Types Of Leather Furniture
Sanding top grain leather on its smooth outer side creates a velvety nubuck.
Types of leather furniture. When the leather is corrected in any way it is called top grain. There is a variety terms used to describe the leather making process. Split leather is the lower layer that s left after top grain cowhide layer is separated from the two full grain layers. Check out our guide on the types of leather used in furniture starting with the most expensive types and descending in price.
Top grain leather furniture comes in two different categories. Faux leather has come a long way as the technology has resulted in great improvements in the material composition thus increasing the comfort level of such sofas. During the tanning process the hides are soaked with a translucent dye in large rotating stainless steel drums. Top grain leather makes a great choice for furniture in game rooms and playrooms because it s easy to wipe clean and resists staining.
Full grain leather even though it may have blemishes is more expensive and more sought after than top grain leather because of its durability and longevity. It is stiffer than top grain leather and not as durable. Aniline leather is usually softer and more supple than other types of leather due to the dye treatment but it has the potential to fade if exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. It comes in 15 different shades of leather and can be delivered to your door in just a few weeks.
It s often used to cover the parts of the sofa that won t be seen. The jennifer leather sleeper is a genuine leather sofa that easily transforms into a sleeper sofa. While aniline leather recliners may look natural they remain susceptible to stains. If you have children or pets at home pigmented leather furniture is your best bet for great looking long lasting furniture.
Leather with the entire grain intact is called full grain. This is the most authentic type of furniture leather you can buy. Types of leather grades. The only process applied to the original animal hide is hair removal followed by soaking it in a natural usually vegetable dye.
Semi aniline leather is just a little bit tougher than aniline leather because its surface has been treated with a light coat that contains some pigment which makes it more soil and stain resistant. Semi aniline leather furniture on the other hand is relatively less susceptible because it can be treated with a protective topcoat. It measures 33 x 81 x 35 inches and weighs just under 200 pounds so it is a heavy sofa that will require multiple people to set up or move. It is durable looks like original leather and is the cheapest type of leather for furniture.
We have broken down the various treatments and the resulting leather type.