When it comes to leather sofas, there are many things to consider before making a purchase. Not all leather is created equal, and there are different grades of leather that will affect the quality and price of the sofa. The most common animal leathers comes from cows, sheep, goats and pigs. In this article, we will focus solely on cow leather as it is the most typical upholstery leather for furniture. Here are some tips on what to look for when shopping for a quality leather sofa, as well as a few of our favourite picks from some of the top brands in the industry.
Six factors to look for when shopping for a leather sofa
The best way to find a quality leather sofa is to do your homework. There are six factors that you need to consider when shopping for your perfect sofa, whether it be a standard leather sofa, leather sofa bed or leather corner sofa:
- Price: Not all leather is created equal. Real leather is typically more expensive that faux leather. Full grain leather is the most luxurious and a highly suitable leather for a sofa, however it is also the most expensive. Bonded leather is the cheapest.
- Aesthetics: Leather furniture comes in a variety of colours to match different interior styles. Black leather is great for statement pieces. Leather sofas may also include features such as a solid wood frame or rolled arms.
- Durability: Leather is a notoriously durable material, but it’s still important to make sure your chosen sofa is built to last. Full grain leather is the most long lasting.
- Stain and fade resistance: Leather is a natural material, so it can stain easily and fade over time. Choose a sofa that is stain resistant and has a good fade resistance rating if you want it to last a long time.
- Maintenance: All leather furniture requires some level of maintenance, whether it’s regular cleaning or occasional conditioning. Be sure to ask about the required maintenance before you make your purchase.
- Feel: The feel of the leather furniture is an important consideration. Some people prefer a softer, more malleable leather, while others prefer a stiffer, more durable option.
If you want to dig a bit deeper into the above six factors, head over to our article on How to Choose The Right Sofa Upholstery Fabric. Also, if you want to inspect the manufacturing process and construction quality of your sofa, check out our article on How to Check the Quality of a Sofa!
Most common types of natural leather hides
There are several advantages and drawbacks of using natural leather upholstery. On the one hand, natural leather is exceptionally long-lasting and resilient to wear and tear. It’s also resistant to stains and spills, making it simple to maintain. However, expect some variations and fading in colour and texture as leather is a natural product. It can also be expensive. Keep reading as we explore the benefits and downsides of the seven most common types of natural leather.
1) Full grain leather
Full grain leather is the best grade of leather you can find in a sofa. It looks elegant and it is one of the strongest upholstery fabrics. However, it does have some downsides to consider before making your purchase. One downside is that full grain leather will wear down more quickly than other grades of leather, but this may be less noticeable with a darker colour or pattern. Full grain leather sofas are pricey as they require high quality materials and intensive labour in the production process.
2) Top grain leather
Top grain leather is the second highest quality all types of leather. The top layer is split from the hide giving it a natural grain pattern. Top grain leathers has a high resistance to water and scratching, but not as much flexibility as other types of leather. It also requires more maintenance than other grades because it can crack if left out in direct sunlight for too long or when exposed to extreme heat on a summer day.
3) Genuine leather
Genuine leather comes from the third layer of the cattle hide and is treated to the surface to give it a more uniform, “corrected” appearance. It is not as durable as top grain leather, however, it is still a good choice for furniture because of its natural beauty, smooth surface and softness. Because the process modifies some of leather’s desirable features, it isn’t the highest quality.
4) Split grain leather
Split grain leather is one of the most common types of leather for furniture. It’s made from split animal hides processed to create a soft yet tough material. Split leathers can be more durable than other forms because the natural fibres that make up the hide run in different directions giving it extra strength. For this reason, split leather is often used for sofas and chairs that people sit on a lot. As a downside to split grain leather, it scratches easily.
5) Corrected grain leather
Corrected grain leather is made from the second or third layer of the hide, and the surface is sanded down to remove any blemishes or irregularities. Corrected grain leathers are a good choice because they are durable and have a natural appearance. The leather is treated with a sanding process that makes it smoother, and then a pigment is applied. However, corrected grain leather is not as strong as full grain or top grain leather.
6) Bicast leather
Bicast leather comes from two different leather types: usually a top layer of full grain or top grain leather and a bottom layer of split leather. It is a less expensive option than full grain or top grain leather, but it is not as durable. It is characterized by its split leather construction with a layer of polyurethane applied to both sides for additional protection against spills, stains and wear-and-tear. Many prefer it over genuine leather as it doesn’t require as much maintenance and still looks great over time when cared for properly.
7) Bonded leather
Bonded leather comes from leftover scraps of leather put together with a polyurethane coating. It is one of the cheapest and most common leather options, but it also has the lowest quality. Bonded leathers are not as durable as other types of leather, and it can crack and peel over time.
Typical natural leather finishes
A real leather sofa can last for decades, but not all leather sofas will. In addition to the quality of the hide, the type of finish will affect how long it lasts. Some finishes produce a shiny surface that is very easy to clean and maintain, while others produce a more natural look with an uneven surface that requires more care. Stay tuned as we dive into the five most common types of leather finishes.
1) Pure aniline leather
A pure aniline leather finish provides natural beauty and softness. It is most often applied to full grain leather. The downside to this type of leather finish is that it is the most delicate, and it can be easily scratched or stained. It also requires special care to keep it looking its best.
Two examples of aniline finishes: smooth and distressed/embossed. Smooth finish leathers will feel more luxurious because there are no visible scratches or flaws; however, this also means they might not stand up over time as well as a distressed leather would. If you’re looking for a more rustic or vintage look, an embossed leather with a distressed finish is the perfect option.
2) Semi aniline leather
Semi aniline leather is a popular finish for full grain leather. It provides a good level of protection with light coating of dye and pigments, while still allowing the natural beauty of the leather to show. Semi aniline finished leather offer an excellent balance between depth and gloss for those who prefer modernity in their living room. Hides that have a semi aniline finish will still show natural markings and can scratch fairly easily, but they are also resistant to most types of staining. However, this type of finish is less protective and not recommended for households with children or pets.
3) Pigmented leather
Pigmented leather is a popular type of finish. Two leather types are used for pigmented leather: full grain and corrected grain leather. These leather types are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to staining. Pigmented leathers are not as soft as pure aniline leather or semi aniline leather, but they’re more affordable and can last for many years with proper care.
4) Nubuck or velvet suede leather
Nubuck finishes are typically applied to top grain leather. They have a velvety appearance and smooth hand feel from buffing the grain side of the hide while leaving its original finish on top, resulting in a durable yet luxurious surface. However, nubuck is susceptible to scratches and requires treatment with a protectant.
5) Suede leather
Suede leather finishes are typically cheaper and more common than other types of leather. It is made from split leather that has been sanded and dyed to create a plush, soft texture. Suede is available in many colours, but it does not have the same durability as other types of leathers and will show wear over time if not properly cared for.
Synthetic leather or coated fabrics
Faux leather or vinyl are fake leathers often used in sofas. They’re inexpensive, simple to maintain, and a more environmentally responsible alternative to real leather produced from living animals. These materials, on the other hand, can be less breathable, inflexible, and uncomfortable; they may not last as long as other leather types. Keep reading as we’ll touch on the benefits and downsides of the three most used faux leather materials!
1) Polyurethane leather
Polyurethane (“PU”) leather is a type of faux leather commonly used for vegan leather furniture. When brands speak of vegan leather, they are most commonly referring to PU leather. It’s a popular choice for sofa upholstery because it mimics a real leather look, is affordable and easy to care for. However, it is not as durable as genuine leather, and it can also be less comfortable.
2) Vinyl or polyvinyl chloride leather
Vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) leather is a popular choice as a furniture material, as it is budget friendly, easily maintained and great for the environment. Vinyl is very durable and can withstand a great deal of wear and tear. It is also resistant to fading, making it a good choice for furniture in sunny rooms. However, one downside of vinyl leather is that it can be quite stiff and inflexible, which can make it uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time.
3) Silicone leather
Synthetic silicone leather is a man-made eco-friendly product that has many benefits over natural leather. It is cheaper to produce, and it doesn’t require any of the special care that natural leather needs. It is also easier to clean and doesn’t show scratches as easily. Purchasing a sofa made of silicone leather is a great way to get the look and feel of leather without hurting the environment. However, there are some downsides to synthetic silicone leather. It is not as durable as natural leather, and it can be more prone to fading and staining.
How to care for your leather sofa
One important consideration is how to care for your new leather sofa. Leather requires special care and maintenance in order to keep it looking its best. Here are four tips on how to care for your new leather sofa. The same advice will apply regardless of whether you’re caring for leather back cushions, seat cushions, sofa cushions, throw pillows, furniture upholstery or other furniture made of leather.
Basics of leather sofa protection and cleaning
There are some fundamentals of leather sofa cleaning that we simply can’t get around. We’ve summarised the five most important pieces of advice:
- Apply a protective coating to the outer layer to save your leather sofa from stains, dirt and dust.
- Avoid exposing your sofa to direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the leather to fade and become brittle.
- Never use harsh chemicals or cleaning products on your leather sofa, as this can damage the surface and cause it to crack or peel.
- To clean your leather sofa, use a soft, damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap. Gently rub the cloth in a circular motion to clean the surface of the leather.
- After you clean your sofa, allow it to air dry completely before using it again.
Clean grease and oil stains
The foods we eat are full of oil and grease and can easily stain our sofas. Here’s how to get rid of grease and oil stains when they just won’t budge:
- Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda over the stain.
- Allow the baking soda to sit for a few hours or until the oil has been absorbed.
- Remove any remaining baking soda with a vacuum cleaner.
- If the stain is still visible, dampen a cloth with hydrogen peroxide and dab at the stain until it’s gone. Allow the area to dry completely before using it again.
Repair damages from scratches
Our furry friends brings us a lot of joy, but sometimes innocent play results in unfortunate accidents for our furniture. It can be notoriously difficult to repair damages from scratches on leather sofas, but follow the three steps below and hopefully you’ll be alright:
- Clean the scratch with a mild cleaning solution (any of the ones mentioned in the steps above will do).
- Apply a light oil, such as baby oil, to a cotton ball and rub over the scratch. Make circular motions over it when wiping it away.
- Once it has dried, wipe any excess oil off
Recover from ink spills
You might have been taking notes or preparing the week’s shopping list on the sofa, and before you know it, you’ve lost the pen and there’s an ink spill on your leather sofa. Treat the affected area as soon as possible, and follow these steps to minimise damage:
- Get a cotton ball and apply rubbing alcohol
- To remove the stain, gently dab (do not rub) it with a cotton ball until it lifts. Repeat by using another clean cotton ball and more rubbing alcohol.
- Allow the area to dry completely before making use of the leather sofa again.
Leather sofas are a popular choice for many homeowners because of their appearance and durability. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your leather sofa remains in great condition for many years to come.
Our picks for the best leather sofas from the top brands in the industry
If you’re on a budget, then it might be worth looking at some of these options from Argos, IKEA and Habitat. If you want something more luxurious with top-of-the-range craftsmanship (and prices), then Made.com or ScS are worth exploring. Whatever your tastes or needs, we hope this article helps you find your perfect sofa!
Top picks from Argos
At Argos, you’ll find a range of leather sofas to suit all budgets. If you’re looking for something with decent quality and at a medium price, their Milano range is worth checking out. The collection come complete with comfortable foam-filled seats and soft, durable top grain leather upholstery. On top of this, Argos provides a 10-year frame guarantee covering manufacturing faults on frames, feet, arms, internal springs or webbing.
Check out sofas in leather & coated fabrics from Argos in the ‘Sofa Searcher’ database!
Top picks from IKEA
IKEA are well-known for their affordable furniture, and their leather sofas are no exception. The IKEA Klippan sofa is a great option if you’re on a tight budget, as it offers good quality at an affordable price. The sofa is available in both black and brown leather.
For a more stylish option, check out the IKEA Landskrona sofa. A sofa made from synthetic leather with a comfortable, modern design.
Check out sofas in leather & coated fabrics from IKEA in the ‘Sofa Searcher’ database!
Top picks from Habitat
Habitat offers a range of beautiful leather sofas, all of which are made from high quality leather. If you’re looking for a traditional Chesterfield design, the Habitat Chesterfield sofa is a great option. This sofa has deep, comfortable seats and beautiful scroll arms, and is upholstered in luxurious semi aniline leather.
If you’re after something a bit more modern, the Habitat Lyle sofa might be more up your street. This range comes with a sleek, minimalist design and is available in a range of different colours.
Check out sofas in leather & coated fabrics from Habitat in the ‘Sofa Searcher’ database!
Top picks from Made.com
Made.com offers a range of high quality leather sofas, all of which are handmade in the UK. The sofa collection features a variety of different designs, including traditional Chesterfields and modern minimalist styles. All of the sofas are made from top grain leathers and come with a 10-year guarantee.
The Harlow sofa from Made.com with curvy lines, ample proportions, and soft cushions make resting a breeze. Featuring thin black metal legs as an ideal contrast to sleek leather seating. Upholstered in high quality semi aniline leather. If you’re looking for a luxurious sofa that will last you for years, then Made.com is the perfect choice.
Check out sofas in leather & coated fabrics from Made.com in the ‘Sofa Searcher’ database!
Top picks from ScS
ScS is one of the UK’s leading sofa retailers, and their range of real leather sofas is sure to have something for everyone. The ScS Savanna sofa is a great option if you’re looking for a traditional Chesterfield sofa. This range comes with deep, comfortable seats, beautiful scroll arms and luxurious leather upholstery.
If you’re after a more relaxed style, the ScS Rafa sofa might be more to your taste. This range comes with a stylish, uniform design and is available in a range of different colours.
Whichever brand you choose, make sure to read the small print before you buy. Not all leather is created equal, and there are different grades of leather that will affect the overall quality and price of the sofa. So, make sure you know what you’re getting before you commit to a purchase.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sofa for your home is an important investment. In a nutshell, there are six factors to consider when buying a new leather sofa: price, aesthetics, durability, stain and fade resistance, maintenance and feel. It can be challenging to find the right type of natural leather, leather finish or synthetic leather, but hopefully this article has helped shed some light on the main benefits and downsides of different leather types. Finally, as with any other large investments for your household, maintenance and proper cleaning is essential to extend the lifetime of your new leather sofa.
Remember to check out the homefitter ‘Sofa Searcher’ database with +2,000 sofas from the leading UK sofa brands!