Buying a Leather Couch
When buying a new leather couch, there are a few questions you should ask yourself. What type of leather is it? Full grain leather is better than bonded leather, while bonded leather is a mix of real and faux leather. Should you go for animal leather or bonded leather? Find out more in this article. Below are some tips to help you choose the best leather couch for your home. Also, make sure to ask the retailer about the quality of the fabric.
Questions to ask before buying a leather couch
A leather couch can add instant luxury to your living room, but you should know about the different types of leather and how it is constructed. The type of leather you should be looking for is top-grain or full-grain leather. Avoid other types of leather, such as bonded, pleather, or synthetic. While most leather sofa sets are made from top-grain leather, you should ask about the different types of leather before you make your purchase.
Full-grain leather should be your first choice. Full-grain leather has no defects, and is the best choice for a couch. However, some retailers will not disclose the materials used for its various parts, so make sure to ask about it before you make your purchase. You should also make sure the upholstery is made of the same material as the frame. This will increase its durability, while adding comfort to your home.
Full grain leather is more durable than bonded leather
If you’re looking for a durable material for your furniture, then you need to know what full grain leather is. This type of leather is the strongest type, and it can last up to twenty-five, thirty, or even forty years. Antique leather is particularly valuable because of the patina that develops with age. Top grain leather, kidskin, and latigo are all strong and durable, but you can only expect them to last about fifteen years before they start to show signs of wear and tear.
Bonded leather is made from finely shredded leather that is bonded with latex or polyurethane. The ratio of leather in the mix varies from 10 percent to ninety percent, and this affects both its functional and aesthetic properties. Bonded leather also has a grain pattern that is stamped onto the surface, and it usually contains anywhere from ten to twenty percent genuine leather.
Bonded leather is a mix of faux and real leather
As a synthetic material, bonded leather is made from synthetic materials, such as polyurethane and dye, and embossed to look like real leather. Some manufacturers market their products as genuine leather, even though they contain 10 to 30 percent real animal hides. If you’re looking for a stylish piece of furniture with high-quality material, bonded leather may be a good choice.
However, bonded-leather furniture and products do not last as long as genuine leather. Because it is a combination of synthetic materials and animal hides, bonded leather tends to rip and crack after a few years of use. As a result, bonded leather items will probably need to be replaced sooner rather than later. As a result, bonded leather may be a good choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Animal leather is not a good choice
There are pros and cons to each type of leather used in upholstery. For instance, real leather is durable and attractive, but it comes from animals. If you are trying to avoid using animal products, you should stick with faux leather or another type of upholstery. However, if you are looking for durability, classic styling, and low maintenance, animal leather may be the perfect choice for you. If you are unsure about which type of leather is right for your couch, read on.
In Australia, there is no regulation of the leather industry, so be wary of ‘leather’ couches. Despite the appearance, these couches may be plastic rather than animal-derived material. Moreover, they may peel and tear much faster than genuine leather. In addition, some retailers do not disclose the material used for different parts of the couch. Therefore, it is important to ask your retailer about the type of leather used before making your final purchase.
Repositioning leather furniture to prevent fading
Repositioning leather furniture to avoid fading is important for a number of reasons. Exposure to sunlight can cause the colour to fade. This problem is most likely to occur with fully-finished or semi-aniline leathers. When a piece of leather furniture is placed next to a window, it will likely start fading within four to six months. You should consider installing window coverings to block the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.
Repositioning leather furniture is also important for bonded leather couches to avoid fading. This method ensures that the couch stays looking its best for many years to come. Unfortunately, bonded leather is not the most durable material and is prone to cracking and peeling within two to five years. Fortunately, you can still restore the original color by simply repositioning the sofa. Here are some other important tips for maintaining leather furniture:
Cleaning unprotected leather
To clean your unprotected leather couch, the first step is to avoid spills and stains. While water-based spills can be easily wiped away, a stubborn stain may require a more thorough cleaning. If the stain is water-based, you can wipe it with a soft cloth dampened with distilled water or lukewarm tap water. If the stain is not easily removed with these steps, you can use a cleaning product containing pure aniline solvents.
Before you begin cleaning your unprotected leather couch, it’s important to understand the difference between aniline and finished leather. Unprotected leather, also called aniline leather, lacks the protective coating that makes finished leather so durable. Because it’s unprotected, it is extremely susceptible to stains and spills and is harder to clean than other types. DIY solutions designed for finished leather are not suitable for unprotected leather.