Leather Buying Guide

Searching for a luxury look that only gets better with age? Consider a leather living room set!

Real leather furniture offers instant heirloom appeal, superior resiliency and, as a natural material, will mature over time to develop a gorgeous patina that reflects its unique character and soft, lived-in texture.

We are always on the hunt for superior quality leather recliners, rockers, ottomans and other leather home furnishings, and would like to share this guide to help you find the perfect pieces to fit your lifestyle.

Full-Grain

As natural as it gets; thick, durable full-grain leather is made from the top portion of the hide and retains all original markings and texture for an authentic, one-of-a-kind look.

Top-Grain

Also sourced from the top portion of the hide, top-grain leather is thick and durable but is enhanced with a surface treatment to lightly smooth the natural texture and prepare the hide for better dye absorption.

These leathers are also often treated to an embossing process to give the hide a more consistent texture, commonly referred to as corrected-grain leather.

Split-Grain

Sourced from the underside of the hide, split-grain leather is often treated and embossed to match the color and look of top-grain leather.

This leather grade is often utilized to upholster the lesser-used areas of a furniture piece, such as the outer arms or back panels, as a cost-effective way to give a consistent allover look.

TREATMENTS & DYES

Full aniline treatments use a clear dye that embraces the natural color of the original leather.

Full Aniline Treatments

These treatments use a clear vegetable dye that embraces the natural color and character of the original leather. They are most commonly used on premium quality leathers to allow the unique scars, color variations and graining in the hide to shine. The leather enhances with age, developing a lived-in patina and coloring completely unique to that piece.

Semi-aniline treatments contain a protective coating and pigment for more consistent coloration.

Semi-Aniline Treatments

These treatments contain a light protective coating and a small amount of pigment for more consistent coloration throughout the hide. This allows for a wider color selection. Imperfections and character are still visible and a lighter patina will develop over time, giving your piece one-of-a-kind character with greater peace of mind against everyday wear.

SPECIALTY LEATHERS

Suede

Suede is a split-grain leather that has been buffed to reveal a supremely soft surface feel. Suede leather is typically used in clothing and fashion accessories. But suede can be a luxurious addition to furniture as well. Imagine sitting back in your suede power recliner, or lying on a living room couch, surrounded by the soft warmth of suede upholstery. It would definitely take reclining to another level!

Nubuck

Nubuck is a top-grain leather that has been buffed to remove the surface layer to create a velvety-soft feel. Nubuck is similar to suede, but normally more expensive. This is because the outer layer of calfskin used for nubuck, is tougher than the inner part used for the suede and therefore logically is stronger and will last longer. Nubuck is ideal for high-use furniture because of its durability.

Embossed

Embossing is the act of applying a pattern to leather by submitting it to extreme pressure under an embossing press. This is used to imitate a consistent texture or to apply a distinct design such as an alligator or stingray-inspired pattern.

Hair on Hide

Hair on hide describes leather hides with hair still attached, and often treated to enhance the natural hair or simulate a wide range of colors. This type of leather is normally used on sitting chairs and ottomans, and perhaps sofas or easy chairs.

CARING FOR LEATHER

Premium quality leather goods require regular cleaning and maintenance in order to extend their lifespan and preserve the natural beauty and texture. these are some recommended best practices for keeping your leather furniture healthy and clean:

Understand Aging

As a natural product, full, top-grain and split-grain leathers will reflect your everyday use. Small scratches, scuffs and scarring will darken into a luxurious patina with rich character that builds slowly with age.

That doesn't mean it's time to throw away your furniture. On the contrary, gradual aging is one of the beautiful things about genuine leather. Over the years this furniture piece will look very different than when it was first purchased – and that is a beautiful thing!

Dust-Free & Darkness

Constant exposure to dust and direct sunlight can dry out your leather, causing it to lose its soft texture, fade in color and eventually crack.

Avoid positioning your furniture in direct light if possible, and if not, be sure to throw a blanket or cover over the piece when not in use to help protect it.

Dust periodically with a dry cloth to keep dust particles from being absorbed into the surface.

Conservative Cleanings

If an accident happens on your leather furniture, keep calm and be patient. Avoid using abrasive techniques, materials or chemicals and understand that the stain will eventually be absorbed into the hide, adding to the lived-in look and patina of the piece.

Contain the stain as quickly as possible and blot up any excess liquid or material with a damp cloth A simple solution of water and dish soap works best for spot cleanings.

If using a leather conditioner, we recommend seeking the advice of a professional or to test a small section with your conditioner of choice prior to allover application.

HOW WE’RE DIFFERENT

In addition to searching far and wide for deals on leather recliner chairs, sofas and other furnishings, we source off-price leather. Manufacturers usually have leather in-stock that they are trying to move. When over half the cost of a leather sofa set can be from the cost of leather alone, this allows us to offer huge savings.