Leather has always been a popular topic centering around interior design and durable furniture. In fact, MasterClass explains, “Leather has been used for a variety of items for more than 7,000 years, and it is still a popular textile today.” However, buying leather furniture takes serious consideration, and it can be difficult to determine what to know before buying leather furniture. Fortunately, the digital age has made it significantly easier to access reliable information to help you in your buying process.
However, before you go on that wonderful journey to buy leather sofas in Sarasota, there are three things you should know.
1. Terms to Be Familiar With
First and foremost, it’s important to know some common words you’ll hear regarding leather furniture:
- Aniline – The best quality of leather you will find is full-grain aniline leather, and you’ll see it in the price. It isn’t processed, so it retains its durability and unique markings from skins or hides.
- Semi-aniline – Also of the highest-quality grain leather, but while aniline hosts the best unique characteristics, semi-aniline is more durable.
- Genuine leather – This term can be misleading! Yes, it is real leather. However, it is the poorest quality of real leather you can get. Still good for people on a budget who want a kind-of “real leather” experience.
- Corrected grain – Refers to the leather being altered to achieve a specific look.
- Full-grain – Refers to the strongest part of the hide. It isn’t manipulated and is more durable than other grain options.
- Top-grain leather – While it isn’t very processed, some imperfections have been buffed out. It also feels harder.
- Splits – Refers to the layer of skin that ‘splits’ away from top-grain leather. It’s cheaper than full and top-grain options, but it is also less durable and not as long-lasting.
2. The Difference Between Real Leather, Faux, and Bonded
Allen Zadoff once said, “It’s the kind of leather seat that pulls you in, begs to relax against it,” which is a great quote about the appeal of leather furniture. However, what kind of leather pulled him in?
We may never know, but it’s up to you to know the difference between real leather, faux, and bonded so you can vet your options and find “the kind of leather” that pulls you in for relaxation.
Real Leather
Here is where remembering your leather terms will come in handy. Real leather is also known as “full-grain,” and it hosts several imperfections. In most cases, that might sound unappealing. For leather, that’s what gives it its unique character and quality. Real leather is also significantly more durable than the alternatives and can be recognized by its distinct “leathery” smell and typically flawed backside in furniture.
Faux
Faux, on the other hand, is artificially man-made leather. It’s the “perfect” alternative to real leather, only in the sense that it is quite literally perfect – no blemishes. It is by no means better than real leather as it is less durable and often has a weird “plastic” smell to it. However, for the buyer who prefers perfection and doesn’t have as big of a budget, faux can be the way to go as it is at least better than bonded leather.
Bonded
Bonded leather is cheaper than faux and real leather, but for a good reason. It’s simply not as good. In fact, it resembles leather, but it’s debatable whether it can actually be considered ‘leather.’ It is mixed with scrap pieces of real and fake leather, then heavily processed.
Dengarden states perfectly, “By definition, it has to be only 17% leather. So leather is to bonded leather what chicken is to chicken McNuggets (or pressboard to wood, or dryer lint to fabric). In other words, it’s processed beyond recognition.” Meaning, if you’re looking for something that looks like leather for cheap, then bonded is your way to go.
2. Higher Quality Means Higher Price
It’s the rule of the game – with great quality comes higher prices. In fact, chances are if you’re spending a lot of money on your leather furniture, it is real leather or at least ranking in the top.
RMRS explains that leather grade numbers represent the quality of the layer of the hide used and determines the price:
- 1st Grade – Best value, uses the top 13% of the hide. Close-fibered and water-resistant.
- 2nd Grade – Good value, uses the next 30% of the hide.
- 3rd Grade – Doubtful value, 32% of the hide. Absorbs water and swells up.
- 4th Grade – The bottom layer of the hide, only good for a part of the item that is not exposed.
Where to Buy Your Leather Furniture
Florida Leather Gallery is no stranger to high-quality leather furniture in various styles to fit your needs. When out and about, meet with our friendly team at one of our 5 convenient locations for additional guidance on what will suit you and your space best. Or, contact us anytime for more questions and resources regarding our leather furniture.
