with most decor styles. The shape and height are also important factors to consider. Sofas with legs that are thin or tapered will appear modern, whereas those with turned or spindle feet will suit a traditional interior design.
Semi-aniline
A lot of people have questions when they visit our showroom. They might be interested in knowing what kinds of leathers we have or require assistance in 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, but many consumers are not familiar with the different finishes used to make these items.
A common question we get is What is the distinction between semi-aniline and aniline leather? Both are top grain leather, however, they do have some significant distinctions. Aniline leather has a natural appearance and soft texture, however it is also more fragile. It is a type of leather that can fade from exposure to sunlight and it is easily stained by spilled liquids. It may also dry out and crack in time if not properly taken care of. Because of its brittle nature aniline leather demands an extremely high level of care.
Semi-aniline leather on the other hand is treated with a fine surface coating for greater durability. This treatment process helps the leather resist staining and fade and makes it more resistant to the everyday wear and tear. This finish also helps to keep its natural appearance and softness.
Although it lacks the unbeatable natural look or supple feel of full aniline grain, semi-aniline leather is still stunning. Many families opt to purchase leather sofas with this style because it offers a balance of protection and beauty.
Pigmented leather is the most durable form of leather. It is more resistant to stains and scratches than other kinds. This makes it a great choice for households with children or pets. It is also more easy to maintain than other types of.
As with other types of leather, colored leather is susceptible to drying out and crack over time if it does not receive the proper maintenance. To keep your leather hydrated and keep it from cracking or drying out it is recommended you maintain it at least two times each year. If you are shopping for a used leather sofa, make sure to check its quality before buying it. This will ensure that you receive an excellent product for a reasonable cost.
Bonded
Leather lovers avoid fake leather or bonded leather furniture. The reason is simple: the bonded leather is fragments of shredded materials and fibers which are glued together, covered with polyurethane, and embossed to look like leather. It’s not the most durable and can crack or peel off easily. It is not as soft or soft as genuine leather. A sofa covered in bonded leather might look attractive in a showroom, but will not last.
If you are looking for second hand leather sofas (pocock.com), make sure to look for a genuine top-grain piece of furniture. This type of leather is more soft and more flexible than fake leather, and it will also look better. It is possible to tell the differences in the grain characteristics of real and fake leather. You should look for marks of natural hide, creases, scarring and fat wrinkles (caused by the animal’s natural fat deposits). These markings are what make genuine leather so attractive.
Another way to tell if it’s a genuine leather sofa is by feeling it. Genuine leather is warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer, while bonded leather is stiffer and doesn’t adjust to your body temperature. Genuine leather also ages gracefully and develop a beautiful patina over time.
It is possible to buy a used genuine leather sofa at a fair price however it will require more maintenance than a bonded or faux leather product. A regular cleaning schedule will keep it soft and supple for a long period of time. First, dust the furniture piece with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Add a few drops liquid detergent to water to make an emollient soapy solution. Dip a clean cloth into the soap solution and rub the leather’s surface, taking care not to apply too much pressure.
After cleaning your couch, wipe it clean with a an unclean, non-detergent cloth. Apply leather conditioner to your couch at least two times a year. This will help preserve the quality of the pure leather sofa and prevent it from drying out and cracking over time. In addition, you should try to keep your leather furniture out of direct sunlight because it is susceptible to degrading quickly in bright light.