Furniture FAQ's

Have questions about buying leather furniture? You're not alone. With the range of styles, grades and colors available, buying leather furniture can seem overwhelming. Here are some commonly asked questions & answers.

1. Where do leathers come from and why are there so many choices and price differences?
2. How is leather made?
3. What is the difference between top grain and split grain?
4. How can I tell if the genuine leather I'm buying is good quality?
5. I've heard leather furniture is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Is that true?
6. How do I take care of my leather furniture?
7. Are some types of leather or colors easier to take care of than others?
8. What happens to leather over time? Does it change or wear out?
9. How can I tell if my furniture is made of genuine leather?
10. The information I've head about aniline and pigment finishing is confusing. What does it all mean and does it really make a difference?

Q: Where do leathers come from and why are there so many choices and price differences?

A: Leather is sourced from all over the world. Furniture leathers come primarily from tanneries in South America, Germany and Italy. Every leather is individually assessed for its quality and use, resulting in a range of prices and grades that allow you to match your leather to your budget and lifestyle.

Back to top of page

Q: How is leather made?

A: Leather is a natural animal product. There are four processes to turn raw hides into finished leather ready for upholstery. 1) Splitting: sorting and grading 2) Tanning: preserves, softens and prepares for the dye 3) Coloring: dying the hide with either aniline, semi aniline or pigment dyes 4) Finishing: prevents cracking and peeling.

Back to top of page

Q: What is the difference between top grain and split grain?

A: At the tannery, a leather hide is split into 2 layers - top grain and the lower grain or "split." The lower, bottom grain is the flesh piece and may be split one or more times. The lower grain is likely to be used on the outside parts of a piece of furniture.

Back to top of page

Q: How can I tell if the genuine leather I'm buying is good quality?

A: All genuine cowhide leathers are good quality and a good investment. Better leathers are softer, slightly warmer to the touch, more pliable and slightly heavier.

Back to top of page

Q: I've heard leather furniture is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Is that true?

A: No, leather's many tiny pores enable it to breath and adjust to your body temperature. Leather remains pliable and comfortable regardless of the temperature.

Back to top of page

Q: How do I take care of my leather furniture?

A: Soiled areas of leather should be cleaned with leather care and protection products. Regular dusting with a damp, clean cloth is advised.

Back to top of page

Q: Are some types of leather or colors easier to take care of than others?

A: Leather with heavier pigment (opaque coloring) and corrected grain are the easiest to care for. Aniline leathers, with transparent color, require more delicate care. Darker colors tend to hide dirt and soil more easily than lighter colors. All leathers can be repaired or refinished.

Back to top of page

Q: What happens to leather over time? Does it change or wear out?

A: Aniline leathers, with their light protection, may produce an aged "patina" finish over time adding to their natural character. Protected pigment leathers will become more subtle and soft over time. Leather outlasts synthetic materials 4 to 1 and will not easily show wear. Leather will not tear and is difficult to puncture. All leather and synthetic materials have a tendency to fade if subjected to direct sunlight for long periods of time.

Back to top of page

Q: How can I tell if my furniture is made of genuine leather?

A: Genuine leather may contain subtle markings that distinguish it from synthetic materials. It will typically be warmer to the touch than leather imitation materials. A large surface of leather is often sewn with smaller pieces to ensure a more consistent finish. To make leather products more affordable, some furniture manufacturers color match top grain leather with splits of vinyl on the outside back.

Back to top of page

Q: The information I've head about aniline and pigment finishing is confusing. What does it all mean and does it really make a difference?

A: Every tanned hide is finished. Pigment: protective opaque color that coats the grain very consistently. It is the most durable, stain resistant finish but is slightly cooler to the touch. Semi-aniline: combines aniline with pigment to enhance uniformity in color and soil resistance while remaining soft to the touch Aniline: clear (transparent) organic stain, which colors but doesn't coat completely. It is less stain resistant, but leaves the hide softer, more pliable and warmer to the touch.

Back to top of page