Leather
furniture can be a great investment. Leather is a natural product and holds up
well for everyday use. There are several things that determine the quality and
therefore the cost of leather. Hides are split during processing into two or
more layers. Top grain leather comes from the top surface of the hide. It has a
dense cell structure and is best for furniture. Bottom layers, split leather,
often identified only as real leather or pure leather are not as strong and are
heavily processed with resins and applied texture. Split leather is used for clothing and
accessories, like purses and wallets. Top grain is the natural top surface or
fur side of the hide. If it does not have damage such as brand marks, insect
bites, or cuts it can be sold untreated and is called full grain. Undamaged
hides are rarer to acquire and therefore the most expensive. All the markings
on full grain leather are natural. Buffed full grain creates suede. Cooler
climates in Northern Europe where animals are
kept in pens or enclosed pastures produce the finest leather with the least
imperfections. Fewer than 5% of hides on the market are considered premium
select, the very top grade. The cost of leather is determined by the
origin of the animal and by supply and demand and not by the location of the
tannery.
Processed
top grain leather is most common and still excellent quality. More cattle roam
open ranges all over the world. Their hides are more weathered and have more
scarring. To make them attractive for furniture, the imperfections are buffed
out and sanded. Aniline dye is used to color the smoothed surface. Color can be
applied by spraying on, hand rubbing or immersion. Most quality leathers also
receive a clear top coat that encases the leather fibers and offers
Scotchguard-like protection. With no protective coating, leather shows wear
more quickly. Embossed leather has texture pressed into the surface by a
machine. Embossing can offer a more uniform texture or even some unique design
effects like pebble, crocodile and ostrich. Leather can be tumbled to soften
the hand. Some scarred leathers are left unprocessed with the branding and
imperfections visible. These work well in rustic or western design
applications.
Here are
a few things to notice when shopping for leather furniture. Leather seat
cushions are upholstered with denim or canvas on the underside to allow the
cushion to breathe and to let air escape when you sit down. Since leather is a
natural product, small imperfections, even in processed leathers, are to be
expected and are not considered defects. Color and grain patterns will vary
from hide to hide as well as on parts of individual hides. Quality furniture
makers work hard to match the color of hides on an individual piece of
furniture and to position any visible imperfections in inconspicuous places. If
there is a specific color desired, a color swatch sent to the manufacturer when
the order is placed can be used to match the hides they plan to use. In lower
end furniture, a coordinating vinyl is often placed on the back and even the
sides to cut material costs and to make the piece more affordable. These pieces
are called leather match or leather plus.
Caring
for leather is uncomplicated. Regular vacuuming and dusting with a dry cloth
will keep furniture in good shape. A quality leather conditioner should be
applied at least once a year, more often if the piece is used daily, to
maintain the leather's suppleness. Leather, like any upholstery fabric, will
fade if exposed to direct sunlight. Precautions should be taken by properly
covering windows with treatments or solar film. Leather should be kept at
least two feet away from heat sources like radiators, fireplaces and wood
stoves. Dry heat causes leather to crack. Cigarette and cigar smoke and other
air pollutants can cause color changes and fading. Sharp objects should not be
placed on leather furniture; durable is not puncture-proof. Cat's claws are not
a friend of leather. As little water as possible should be used to blot spills.
Household cleaners, soaps and soaking with water may ruin leather. For serious
spills and stains, seeking a professional leather cleaning specialist is
recommended. Minor scratches can often be rubbed out with a moist chamois or
the oil from your fingers. Attention to these details will keep leather
furniture looking its best and will improve its longevity.
Kristine Gregory is
principal of Bedeckers Interior Effects, Inc. an interior design firm in Midlothian, Virginia
specializing in custom window treatments and custom upholstery and providing a
full range of interior products. Kristine is an Allied Member of American
Society of Interior Designers, Past President of the Richmond Chapter of WCAA
and a Window Fashions Certified Professional - Specialist Level. She is the
only designer in the Richmond
area who is an expert in both the psychology of color and personal
organization. Visit her website at www.bedeckers.com and view her watercolors at https://kristinegregoryartist.blogspot.com/
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