Leather Buying Guide

From handbags and belts, to larger items, like furniture, you may think of luxury when you think leather. You wouldn’t be wrong. Leather has in inherent sense of beauty and indulgence to it, and leather furniture can bring a lavish feel to your space. However, that doesn’t mean that leather furniture is out of reach for you, even if your budget is on the tighter side. While real leather furniture is an investment in quality and beauty, there are a wide range of leather options that can suit different preferences and budgets. Leather-like fabrics can also offer many of the benefits of leather, as well as affordability.

Start with style. Leather offers a look and feel like no other. It’s supple texture and refined beauty have made it a coveted material for many years. However, leather isn’t just a classic style. Leather can be formal. Leather can be casual. It can be rustic, industrial and even modern. In fact, leather furniture can be just about anything that you want it to be and, that’s a good thing, because real leather products are built to last! In fact, the average leather furniture piece can last about 4x that of comparable fabric pieces. So, you’ll want to make sure each leather item you purchase is something you truly love (no fashion flings here!) and will continue to enjoy over many years to come.

Like every type of fabric, leather has some benefits and drawbacks. Weighing these factors will help you determine whether or not it’s the right pick for your specific environment and decorating style. We’ll also help you focus in on the different types of leather furniture, and what’s the right choice for you.

Leather Furniture Advantages

Are you wondering, “Is leather furniture worth the investment?”. Many people choose leather furniture for its supple feel and signature look. There’s nothing quite like it. However, there are other advantages you’ll be taking home along with that fresh leather scent. Here are some things to consider when deciding if a leather sectional, sofa, loveseat or chair is the right fit for you.

• It’s long lasting - There’s no getting around it. The initial price tag for a leather chair or quality leather sofa will likely be higher than similar product with fabric upholstery. There’s a reason for that. Leather is durable. In fact, a quality leather sofa or other piece of leather furniture can easily last a lifetime with proper care and moderate use.
• It’s strong – Going hand in hand with long life expectancy, another advantage of leather is that it’s durable. While all furniture can be damaged from scratches and rough use, leather will stand up against a lot of wear.
• It’s unique – While the cat’s claws and kid’s, well, everything, can leave scratches and wear over time, these slight imperfections can just add to the beauty of leather. Little marks will give leather character, and make it a one-of-a-kind piece in your home.
• It’s easy to clean – Was the red wine a mistake? Maybe. But luckily, leather naturally resists a lot of moisture and staining. Plus, there is a huge variety of leather furniture cleaners on the market that help you safely maintain and clean leather pieces. Just act quickly to clean up and get out stains.
• It’s timeless– Whether you opt for a traditional leather sofa or a sleek and slim modern chair, leather pieces are always en vogue.

Leather Considerations

We wouldn’t go as far as to call them disadvantages. But there are some things you’ll want to factor in to make sure leather furniture is the choice for you.

• Cost – As mentioned, leather will typically run you more than a comparable piece in a fabric upholstery. If you have the means, you may choose to invest now in a leather piece that you truly love and that will make up for the price tag with its durability and longevity (not to mention, stunning good looks!). There are a range of real leather options, but you’ll typically get what you pay for in terms of quality and life. There are also different options that may be more budget friendly, such as pieces that feature real leather everywhere you can see, or leather-like fabrics that can give you a similar look.
• Selection – While leather furniture is available in many different looks, from traditional to modern, and even on-trend looks like farmhouse and industrial, you will find a much more limited selection when it comes to palette and pattern. You’ll generally be limited to solid colors, mostly in neutrals although there are some exceptions. For instance, a dashing red leather sofa can make a dramatic statement in your modern living room. Patterns are non-existent, although you can get a variety of textures, which offer different looks.

Types of Leather

When it comes to leather, a shoe is not just a shoe. Nor is a leather sofa just a leather sofa. There are a wide range of leather qualities. Yes, all leather is made from animal hides, mainly cattle. However, there are some factors that will affect how it looks, feels and lasts, including the part of the hide the leather is made from and how it is processed. Learn your terminology here to know what you’re getting before you hit the store and push recline on that beautiful power recliner.

• Full-Grain – Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather there is and comes in aniline and semi-aniline finishes (see below). The most natural option, full-grain leather is never sanded, buffed or snuffed to remove imperfections in the grain. This creates a unique look and allows the leather to take on a more breathable quality.
• Top-Grain – This type of leather is the most common type found in high-end leather products, and is the second-highest quality on the market. It is made when the split layer is separated away, which makes it thinner and more pliable—an ideal quality for furniture.
• Split-Grain – Also referred to as “split leather,” this kind of leather is created from the fibrous part of the hide after the top-grain has been separated. Usually, split-grain leather is also used to create suede.
• Aniline – Aniline refers to leather that is processed using dyes to maintain its natural grain and texture. This creates the most natural looking leather appearance, with visible natural surfaces. However, it does come at a price in terms of durability. Aniline leather is less resistant to scratching, staining and fading.
• Semi-Aniline – Leather treated with a semi-aniline finish uses pigments to conceal blemishes for a more uniform look. It’s the middle-ground between aniline and pigmented leather, and offers a somewhat natural appearance and better resistance to wear than aniline leather.
• Pigmented This kind of leather is the most durable finish option, but it comes at a compromise of the natural leather look. Pigmented leather will have a more uniform appearance with fewer imperfections.

Additional Factors

Once you’ve selected a type of leather that suits your design aesthetic and doesn’t empty your beloved leather wallet, it’s time to factor in other considerations. For instance, what role will your leather piece play in your room? If it’s going to be the “wow factor”, consider a bold, colored option, such as a blue leather sofa or a sofa in another favorite shade. If you are looking for something that will suit existing pieces in your room and never go out of style (think the little black dress of living room furniture), you may choose a neutral leather, such as black or brown, and style it with different throw pillows and blankets.

Another very important consideration is the functionality and comfort that you desire from your leather furniture. Are you looking for a stationary piece, or do you want all the latest bells and whistles of power recline furniture? Leather furniture comes in a wide range of options, including leather power recline sofas, chairs and even cinema seating. Look for features such as lumbar support and power headrests for the ultimate in comfort, and small but mighty additions such as integrated USB ports and drink consoles for the highest in convenience.

You should also look at the quality of the sofa, sectional or chair itself. When you invest in a top-quality piece of leather furniture, like a sofa, it’s important to consider the overall construction of the piece. After all, you want the frame and suspension to hold up as long as the leather itself!

Leather Furniture Q&A

Leather is one of the most time-tested materials out there, and it’s all around us. From fashion to home décor and, of course, furniture, most homes contain at least a few leather products. Even with its popularity, however, there are some common misconceptions about leather.

Do you still have questions or hesitations when it comes to leather furniture? Read these frequently asked questions about leather to find out what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what’s fashion-forward!

1. Is leather cold and uncomfortable in cooler rooms, such as basements? While many people believe that leather is cold, this is actually a misnomer. The fact of the matter is that leather warms to match your body temperature pretty quickly, and it can actually help keep you warm in the cold. It’s also a good option for warm spaces, as the fabric won’t get as hot to the touch as other materials.
2. Is leather furniture hard to care for and maintain? As you’ve read previously, the answer to this question is a resounding “no”! Leather furniture does take some TLC to stay in optimum condition longer. Furniture should be regularly wiped down with a dry cloth, spills should be cleaned up immediately, and a cleaner designed for leather can be used as needed. However, the material is relatively resistant to spills and stains and, with these basic care steps in mind, leather is an excellent choice for its robustness and longevity.
3. Is a leather sofa a bad option for families with kids and pets? You may think leather is an investment that should be put off until kids are grown and pets are older and calmer. However, leather’s strong qualities actually make it a good choice for those with young and active families. And while scratches and wear can happen with any furniture choice, these “imperfections” can actually add to the character and unique look of your leather furniture.
4. Will leather furniture look outdated in my contemporary space? When you think of leather furniture, an overstuffed, traditional recliner may be one of the first images that comes to mind. Rest assured, today’s market includes contemporary pieces that can suit your tastes, from Boho to farmhouse and beyond. The great thing is that even contemporary leather furniture carries a classic feel that won’t look outdated as the years pass by, as can sometimes happen with statement sofas and other pieces of furniture.

It’s true that leather is a luxury. There’s nothing quite like it. However, it can also be a practical purchase, so don’t be intimidated by leather furniture! There’s a leather furniture option for almost any design preference and different budgets as well.