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Know your leather | A leather guide.

So you are thinking about buying in leather? Leather furniture exudes timeless elegance and sophistication, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking luxury and durability. However, navigating the world of leather can be overwhelming.

Not all leathers are created the same, hence why you will find differences in price ranges for similar leather products. To help you understand more about leather, here is some helpful information:

Types of Leather

In the context of leather, "type" typically refers to the part of the hide used and how it's processed, such as full-grain, top-grain, corrected-grain, etc. These types determine the inherent qualities of the leather, including its natural markings, texture, and durability. Here is a common list of leather types:

  1. Full-Grain Leather: Considered the highest quality, full-grain leather retains the entire grain layer, showcasing the natural markings and imperfections of the hide. It ages beautifully, developing a rich patina over time.

  2. Top-Grain Leather: Top-grain leather is slightly corrected to remove surface imperfections while preserving the natural grain. It offers a balance of durability and aesthetics, making it a popular choice for furniture upholstery.

  3. Corrected-Grain Leather: Corrected-grain leather undergoes additional processing to conceal imperfections and create a uniform surface. While less expensive than full-grain and top-grain leather, it may lack the authenticity and character of natural hides.

  4. Pull-up Leather: Pull-up leather, known for its rustic appearance, develops a unique patina when stretched or flexed, revealing lighter undertones. It's prized for its vintage look and ability to age gracefully over time, but requires regular maintenance and may be susceptible to scratches and scuffs.

Grades of Leather

 

In relation to leather, "grade" refers to the finishing process applied to the leather, such as aniline, semi-aniline, pigmented, etc. These grades affect the appearance, feel, and performance of the leather, including its color, sheen, and resistance to wear and tear.

Aniline Leather - Perfectly Imperfect

 

Aniline leather is a premium type of leather prized for its luxurious feel and natural appearance. It is made from high-quality hides that are dyed with soluble dyes without additional pigments or surface coatings. As a result, aniline leather retains the natural grain and markings of the hide, showcasing its inherent beauty and character. This type of leather is known for its softness, suppleness, and rich texture, making it a popular choice for high-end furniture, luxury car interiors, and designer accessories

 

Pros:

> Ages gracefully, developing a beautiful patina over time.
> Highly breathable, offering unparalled comfort (a comfortable temperature, prevents moisture buildup)
> Offers unparalleled comfort and breathability.

Cons:

> Prone to staining, scratching, and fading.
> Requires careful maintenance to preserve its appearance.

 

Semi Aniline Leather


Semi-aniline leather combines natural beauty with durability and color consistency. It retains some natural characteristics while offering enhanced protection against wear and tear. Popular for furniture and automotive interiors, it balances luxury with practicality. While maintaining breathability and texture, it's more resistant to staining and fading than pure aniline leather, making it elegant, durable, and easy to maintain for various applications.

Pros:

> Blends natural beauty with enhanced durability
> Higher lightfastness and durability
> Soft handle and retains appearance over time
> Requires less maintenance, perfect for high traffic areas

Cons:

> More resistant to staining and fading than pure aniline leather
> May not showcase the full natural characteristics of the leather compared to pure aniline leather
> Requires careful maintenance to preserve its appearance.


Pigmented Leather


Pigmented leather is treated for uniform appearance and enhanced durability. Its consistent color and texture make it easy to maintain and resistant to stains and fading. Commonly used in furniture and automotive upholstery, it's valued for longevity and wear resistance, though it may lack the natural aesthetic of other leather types.

Pros:

> Enhanced resistance to stains and fading
> Consistent color and texture
> Superior durability and longevity
> Easy to maintain and clean - great for families & high traffic areas
> Great value for money

Cons:

> Less breathability, may feel less comfortable in hot weather
> Potential risk of surface cracking over time
> May not develop the same 'natural aging' look as untreated leather


PU (Polyurethane) Leather


PU leather, a synthetic material, mimics genuine leather's look and feel. Made from fabric coated with polyurethane, it's durable and versatile. Though more affordable and easier to maintain than genuine leather, it may lack durability and authenticity. Still, it's widely used in furniture, fashion, and automotive interiors for its versatility in colors and textures.

Pros:

> Affordable alternative to genuine leather
> Versatile in color and texture options
> Easy to clean and maintain
> Animal-friendly and cruelty-free
> Uniform appearance without natural imperfections

Cons:

> Less durable and prone to tearing compared to genuine leather
> Lacks the authentic feel and aroma of real leather
> Susceptible to peeling and cracking over time
> Limited breathability, may feel less comfortable in hot weather


Choosing the right leather.

When selecting leather furniture for your home, consider the following factors:

  1. Lifestyle: Choose a leather type and grade that aligns with your lifestyle and usage patterns. For high-traffic areas or households with children and pets, opt for durable, easy-to-clean leather options.

  2. Style Preferences: Select leather furniture that complements your existing decor and personal style. Whether you prefer classic elegance, modern minimalism, or rustic charm, there's a leather option to suit every taste.

  3. Budget: Determine your budget and explore leather furniture options within your price range. Remember that investing in high-quality leather furniture can offer long-term durability and value.

  4. Comfort: Test the comfort and ergonomics of leather furniture by sitting, reclining, or lounging on it. Consider factors such as cushioning, support, and seat depth to ensure optimal comfort for daily use.

Product Care

Proper care is essential for maintaining the appearance and longevity of leather furniture. Here's a brief summary of product care tips for various grades of leather to help you keep your furniture looking its best. For more information on leather in general, please refer to our Product Care Guide.

Full-Grain Leather:

> Cleaning: Wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove dust and debris. Use a leather conditioner to maintain softness and suppleness.

> Protection: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and moisture. Use a leather protector to guard against stains and spills.

 

Top-Grain Leather:

> Cleaning: Similar to full-grain leather, wipe with a clean, dry cloth and condition as needed.

> Protection: Follow the same guidelines as for full-grain leather to protect against fading, staining, and moisture damage.

 

Aniline Leather:

> Cleaning: Gently wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove surface dust. Use a specialized aniline leather cleaner and conditioner to maintain softness and prevent drying.

> Protection: Protect from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a leather protector to guard against stains, but test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

 

Semi-Aniline Leather:

> Cleaning: Similar to aniline leather, use a gentle cleaner and conditioner designed for semi-aniline leather to maintain its appearance and softness.

> Protection: Protect from sunlight and moisture. Use a leather protector if desired, but test on a small area first to ensure compatibility.

 

Pigmented Leather:

> Cleaning: Wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove surface dirt and stains. Use a mild soap solution for tougher stains, followed by conditioning if necessary.

> Protection: Protect from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Use a leather protector if desired, but test on a small area first.

 

PU Leather:

> Cleaning: Wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove surface dirt. Use a mild soap solution for tougher stains, followed by conditioning if necessary.

> Protection: Protect from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Use a leather protector if desired, but test on a small area first.

 

Pull-Up Leather:

> Cleaning: Wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove dust and debris. Use a leather conditioner to maintain softness and prevent drying out.

> Protection: Protect from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a leather protector if desired, but test on a small area first.

DA Made | Leather Colour Samples

New Zealand & Australian Leather

Making leather is one of the oldest recycling-based crafts on earth. At DA Lewis, we source our leathers from TASMAN LEATHER NZ, and the SHANN Group, via Australia. These companies have a reputation for sustainable practices - leather hides are sourced as a by-product and are treated with the greatest respected throughout the process. To view available leathers online, please click on the logos below for our respective leather suppliers below: