Leather Buying Guide
TYPES OF LEATHER
Full-Grain
As natural as it gets; thick, durable full-grain leather is made from the top portion of the hide and retains all original markings and texture for an authentic, one-of-a-kind look.
Top-Grain
Also sourced from the top portion of the hide, top-grain leather is thick and durable but is enhanced with a surface treatment to lightly smooth the natural texture and prepare the hide for better dye absorption.
These leathers are also often treated to an embossing process to give the hide a more consistent texture, commonly referred to as corrected-grain leather.
Split-Grain
Sourced from the underside of the hide, split-grain leather is often treated and embossed to match the color and look of top-grain leather.
This leather grade is often utilized to upholster the lesser-used areas of a furniture piece, such as the outer arms or back panels, as a cost-effective way to give a consistent allover look.
TREATMENTS & DYES
Full Aniline Treatments
These treatments use a clear vegetable dye that embraces the natural color and character of the original leather. They are most commonly used on premium quality leathers to allow the unique scars, color variations and graining in the hide to shine. The leather enhances with age, developing a lived-in patina and coloring completely unique to that piece.
Semi-Aniline Treatments
These treatments contain a light protective coating and a small amount of pigment for more consistent coloration throughout the hide. This allows for a wider color selection. Imperfections and character are still visible and a lighter patina will develop over time, giving your piece one-of-a-kind character with greater peace of mind against everyday wear.
SPECIALTY LEATHERS
Suede
Split-grain leather that has been buffed to reveal a supremely soft surface feel.
Nubuck
Top-grain leather that has been buffed to remove the surface layer to create a velvety-soft feel
Embossed
A pattern that can be applied to leather by submitting it to extreme pressure under a embossing press. This is used to imitate a consistent texture or to apply a distinct design such as an alligator or stingray-inspired pattern.
Hair on Hide
Leather hides with hair still attached. They are often treated to enhance the natural hair or simulate a wide range of colors.
CARING FOR LEATHER
Premium quality leather goods require regular cleaning and maintenance in order to extend their lifespan and preserve the natural beauty and texture. These are some recommended best practices for keeping your leather furniture healthy and clean:
Understand Aging
As a natural product, full, top-grain and split-grain leathers will reflect your everyday use, and small scratches, scuffs and scarring will darken into a luxurious patina with rich character that builds slowly with age.
Over the years this furniture piece will look very different than when it was first purchased – and that is a beautiful thing!
Dust-Free & Darkness
Constant exposure to dust and direct sunlight can dry out your leather, causing it to lose its soft texture, fade in color and eventually crack.
Avoid positioning your furniture in direct light if possible, and if not, be sure to throw a blanket or cover over the piece when not in use to help protect it.
Dust periodically with a dry cloth to keep dust particles from being absorbed into the surface.
Conservative Cleanings
If an accident happens on your leather furniture, keep calm and be patient. Avoid using abrasive techniques, materials or chemicals and understand that the stain will eventually be absorbed into the hide, adding to the lived-in look and patina of the piece.
Contain the stain as quickly as possible and blot up any excess liquid or material with a damp cloth A simple solution of water and dish soap works best for spot cleanings
If using a leather conditioner, we recommend seeking the advice of a professional or to test a small section with your conditioner of choice prior to allover application.