6 Questions to Ask When Shopping for Quality Leather Furniture

November 20, 2020

As more people turn to the internet to purchase leather furniture from online retailers, you may wonder if stopping by your local leather furniture store is worth the trouble. The answer? Absolutely! At Florida Leather Gallery, we are eager to show you the difference that in-person furniture shopping can make when searching for the best leather furnishings for your home’s unique needs. To keep your furniture shopping experience as smooth, productive, and enjoyable as possible, be sure to ask our leather furniture experts these important questions.

What Does the Price Include?

Furniture can be expensive. Because of this, it’s important to choose quality furnishings that will serve your family well for years to come. Part of this entails knowing what you’re paying for before you buy an item. You may think you know what you’re getting for the price, but different options and factors could cause you to spend more than you had in mind. Be sure to ask your salesperson these important questions before purchasing your next piece of leather furniture:

Is there a price difference between different styles of the same piece?
Are there customizable features that could affect the price?
Is tax included?
Is there an extra charge for shipping and assembly?
What accessories, such as pillows, come with it?
Is the warranty included? What does it cover?
Will the store price match a competitor’s price for the same item?
Are there different payment options?

How Was the Furniture Made?

You don’t have to be a carpenter or interior designer to buy well-made leather furnishings. While a piece may look sturdy on the showroom floor, you don’t want to realize that it wasn’t what you thought after you bring it home. To avoid having to replace your leather sofa or dining room chairs every few years, be sure to ask how they were made. At your furniture store in Fort Myers, choose pieces that:

Are made from hardwood rather than particle boards or softwood.
Have joints that have been glued and screwed or reinforced.
Have legs and arms that are made from the same material as the frame.
Have quality filling that will be comfortable and attractive for years.

Choosing well-made leather furniture is the secret to investing in quality pieces that will add to the comfort and style of your home for years to come.

How Long Can I Expect the Piece to Last?

There’s nothing worse than purchasing a piece of leather furniture that you plan to use for ten years only to realize it’s worn out after five. Save yourself the expense and headache of having to replace your furniture before you’re ready by asking your salesperson how long you can realistically expect the piece you’re interested in to last. Some helpful questions include:

How long should the leather look like new?
How might its appearance change over time?
Has it been tested for durability?
How should I care for it to maximize its lifespan?
Does the store offer a money-back guarantee?

What Kind of Leather is This?

Not all leathers are created equally, and that’s okay. Having a variety of different types of leather means differences in how the piece will look, feel, and cost. You don’t have to be a leather expert to know what type of leather furniture would work best in your home. Here are the basics that will ensure you find a leather furnishing that is as beautiful as it is practical for your lifestyle.

Full grain: Taken from the outer layer of the hide, this leather is strong, durable, and ages well. It’s resistant to moisture and will last for many years, but is typically more expensive than other leather types.
Top grain: This leather has a gorgeous, blemish-free finish that is particularly soft and luxurious. Because it has been treated to remove any natural imperfections in the leather, it’s less durable than full grain leather and also costs more than split or bonded leather.
Split leather: Made from the middle layer of the hide, this leather is soft and attractive. While it’s more affordable than full or top grain leather, it’s also less durable.
Bonded leather: This leather is made from scraps of other leathers, and is only required to contain 17% of actual leather. It’s usually the most affordable leather option and easy to clean, but is not as durable or comfortable as split or top grains.

Along with leather types, be sure to ask about how the leather was dyed. Pure aniline, semi-aniline, and pigmented dyes will all affect how the leather looks, feels, and wears over time. Don’t be afraid to ask your leather furniture salesperson the difference between grains and dyes to ensure that you get the best leather furnishing for your home.

How Should I Care for My Leather Furniture?

While leather furniture is a great option for high-traffic living spaces, families with young children, and pet-friendly homes, your leather furniture should still be properly cared for. Be sure to ask your leather furniture expert the best ways to clean and maintain your leather sectional, ottoman, or recliner. Are there specific products that should be used to protect or clean them? What techniques should be avoided? Taking note of the dos and don’ts of owning leather furniture can make all the difference in keeping them in tip-top condition.

Why Should I Buy From You?

With the internet right at your fingertips, you as a consumer have a variety of options when it comes to shopping for the perfect leather furnishings for your home. Don’t hesitate to ask the salesperson at your local furniture store what sets them apart from their competitors. You should be blown away by their customer service, selection of merchandise, warranties, and prices. There’s no shame in having high expectations for the people who should be striving to earn and keep your business.

Shopping for beautiful, quality leather seating in Sarasota doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By shopping at the convenient Florida Leather Gallery showroom or giving us a call to ask our knowledgeable team a few important questions, you’ll be sure to get the most bang for your buck when decorating any space in your home.