1. Is Leather Furniture For You?
The tanned hides and skins of animals (primarily cattle) are processed to create the leather that
is used for furniture. As a fabric, it can't be beat; it ages well, is durable, stain resistant, and has
a unique personality. But depending on the grade and type used, leather can be costly than other
furniture coverings.
Whether you choose a leather sectional, leather reclining couch, or leather recliner chair, there
are numerous options to help you stay within your budget. These include:
Leather Furniture
Traditional leather - beautiful, rugged, and easy to blend into any decor
Bonded leather - take genuine leather fibers, recycle them, bond with latex, and cover with
polyurethane, and you've got bonded leather. Sporting a "grain-like" pattern, it's a less pricey
alternative to the genuine stuff
Leather/vinyl - the best of both worlds, leather/vinyl combinations puts top grain leather
everywhere your body touches (like the seat, back, footrest and arms), and uses perfectly
matched vinyl everywhere else (like the outside arms and backs). It offers the look and feel of
genuine leather at a fraction of the cost.
So if you're thinking "leather furniture," is expensive, there are affordable alternatives
available. Try them and you may be surprised to find they offer all the benefits and features of
quality leather at a much lower cost.
Leather furniture has many advantages; it's easy on the eyes, durable, comfortable, and can
work well in both traditional and contemporary design schemes. Keeping it looking great and
maintaining the integrity of the grain requires some easy maintenance. Here are some quick tips
on leather care for reclining sofas, chairs, or loveseats:
dining room furniture
Conditioners and chemicals are not recommended for leather, especially considering that most
leathers are already treated.
Clean up any spills with a neutral soap diluted with water. Use a dry, soft, white rag.
Dust your leather furniture occasionally with a damp cloth.
If you select leather/vinyl, clean the leather sections as recommended above. For the vinyl
sections, it's still a good idea to avoid harsh chemicals. Instead, use a soft cloth dampened with
a solution of mild soap and water to clean up spills. Make sure to go over the area with a dry
cloth afterward to remove moisture.
Keep in mind that leather is a natural material, so it's normal for it to change slightly over time.
Most people welcome the change, as this "graceful aging" is one of the things that makes
leather leather!