About Leather

If you are considering leather furniture, here are a few things to know:
The first purchase of leather can raise many questions and concerns on your part. In every furniture store you will receive valuable answers to your questions. Here are a few tips that will reveal the nature of your furniture:

How do you know if your sofa is made of real leather?

First, you need to check the back of your furniture. When the furniture is made of real leather, you will never find the back completely covered with a single piece of skin, otherwise it is probably not real animal skin because you have to take into account the size of a real animal. So you have to look for a back covered with several pieces of skin, most of the pieces melt 3' by 6'. Moreover, real leather is not uniform everywhere and may have some imperfections. This indication will prove to you that the leather is unique. Finally, the back of real leather should not be soft to the touch.

Should you invest in high quality leather?

When you ask yourself this question you have to take into account the daily use. For example, if in your plans you would like to include a poutine and pizza tasting, it would be better to go with a less extravagant leather. Don't confuse quality and durability, the better quality leather is renamed because it feels good on the skin but it is less resistant than the lower quality leather. Indeed, leather of lesser quality requires additional finishing touches. The result is an extra finish that is more resistant to spills and stains. The best choice for most is to find a compromise between highly protected leathers and more natural soft leathers (full aniline). This compromise is called "semi-aniline". It is currently one of the most popular leather options on the market.

Why are there so many leather choices and such a difference in price?

Leather prices reflect the quality of the leather. Like diamonds, value is reflected by the lack of imperfection rather than size. Thus, a piece of skin with visible imperfections will not be as valuable as a small piece.

Aniline and a pigmented finish.

Here are some important things to know.
Pigment is a protective layer on your piece of leather. It makes the leather durable and allows it to resist stains. In addition, the pigment is cooler to the touch and can discolour when exposed to the sun for a very long time. It is easy to clean but can fade to dull colours after many years. 
A semi-aniline layer is a combination of aniline and pigment. This combination increases the skin's resistance while at the same time remaining pleasant to the touch. Thanks to the pigment the skin is easier to clean, does not absorb moisture, and gives a shine. While aniline gives the leather a natural look.
Aniline is a transparent organic layer that does not cover the entire colour. It is less resistant to stains but keeps the leather softer and warmer to the touch. Aniline should not be confused with suede, which comes from a rougher skin of lower quality.

Grain side leather and full grain leather.

When tanning leather, the leather can be separated into two layers. These two layers are called grain side leather and full grain leather. Grain side leather is mainly used for parts such as the back and sides because it is not as good in texture as full grain leather. Full grain leather is softer to the touch.

How do I care for leather?

To take care of the leather simply wipe it with a wet cloth. On the market there are several products specially made for cleaning leather, before using these products it is best to talk to a specialist.

What types of leather are easier to clean?

Leather is easier to clean than fabric and easier to repair. Aniline leather is easier to clean. Also, darker colours require less maintenance as they can better hide stains.

Does leather change or wear out after years?

Aniline-covered leather can look older over time. Leather protected with pigment can become softer to the touch. In addition, all leather can be damaged if it is not cleaned. On average, leather outperforms the material four times in longevity. It is important to remember that all leather and fabric can fade when exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time.