Leather furniture is known for its beauty and durability. One of the benefits of leather furniture is that as the years go by, well-cared for leather actually looks better as it ages. Soft and cool to the touch, leather adjusts to your body temperature so it’s comfort matches the visual appeal and beauty.
The Ava Recliner is made from beautiful top grain leather.
What are the different types of leather?
Leather furniture is made out of several different types of leather. The type of leather used is classified based on the layers of hide. The most common types of leather are full grain, top grain, genuine, and corrected leather. Let’s break down the different types of leather below and explain how they’re different. As a bonus, you’ll learn about the types of leather finish as well.
4 Types of Leather
1) Full Grain Leather
Full grain leather is the highest quality leather you can purchase. It is the most natural and goes through virtual no processing to change the properties of the furniture, leaving it smooth and practically flawless, making it popular for use in high end furniture. Full grain leather contains more fibers and tighter collagen bundles, creating a more sturdy leather. Full grain leather is made to last and creates heirloom items that can be used for decades with proper care.
Over time, full grain leather will develop a thin layer, called a patina, that protects the leather from damage. You’ve likely noticed this in leather couches where the most common areas where your body comes into contact with a couch for example (seat bottom and seat back) has a slightly different colored surface than the rest of the couch.
Full grain leather is prized for its luxurious feel and resilience. There are also some manufacturers that will dye full grain leather to give it the aged look of a heirloom furnishing. This is all a matter of preference depending on the style of decor in your home and whether you’d like to achieve the look naturally or use enhancements to create the look and feel.
2) Top Grain Leather
Top grain leather is the second highest quality of leather you can buy. It is sanded down to make it smoother and more finessed than the more natural, full grain leather. This process creates a breathable and durable leather, that is more stain resistant than full grain leather. Like full grain, top grain leather will also develop a protective layer. Top grain leather is popular for furniture because is thin, pliable, and readily available.
Think of top grain leather as a naturally occurring leather that’s processed to improve functional use and durability for those with a utilitarian point of view. Similar to full grain, top grain leather also lasts very long.
3) Genuine Leather
Genuine leather is the most economical type leather available on the market. It’s made from the remaining leather pieces after processing higher-quality leather such as full grain or top grain. Because of this, genuine leather does not hold the same quality of durability as other leathers and will last 2 – 5 years depending on how often you use it and other factors. Genuine leather is still a popular choice because it is affordable, widely available, and provides the luxe appeal of leather furniture.
4) Corrected Grain Leather
Corrected grain leather is created from leather hides that don’t meet quality standards. This leather is sanded down and worked by skilled professionals. Artificial grain and dyes or stains are added to corrected grain leather to make it more attractive and durable. Corrected grain leather is widely available and is used to make unnaturally dyed leather pieces.
5 Types of Leather finishes
- Aniline Transparent dye used to saturate full grain leathers to provide extra protection and enhance natural beauty of the grain.
- Pure-aniline Least stain resistant, but softest leather. Sometimes referred to as “naked leather,” pure-aniline leather has rich natural color.
- Semi-aniline Top grain leather that has been coated for protection, but retains natural look and softness.
- Pigmented Leather is sometimes finished with a protective, colored coating that hides flaws and makes the leather more durable.
Deals on Nice Leather Furniture
You are now ready to shop for leather furniture! Whether you are looking for a plush sofa or a cozy armchair, Fine Furniture San Diego.com carries well-crafted leather furniture at the best prices available. Our catalogue is fresh with beautiful, high-quality furniture so visit our website or contact one of our furniture experts for help finding the right item for you.
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