Leather for Beauty, Comfort and lasting Quality
Supple and luxurious, leather lends itself
beautifully to the sophisticated, sleek, clean lines of Contemporary
furniture designs. With draping capabilities, which emphasize the
great shapes of today's high-fashion styles, leather is the perfect cover.
Yet, when seeking the perfect sofa, sectional or
chair that speaks to you personally, experts say that a soft and
plush hand (or feel) of leather covering the frame is the factor
often trumping all else in the majority of shoppers' buying decisions.
That's not too surprising given that touch is the
first sense we experience in the womb, and the last to leave us in the aging
process. A superbly soft leather just feels wonderful, and well, sexy - making
our initial attraction and emotional response with this
natural, luxe material extremely visceral. If you want the attraction to
develop into a relationship that can go the distance; however, it
is important to ask (and answer) a few questions to determine
compatibility.
Who (and what) Do You Love?
Be upfront with your salesperson or design
consultant about all other loves in your life, particularly kids and pets.
Not all leathers are created equal and durability is a factor to consider.
Also, be open about your lifestyle; meaning, what, where and how
often the furniture will be used.
"The fact is, a quality leather can last a
very long time," relates one of our upholstery experts, "And
when you are investing in great, quality design, you want longevity."
As wise a choice as leather furniture can be,
education is key in determining the ideal grade of leather for your
unique circumstances, and will ensure you receive the best value for your
investment.
A family with small children and a couple of dogs
who like to nap on the sofa may not want a naked, or untreated,aniline leather
which offers no protection from stains in their family room. And if they do,
they should be sure to understand what to expect in how the leather will
wear over the long haul. High-traffic space or not, that same family may also
not want a fully protected leather due to the difference in the feel of the
material. [See accompanying story]. The good news is that we can help choose
the ideal leather, which may be one with some protectant that still has a soft,
supple feel.
Why Top Grain is Tops
Leather furniture prices are largely determined
by the quality or grade of the leather. Leathers are graded by the
size, location and extent of the natural blemishes, such as wrinkles
and scars that are inherent in all natural hides.
Hides are separated into layers. "The very
top layer is known as the top grain, and if you were to examine the top layer
under a microscope, you would see fibers running in every direction, making the
top grain layer of the hide very, very strong," says Rob, our leather
expert.
There's a vast range of quality and price within
top grain leathers, and what's best for one may not be best for others. Part of
leather furniture's appeal is luxuriant comfort. "The finest of top grain
leathers will have the softest feel, but may not be as desirable if ease of
care is important within your house," advises one expert. "They do
tend to be a little more temperamental."
Finally, no matter how well it is cared for, all
upholstered furniture will fade with time when exposed to light and
heat. We can offer suggestions and solutions to help you get the most out of
your leather.
Leather,
By Definition
Aniline: Only the best,
blemish-free hides are soaked
in the aniline dyes used to create this
exceptionally
sumptuous and soft "naked" leather,
with no other finishes
or pigments applied.
Semi-aniline: Sometimes called
"protected", these leathers
have a small amount of pigment, giving them
slightly better
protection against stains and fading.
Pigmented: The least
costly, and generally the most stain
and scuff-resistant, pigmented leathers are also
somewhat
stiffer. Perfect for family use.
Pull-up: Full anilines
that have been processed to produce
a weathered, or distressed look.
Embossed: Lower-grade
hides that have been imprinted
with any of a wide
range of textures.
