When you think of the terms luxury, or comfort or just simply endless style, there is only one piece of furniture that can comfortably complement each of these terms in the case of perfect home decor. The Leather Sofas.
The texture of leather furniture, like its appearance, is partly a function of its grade. The highest quality hides become the softest and most supple leathers. (In industry-speak, they have a more luxurious "hand," or feel.) Pigmented leathers and "corrected grain" leathers (those that have been buffed to remove obvious surface imperfections) have a stiffer hand. Beyond these differences, the following texturing techniques can give leather its distinctive appearance and feel:
Nubuck leathers are lightly brushed or abraded, resulting in a short nap with a plush softness. Nubucks are top-grain leathers, so they last longer than do their cousins, suedes. Nubucks also have the advantage of being treated with a protectant that makes them more stain-resistant than other anilines.
Suedes approximate the look and feel of nubucks but are made from less-durable split grains.
Sauvage is a two-toned effect that lends depth to leather, producing a marbled or creased appearance.
Pull-up leathers are full anilines that have an oil or wax application. When the leather is pulled, or stretched, the oil or wax separates, producing a lighter burst of color. The pull-up technique is used for distressed or weathered looks.
Embossed leathers are corrected grains that have a new pattern or grain imprinted on them with high heat or pressure, resulting in anything from
alligator to floral effects.
A sofa made from top-grain leather will range from $700 (a good sale on corrected-grain, pigmented leather) to $6,000 or more for designer names and pure aniline leather.
Leather may take slightly more care and upkeep than fabric upholstery. But in the long run, its worth the trouble. Here are tips for preventive
maintenance:
"Keep leather furniture away from heat sources, which will eventually dry the leather out.
"Place furniture out of direct sunlight, which causes leather to fade.
"Vacuum leather regularly to remove dust.
"Blot any spills immediately with a dry cloth, and let air dry.
"Regularly use the recommended cleaners or creams to improve leathers resistance to staining and to keep it soft and supple.
Leather-care products are available from furniture manufacturers and stores; salespeople can recommend products for the furniture you select. Many retailers also offer leather warranties. For a moderate price (about $100 for a
seven-year warranty on a sofa, half that for a chair), your leather will be repaired or replaced if it cracks, stains, or tears, ensuring that you will enjoy it for years to come.
Leather is the most durable and easily maintained of all upholstery materials, but like any other important investment, leather furniture requires proper care and attention. For routine maintenance, occasional wiping with a soft
white, damp cloth is all the care your furniture will need. Avoid using soap as they contain alkaline which will alter the leathers ph balance. They can also cause leather to age prematurely. Soap causes the leather to weaken,
crack, or become discolored.
Genuine leather should be treated with care, but is no more vulnerable than most other surfaces. Even on a glass or wooden tabletop, a neglected drink can leave a ring. If you take care of it, leather is going to last a really
long time.
About The Author
Jeremy Wilson has run his own successful business selling leather furniture for over 20 years. He has also been a consultant to numerous home interior magazines where he has written numerous articles on selecting a leather sofa.
You can find out further information such as his choice of the internets top leather sofa retailers by visiting his website at
http://www.leathersofadvice.com