Leather…the hallmark of quality and comfort in seating…the incomparable feel and aroma…a treat for all the senses. Fine quality leather furniture is the best investment you can make in seating pieces for your home. Fine leather – with care- will last four or five times longer than most fabrics. You’ll notice that I said “with care.” Leather requires care and maintenance just like a fine automobile, but caring for leather is much easier and less expensive.
Let’s devote a few lines to the different types of leather that are available. Top grain steerhide is the gold standard in most cases. The “top grain” is the outermost part of the hide…the part the hair grows out of. Hides are usually thick enough that they are shaved into several layers; the layers below the top grain are referred to as “split grain” leather or simply “splits.” Splits do not have the durability or grain pattern of the top grain; they are usually embossed with a grain pattern and are much less expensive than top grain leather. Splits are sometimes coated with polyurethane and sold as “bi-cast” leathers. You will also see “bonded” leather. Bonded leather is a mixture of ground leather scraps and other materials; it’s sort of the “particle board” of the leather industry. Once found mostly in book covers, bonded leather is now being used in inexpensive furniture.
There are other forms and grades of leather; top grain cowhide is from older animals and generally has more scars and natural markings than steerhide. Exotic hides such as lambskin, deerskin, and calfskin are available as well; these offer incredible softness but are thinner and more fragile than steerhide. Many leathers have at least some protective coating applied at the tannery; the amount varies with the coloring process. Other leathers, such as “nubuck” (it has a suede-like texture) cannot be given a protective coating; they feel wonderful but are vulnerable to soil and stains.
Expect some natural markings in better-quality leathers; they add character and are proof positive that you have not been sold a lesser-quality hide. If leather furniture appears to be “too cheap,” you can rest assured that there is a reason. You’ll pay more for top quality, but you’ll get a far better value for your money.
Now we’ll talk about keeping that leather piece in tip-top shape. Leather should be kept out of sunlight; even indirect sun can fade leather in a short time. Keep your leather furniture free of dust by dusting it weekly with a clean, soft cloth. Clean your leather thoroughly several times each year with an appropriate cleaning product followed by an application of the proper protectant for your particular type of hide. Most fine leather furniture manufacturers recommend LeatherMaster cleaners and protectants. You can visit their website at www.mmna.com for detailed cleaning and care tips. You may also order their products through the website. Failure to clean and protect your leather can cause real problems. Depending on the type of leather you have, the oils from your skin may darken the leather or, in some cases, take the color out of the hide. The use of some medications by the consumer can cause the leather to fade or darken as well.
If you’re considering leather furniture, do your homework first. Know what you’re buying; choose a leather that is compatible with your lifestyle and furniture from a quality manufacturer. Be sure you’re working with a reputable retailer who has a good record with the Better Business Bureau in your area. A good furniture store will provide invaluable advice during the decision process as well as service after the sale. You may pay a bit more up front, but your investment will yield dividends into the future.
And last – but not least- be willing to invest a few minutes a few times each year to give your fine leather the care it deserves.
Visit us at Bowen Town & Country Furniture and browse our collection of fine leather furniture! We are located at 1910 Mooney Street, right off Stratdford Road…near Hanes Mall.
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