Leather furniture has long been known for durability and sophistication that makes it a smart and ideal choice for both living spaces and office settings. However, if you have ever tried buying a leather piece in the past, you have surely noticed that not everything about these products is positive. This is why it is very important to be familiar with the different pros and cons of leather furniture before you decide to buy one.
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How to tell the quality of a leather sofa
Not all leather sofas are made equal. Here are a few tips to remember to help you tell whether that leather sofa you are eyeing is really of good quality or not.
- Check the leather’s underside.
Unzip the sofa’s cushion if possible and check the appearance of the underside.
- Smell it.
If the sofa smells plasticky or doesn’t even smell like leather, chances are it isn’t leather in the first place.
- Inspect how it looks and feels.
Good quality leather feels tough but soft. Real leather wrinkles when bent or depressed, something that you won’t see in synthetic leather.
- Know the country of origin.
Not to sound snob but when it comes to leather, the country of origin is important. Tanning leather is a quite technical process and most of the time, high quality and durable leather can only be produced in established tanneries with long years of experience. Italian leather is popular for its quality with Italy known for its centuries-long production of quality leather. Their tanning process has also been refined through several generations of tanneries.
- Pay attention to the label.
Check how the leather is labeled by the seller. Sellers will label the leather as full-grain or real top grain if it is so because this is the product’s selling point. On the other hand, a label that states genuine leather means it is a lower-grade and less durable leather.
Advantages of leather furniture
The luxurious and high-end appearance of leather is probably its number one advantage. For many centuries, leather is the material that is always associated with finer tastes. This has a modern and smooth appearance that matches with various design aesthetics. It can also be elegant and comfortable at the same time.
Leather doesn’t trap dust nor does it catch allergens. What is even better is that leather doesn’t fade and there is no need for you to worry about any loosened thread. The last but not the least, leather also boasts of a firmer structure and shape. All in all, leather furniture looks fine and elegant that will surely suit any home.
Disadvantages of leather furniture
Leather furniture is unfortunately not free from flaws. Although leather doesn’t trap dust or fade, the material can stain quite easily. This means that you need to clean it right away if there are accidental spills or stains.
Leather is also not available in a plethora of patterns or colors unlike fabric. The material is simply more difficult to manipulate. Aside from that, fine leather furniture is also more expensive compared to fabric furniture.
The material also lacks that comforting and soft appearance of fabric. If you decide to furnish your living room with all leather furniture, you need to add blankets and throw pillows for a cozy and soft touch. If not, your living room will end up looking more formal instead of comfortable.
Pros and cons of white leather furniture
Below are some of the pros and cons of white leather furniture that you need to know to decide whether or not this is suitable for your lifestyle.
Pros
- Long lasting
Durability is the main benefit of white leather furniture. This is easier to maintain and use than fabric, not to mention that it also resistant to some products and chemicals that can damage fabric.
- Easy maintenance
It is easier to maintain leather and it can last for many years as long as you properly take care of it. A good quality cleaner can keep the material protected from harmful elements. All you need is a clean piece of white cloth to wipe off liquid spills.
- No stink
White leather furniture doesn’t smell bad because it doesn’t easily absorb unlike fabric materials. It means that your pet’s smell or smoke won’t easily cling to your furniture.
Cons
- Prone to stains and cracks
Sadly, white leather is more prone to cracks and splits because of its tanned skin. It can get damaged easily by sharp objects.
- Less comfortable
With leather being harder than fabric, some people find it less comfortable. It may also stick to your body because of humidity and temperature. It might be hot on your skin during warm weather, especially if exposed to sunlight.
- More expensive
White leather furniture is more expensive that some find it way beyond their budget.
Pros and cons of black brown leather furniture
Black brown leather used furniture is very in demand for a reason. However, it also has its own set of pros and cons.
Pros
- Durability
Black brown leather furniture boasts of exceptional durability and it often has a lifetime of 10 to 15 years.
- Flexibility
Black brown leather furniture comes in a large variety that it is easy to find one that will perfectly fit into your room’s existing accents and décor.
- Feel and look
Your black brown leather furniture can give your room that elegant look and it also feels comfortable because it can quickly dissipate cold and heat.
- Maintenance
It is very easy to care for and maintain black brown leather furniture as it is resistant to dirt and spills.
Cons
- Tendency to crack and bleach out
Once exposed to heat or light, your black brown leather furniture can crack and bleach out.
- Prone to scratches
The material can be easily scratched so sharp objects might puncture or scratch the surface.
- Price
Black brown leather furniture will require a more expensive upfront investment. If you ask for our recommendation, we will vote for ikea kivik sofa. IKEA’s product, the quality is awesome.
Pros and cons of faux leather furniture
There are lots of reasons why you should and shouldn’t buy faux leather furniture and this include the following:
Pros
- Categorized as most ecological and environment-friendly
- No animals are harmed during its production
- Can be produced in any style, pattern, or color
- Has a captivating glossy look
- Easier to clean
- Low maintenance
- Doesn’t fade and lose its shine
Cons
- Not breathable
- Finish and gleam is not as fine as that of real leather
- Gets punctured and too sensitive to worn out
- Not hypoallergenic and easily catches germs
Can fleas live in my leather sofa? Please refer to our previous step by step with no step skipped guide.
