Finding the Right Leather Furniture
September 24th, 2007 by Home ProJust like that favorite pair of leather shoes – they looked great when you bought them, but the more you wear them the more you love them. It’s the same concept with leather furniture - it just gets better with age.
If you’re longing to relax in a comfortable leather recliner with your favorite book or take a nap on your plush leather sofa, your options for finding just what you want is a real possibility. Nothing can bring more contentment than the rich, elegant style of leather furniture. Its extraordinary timeless grace brings a warm, inviting feeling into any room like no other furniture.
Because leather is a natural product, it works well in any setting and in any season. One of the greatest characteristics of leather include its ability to adjust to changing temperatures, feeling warm and cozy in the winter, and cool and comfy in the warmer months. The durability of leather can’t be beat, primarily because as it wears, it begins to look and feel even more comfortable with each passing year. You’ll love it even more as it develops its own unique character over time.
When you’re planning to invest in leather furniture, regardless of whether it’s one piece or a whole group for your living room or den, it makes sense to do a little investigation before you make the purchase that will guide you in the right direction. After all, this is a long-term investment and you should be happy with your choice from the start.
Six (6) things to consider that might help you make a great choice in fine leather furniture:
1. Even middle-grade leather is beautiful and durable.
If your budget allows, of course, you should buy top-of-the-line leather furniture. But if you need to be a bit more careful with your money, you can still purchase leather furniture that will last. Even middle-grade leather is still a great option and you don’t have to worry about the durability – it can withstand wear for many years. So don’t despair if you can’t purchase the most expensive leather furniture on the market. Just check out the availability of different grades of leather and make a choice that you can live with. You won’t be disappointed.
2. Perfection is not in the cards for leather.
When you’re shopping for leather furnishings, it’s necessary to realize that all leather will have various grains, textures, and lines. It’s not possible to find perfect leather. That’s part of the beauty of fine leather – the lines, grains, and imperfections make it unique. Of course, you should not expect huge variations in your pieces, but slight differences are normal. Each piece should coordinate in a subtle way and look as if it belongs with every other piece.
3. Purchase all pieces at the same time if possible.
If you’re thinking of buying one piece of leather furniture at a time to go easier on your budget, you might want to reconsider. If you can make it happen, buy all of your furniture at the same time. If you purchase your furniture pieces separately, the variations in color and texture can be much greater and much more obvious. This is especially important to consider with sectional pieces or matching ottomans.
4. Consider you family members and pets in your decision.
Your beautiful leather furniture can take a lot of wear, but don’t forget that not much can be done about magic markers and cat claw marks. Of course, the manufacturer won’t take responsibility for this kind of damage. Consider the location of your furniture and place it in a spot that will keep it out of harm’s way.
5. Sunshine fades leather.
Though leather furniture is one of the most durable types of furniture you can own, it must not be exposed to too much direct sunlight if you want it to last as long as it should. Harsh light will fade, break down, and dry out the leather. So, the location is of utmost importance. Of course, you can always use proper window treatments to alleviate this problem and place your furniture wherever you choose.
6. Most leathers are very easy to maintain.
Most all types of smooth leather furniture require very little maintenance - just light dusting and occasional cleaning with a warm, damp cloth. This is surely a topic for discussion with your seller. Some types of leather, such as nubuck, require cleaning with a suede brush. So be sure you have the appropriate amount of time to devote to the upkeep of your leather furniture.
After considering the most important concerns of owning leather furniture, you just might decide it’s the perfect choice for you and your family. You will find many beautiful options for luxurious leather furniture when you’re ready to begin picking out the size, color, and style that fits into your home best.
DirectBuy has a large selection of brand-name leather furniture and accessories available at manufacturer direct wholesale prices from top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. A one-stop shop for all your furnishing, home building and remodeling needs, DirectBuy has virtually everything – including the kitchen sink – for in and around your home.
Tags: Family Room Furniture, Leather Chairs, Leather Furniture, Leather Ottomans, Leather Sofas
September 25th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
I purchased my last living room set from Rooms To Go and am looking for a major upgrade. I was later told that the “leather” furniture I bought was very cheap. To make a long story short, how can I tell the difference between quality and cheap leather furniture?
October 2nd, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Hi Mike,
That’s a great – but somewhat tricky – question!
It all depends on your family’s needs. Traditionally, full aniline has been considered the highest-quality leather, because of its soft texture and natural beauty. It’s also rare, so it’s the most expensive type of leather.
However, when you’re shopping for leather furniture, it’s easy to think that the highest-grade, most expensive leather equates to the best option. But this rule isn’t always accurate. For many consumers, the middle grade is the option of choice, as it can better withstand normal wear and tear while still looking attractive.
The best way to know for sure which leather furniture is right for your family is to do your research. Spend time looking at different types so that you can figure out what appeals to you. Also, remember to consult your manufacturer before you buy about factors like how the leather will stand up to everyday use and what kind of maintenance routine you can expect.
If you need more help, your local DirectBuy showroom offers leather furniture to fit your budget, plus interior designers and product specialists specially trained to help you find the furniture that’s right for you.
October 5th, 2007 at 11:14 am
I noticed your article suggests that you purchase all pieces of leather furniture at the same time to make sure the pieces coordinate. What do you think about mixing a leather sofa with coordinating upholstered chairs?
October 9th, 2007 at 11:32 am
Hi Betty,
Many homeowners are perplexed by the “to match or not to match” question. But it’s important to keep in mind that, ultimately, creating the home of your dreams is more about your own enjoyment of it than about following a rigid set of decorating rules.
Without seeing your room, we can’t say for sure that the leather sofa and upholstered chairs will work well in your home. But there’s certainly no reason why you have to stick to all leather furniture or all upholstered furniture. Combining both will give your room more variety in textures, which is a goal of interior designers.
For some examples of mixing leather and upholstered furniture, see the Dream Rooms created exclusively for DirectBuy by design guru and bestselling author Christopher Lowell. Using his Seven Layers of Design philosophy, Lowell effortlessly combines products from DirectBuy catalogs for rooms that are sure to inspire you to mix and match to your heart’s content.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:08 am
I like leather, but if I choose it for my new furniture, will it hold up like upholstery?
October 16th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Hi Britney,
There’s nothing like the feeling of sinking into a plush leather sofa or kicking up your feet on a leather recliner.
But not only is leather the ultimate luxury, it is also a surprisingly practical. Leather is the strongest upholstery material known to man, and its natural strength makes it much more difficult to tear, puncture, burn or melt than fabrics or vinyls. This natural product also ages more gracefully than your typical slipcovered sofa.
Remember, to make your leather furniture last, keep it away from pets and extended periods of direct sunlight, if possible. Also, don’t forget the basic cleaning recommended by your manufacturer.
November 1st, 2007 at 11:21 am
If I have a pet, is leather furniture totally out of the question for me?
November 6th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Hi Anne,
We’ve heard this concern from a lot of pet owners!
The good news is, you don’t have to completely eliminate leather furniture from your wish list if you have pets. But you do need to think carefully about how your furniture will stand up to your furry friends.
Ask yourself a few questions:
• Do your pets think they are people, and lounge on your favorite chair or sofa accordingly? Or are they more inclined to nap in their own pet beds?
• Will you keep the furniture in a place where it will be accessible to your pets? Or will it be in a room where your pets won’t be?
• How do your pets treat your current furniture? Even if you don’t see them getting rambunctious on your furniture, do you notice claw marks or shedding?
It’s best to check with your manufacturer for recommendations. The manufacturer can also fill you in on pet-related warranty issues so that you can decide whether it’s worth taking a chance on introducing leather furniture to your pets.