Butter-soft, durable, timeless elegance — being the wonderful centrepieces they are, leather sofas are the epitome of luxury and comfort. There are many types of leather sofas in the market and it can be hard to figure out how to choose a leather sofa.
Not all leathers are created equal, so how can you tell the quality of a leather sofa? What are the differences between semi-aniline, pure aniline and corrected grain leathers? Is aniline leather good quality leather? And most importantly, how do you clean your leather sofa? If all these questions have you hesitating when it comes to bringing home a gorgeous leather sofa, fret not! We’ve compiled a comprehensive leather sofa guide that covers these important topics all in one post.
Types Of Leather Sofas
The quality of your leather sofa largely relies on the type of leather used. If you have done your research and are still left wondering how to tell the quality of a leather sofa, the following information may be helpful when making your decision.
Pure-Aniline Leather Sofa
If you’ve had any doubts as to whether aniline leather is good quality leather or not, this is your answer: it’s one of the highest quality leather that can be procured. Pure aniline leather or full grain leather is the most natural-looking leather and often comes with unique surface characteristics, such as natural marks and shade variations. It’s also often coloured only with dye and not polymer or pigment. The minimal processing it undergoes marks pure aniline leather as one of the finest quality leathers and it is one of the softest and most supple of all leather types, thus producing a leather sofa with a premium buttery finish. Aniline leather also has a graceful colour transition of varying colour tones and develops a natural patina over time that only serves to give it more character. At Comfort Furniture, you can enjoy the sumptuous feel of pure-aniline leather with our Bambri Cat18 model.
Semi-Aniline Leather Sofa
Semi-aniline leather combines added durability with the luxurious softness of pure aniline leather for a sturdier leather sofa that still retains the natural appearance of the leather used. Semi-aniline leather also tends to have a more consistent colour than pure aniline leather, largely due to the small amount of pigment used in the dye which still allows the leather to display natural characteristics but helps even out the colour tone. The process that semi-aniline leather undergoes gives it a thin protective coat that protects it from wear and stains, thus making it easier to clean. If you’re looking for a selection of sofas that offer these amazing qualities, you can choose from our Bambri Cat13, Karachi 3-Seater, Wasato, Zeus Recliner Sofa, Evan and Judi.
Alternatively, if you prefer an L-shaped sofa to fully maximise the corners of your room layout, consider Karachi L-Shaped Sofa, Evan L-Shaped Sofa or Judi L-Shaped Sofa. Our Evan and Judi series of leather sofas are also available in customisable colours, so you can definitely find one to match the colour palette you have in mind.
Corrected Grain Leather Sofa
Corrected grain leather is top grain leather that has been altered by having its surface buffed to reduce scarring or embossed to develop a special effect. Although its durability is equal to that of full grain leather, the buffing process it undergoes reduces the natural softness of the leather which results in a stiffer feel. It also lacks the appearance of natural grain as it has been buffed off and stamped with imitation grain to create a more uniform look.
Maintaining Your Leather Sofa
Leather sofas are relatively low maintenance compared to fabric sofas and a quality one can look fabulous for years to come with minimal upkeep. Knowing how to clean your leather sofa is as easy as giving it a quick wipe down with a soft cloth and dusting periodically. However, it is still important to ensure that any spills are immediately wiped up to prevent staining. You might also need to moisturise your leather and keep it out of direct sunlight to maintain its softness while preventing it from fading and cracking.
It’s also advisable to consider your lifestyle before deciding on the type of leather sofa you will be selecting for your home. If pets or children are in the picture, consider a semi-aniline sofa in a darker shade as they’re easier to clean while still keeping your living room’s overall look tasteful and polished. Leather sofas are also hypoallergenic, so pet dander won’t be an issue as long as you wipe or dust your sofa every now and then. Aside from that, leather is a material that packs plenty of resistance to wear and tear. In fact, any scuffs it picks up over time will simply add to its character and natural allure.
Now that you’ve got your leather sofa basics down, it’s time to choose other furniture pieces to go with your dream leather sofa. Leather sofas are amazingly versatile, so focus on building your space around your chosen theme, be it traditional or modern luxe, industrial or Scandinavian-inspired — your choices are endless! However, if you’re unsure of what to add to give your space that “wow” factor, allow us to give you a little nudge in the right direction with this guide on how to pair your leather sofa with other furniture pieces that complement its beauty. Once you’re done gleaning inspiration from it, why not explore our wide range of leather sofas right here at Comfort Furniture? Perhaps today is the day you give your home that well-deserved upgrade with the luxe touch of leather.
