There are many furniture materials to choose from with their own benefits. If you are planning to get a leather sofa, you are in the right place. In this post, we will talk about the reasons why a leather sofa is excellent for you.
What are different types of furniture fabrics?
Before we dive into leather sofa benefits, let’s take a look at the different natural and synthetic upholstery fabrics.
Natural materials | Synthetic |
Cotton | Polyester |
Cotton blend | Microfiber |
Linen | Nylon |
Wool | Olefin (Polypropylene) |
Leather | Acrylic |
Silk | Rayon |
Vinyl | Acetate |
What is leather
Leather is a durable and flexible natural material derived from tanning and processing animal skins and hides. When it comes to furniture upholstery, cattle skins like cowhides are commonly used.
What are the different types of leather for furniture?
There are different types of leather according to how they are processed.
- Full-grain leather
Full-grain leather is considered the most genuine type of leather and the most expensive. It is the least processed variety of leather that retains the look and feel of a natural hide. It is very durable, too.
- Top grain leather (Aniline leather)
This type of leather is the next closest thing to genuine leather. It is as pure and durable as the full-grain leather but gets more buffing and treatment. In addition, clear aniline dye is applied to make it softer and less rough than full-grain leather.
- Corrected grain leather
Corrected grain leather is usually made from top-grain leather that is further buffed. It is usually embossed with a grain pattern to cover up visible leather marks and raised scars.
- Semi-aniline leather
This leather results from a top-grain or corrected grain leather that gets an additional light surface coat with color. This coat makes this type of leather more durable and more stain-resistant.
- Pigmented leather
Pigmented leather is typically made of corrected grain leather applied with polymer surface coating with color or print. This coating makes the leather more durable and resistant to most dirt, stains, fading and scratching.
- Split grain leather
This leather is the underside of the animal skin when the top layer of the leather is removed. It has a suede texture, which is harder than other leather types. It is also less expensive, but at the same time not as durable and tougher to maintain.
- Bi-cast leather
Bi-cast leather uses split-grain leather with a colored polyurethane coating to imitate the look of top grain leather. This can make a good option if you want a less expensive alternative of top grain leather. However, this type of leather is prone to cracking and peeling if not properly treated and maintained.
- Nubuck leather
This type of leather uses rawhide or the untanned animal skin that is polished to give a soft, suede look. The nubuck leather is not as durable as other leather types. It needs waterproofing for it to last longer.
- Bonded leather
Bonded leather is made from scraps of leather that are glued together using adhesives. While this material usually ends up having less than 20% leather, it still looks and feels like leather.
- Faux leather
If you love the look of leather but are an animal lover, you may want to consider faux leather. This material looks and feels almost just like authentic leather, but it is artificial. It does not use any animal skin. It is made of vinyl, polyurethane, or other synthetic materials. Faux leather is also affordable, durable, and available in different colors.
Why leather sofa is best for your home
The leather sofa offers many benefits. Here are the reasons why a leather sofa is best for your home:
- Durable
Many homeowners love leather sofas for their durability. They can even last a lifetime. They also age well, especially with proper care and maintenance. Full-grain and top grain leather sofas are the most durable, most hardwearing varieties you can find. They are very soft, too.
- Comfortable
Leather sofas are very comfortable to lounge on, especially with the proper cushioning and support. They are made of supple, natural material that becomes softer over time.
You can also pick a reclining leather sofa for added comfort.
- Easy to maintain and clean
Do you have little children, pets, or a busy home? A leather sofa makes it a lot easier for you to clean up messes and spills. It is also a lot easier to maintain than other sofa materials. Depending on the leather type, they can be stain and scratch-resistant. A semi-aniline or pigmented leather sofa is an excellent choice if you want a sofa resistant to stains, scratches, and fading.
- Classy and sophisticated
What is not to love about the look of a leather sofa? They have a sophisticated look that can upgrade the look of any homestyle. For instance, top grain leather and other high-grade leather works well for your traditional or rustic home. A tufted leather sofa can also give a luxurious feel to a classic house. Finally, a clean and minimalist leather sofa can give your modern or contemporary home a cozy vibe.
- Hypoallergenic
Because of its coating, leather does not retain allergens. It is also easier to wipe the dust off and clean. So if you are allergic to dust, pet fur, and mites, a leather sofa is the perfect choice for you.