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Buying Leather

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David Mitcham

Cleantalk Member
If you were in the market for a new leather sofa which I am , what do I need to be looking for in best types of leather & quality. I no my carpets and what's good etc but find leather a mind field of problems if I choose incorrectly, any pointers to best brands quality etc would be much appreciated

Thanks
David
 
Julian Rowe

Julian Rowe

Cleantalk Member
I have seen many issues with a wide range of leathers and some supposedly good quality sofas had major problems after a short period of time, and some cheap sofas lasted many years and just needed a clean. I would get it from a reputable retailer if your budget allows and maybe avoid the 'permanent sale' retailers such as dfs etc. I've seen inside what looked to be a nice quality leather sofa from scs or similar, and the frame was literally made of old pallets, hap hazzardly stapled together.
Whatever you go for, in general, you get what you pay for. Dont buy any kind of care kit from them, and get it protected as soon as you get it.

Aniline leather often has a rustic look and the scars, and texture of the hide is often visible, they usually feel softer and warmer to the touch but are difficult to clean and are susceptible to staining, particularly from heads and hands. If damaged, there's not a lot you can do invisibly in terms of repairs. Protected leather is easier to care for and if damaged is easy to repair, but its difficult to see how good quality the leather is, and they are colder to the touch. All the above is general info, and there are of course exceptions to everything Ive said, so please dont hold me to any of it! Hope it helps.

Cheers
Jules
 
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Judy Bass

LTT Leathercare
The best quality leather is always Full Grain leather which can come in a variety of finishes and will be the most hard wearing.
Frames should also be a consideration as this will also dictate the quality of the furniture. Always feel the weight of the furniture as this will indicate how good a frame it has.

Aniline leather is usually full grain and considered the best type of leather but will come at a price - it is easy to maintain with the correct products and will last much longer. Aniline furniture is also generally built on quality frames
Try Indigo Furniture, Barker and Stonehouse, Laura Ashley and some of the major high street stores. DFS usually have some too in their range
Aniline leather is the most natural of all the leathers and will bear the natural hallmarks of the animal - it is warmer to the touch and softer. Looked after correctly it will grow old gracefully and be a good investment but you have to like the look of this leather which you either will or won't!!

Pigment coated leather is generally made from inferior quality hides and will depend on how much has been done to the top surface to denote its quality and can range from good quality Micropigments (Full Grain leather) to very cheap which will be mostly nasty!!
Avoid bonded leather or anything like this as this by far the most inferior of the range
Although considered easier to look after it can damage quite easily so if children and pets are around it may not be the best option.

You will always get what you pay for with leather so the higher the budget the better the quality.

If you are unsure you can let me have a link to what you are considering and I will gladly help - unfortunately sales people and labels will be generally unhelpful and will bandy all sorts of terms around to make it sound good
Please ask away if you have further questions David and I will happily help point you in the right direction

Cheers
Judyb
 
Ian Hare

Ian Hare

Cleantalker Veteran
Dave, get out into the shops, look at a few you like and post some photos of them on here along with brief details of the retail outlet they are in and you'll get some positive feedback to your advantage.
 
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