When purchasing a new couch or sofa set, you want it to last for years. Real leather couches are known to last much longer than their upholstered, or faux leather counterparts, but they’re also more expensive.
Before we begin, take a look at this article to learn about the different types of leather used in furniture. This will give you an idea of the different grades of leather and what to look for.
Now, let’s take a look at how much leather sofas can really cost.
What are you paying for?
When you buy a leather couch, the majority of the cost is the leather itself. Leather is considered a commodity item. All leather hides must be treated in a costly manner, with only the top 3-5% of hides being used in production. These hides are then rated for their quality, as first, second, and third grade. Any corrections made to the hide and grain make the leather less valuable. Full grain, or pure aniline leather is the most premium leather available. All imperfections, such as folds, scars, and wrinkles are visible. Leather quality is the main factor in the price of a real leather sofa.
Initial Price
Upholstered sofas are generally 5-25% cheaper than a leather sofa of the same size. A high-quality fabric sofa or set will run about $1,000-$5,000. A real leather couch the same size will be about $1,200-$7,000. Designer pieces, of course, will run higher. Since leather is considered timeless and versatile, it is also more valuable. Fabric sofas can be made quickly to suit rapidly changing interior design trends.
Leather sofas are manufactured with more care and precision, with higher quality materials, making them more durable. A leather couch will cost you more money now, but in the long run, you’ll actually save money if properly cared for! Did you know that late summer and early autumn is the best time to shop for couches? Look for sales, like FineFurnitureSanDiego.com frequent sales for special savings.
Maintenance and Repair
Upholstered furniture requires more frequent care —vacuuming, cleaning, fabric repair, etc, but did you know that leather furniture needs some TLC, too? Pleather, or faux leather couches crack and peel, whereas real leather couches will develop a butter-soft patina that looks and feels better with time. To keep your leather couch looking and feeling beautiful, you will need to put in some work and a few dollars. Leather couches can be cleaned easily with soap and water, but be careful to use a soft cloth and not to let stains set in. As your couch ages, you may want to condition your couch occasionally as well.
Leather Furniture Repair
What about repairs? New puppy or rough move? No need to panic, there are experts who can help you. Furniture repair shops are the way to go. Their experts can give you a quote so you know what to expect. Luckily, leather is tough and it’s unlikely you’ll need to repair an entire sofa.
When you purchase a low-quality sofa, you need to be prepared to replace it again in a few years. These sofas are made with cheap materials that will quickly degrade. In a few years, they won’t have that soft, snooze-ready feeling, but instead will feel lumpy and hard.
Buying longer-lasting furniture is better for the environment as well, since you’re not having to replace it every few years. If you take excellent care of your real leather couches, they will need to be replaced only once or twice in your lifetime.
Buy Real Leather Sofas Online
When it is time for a new couch, visit our online showroom to check out our living room collection, or get in touch with our furniture expects.
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