Leather upholstery has long been used for upholstery and continues to be a popular choice for many reasons. Leather is strong, durable, and can last for decades with proper care. Leather also adds visual interest and warmth to an interior space. There are several different types of leather that are commonly used for upholstery:
- Full-Grain Leather – this type of leather offers the greatest degree of durability because it contains no sanded or buffed surfaces. This means that it maintains its natural grain pattern and all the inherent characteristics that come along with it such as strength and breathability. As a result, full-grain leather offers superior protection from wear and tear over time, making it a top choice for upholstery in high traffic areas.
- Top-Grain Leather – this type of leather has been sanded and buffed down to remove the surface grain layer, resulting in a smoother texture with fewer imperfections than full-grain leather. As a result, top-grain leather offers a more consistent look and feel as well as greater resistance to wear and tear over time. It is also slightly cheaper than full-grain leather, making it an excellent option for upholstery projects on a budget.
- Genuine Leather – this type of leather is made from the hide of animals such as cows or pigs that have been processed into a sheet of material with chemical treatments. It is significantly less expensive than both full-grain and top-grain leather and is often used for upholstering furniture in living rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
- Bonded Leather – this type of leather is made by adhering together small pieces of leather scraps with a synthetic backing layer to create a sheet of material. It is significantly cheaper than genuine leather and offers some degree of durability but not nearly as much as full-grain or top-grain leather.
When choosing the right type of leather for your upholstery project, it’s important to consider factors such as the desired look and feel, budget constraints, and general traffic levels within the space. Leather may cost more upfront but can last decades if properly cared for. No matter which type you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy the beautiful visual appeal and luxurious feel of leather upholstery for years to come.
For more information on Leather Upholstery, contact your local expert today. They can help you determine which type is best suited for your project needs. With their guidance, you’ll be sure to create an interior space that looks great and stands the test of time.
No matter what type of leather you choose, it’s important to provide proper care for your upholstered furniture in order to keep it looking great for many years to come. Leather should be frequently vacuumed and wiped down with a damp cloth on a regular basis in order to remove dirt and dust particles. Leather also requires occasional conditioning to replace the natural oils that have been lost due to use. Leather conditioners help restore suppleness and prevent cracking, which can cause premature aging of the leather upholstery.
