Leather is a natural, resistant and elegant material that can add a touch of class to your home. However, not all types of leather are the same or adapt to all needs.
In this article we will explain the types of leather for upholstery, the advantages of upholstering with this material, how to choose the best leather for your project, and some tips for caring for your upholstery.
The best types of leather for upholstery
If you are thinking about how to choose the best leather to upholster your furniture, you should bear in mind that this material is classified according to the part of the leather that is used and the type of finish that is given to it. Thus, we can distinguish between:
- Full grain leather: It is the most natural and highest quality leather. The top layer of the skin is used, where the pores and natural markings of the animal are found. No chemical or coloring treatment is applied to it, so it retains its original appearance and its softness to the touch. It is the leather for upholstery that is most resistant to wear and the passage of time, but also the most expensive and the most delicate when it comes to cleaning it.
- Corrected grain leather: It is the leather that undergoes a sanding and polishing process to eliminate surface imperfections, such as scars or wrinkles. Then a layer of pigment or varnish is applied to give it color and shine. It is more uniform and easier to maintain than full grain leather, but also less breathable and less flexible.
- Split leather: It is the leather that is obtained from the lower layer of the skin, which is separated from the upper layer by means of a cut. It is finer and softer than full-grain leather, but also less durable and more prone to staining or discoloration. It is usually used to upholster cushions or backrests.
- Nubuck leather: It is the leather that undergoes a brushing process to create a velvety surface that is soft to the touch. It looks similar to suede or velvet, but is thicker and more durable. It is very elegant and comfortable, but also very sensitive to dirt and water.
- Waxed leather: It is the leather that is treated with waxes or oils to give it an aged or rustic look. It has an irregular texture and a characteristic shine. It is highly resistant to scratches and water, but it can also lose color with use.
What are the advantages of upholstering with leather?
- Durability: leather is a material that is highly resistant to wear, stains and scratches. If properly cared for, it can last for many years without losing its beauty and quality.
- Cleaning: leather is easy to clean, as you only need a damp cloth or a specific product to remove dust and dirt. It does not absorb liquids or odors, making it ideal for homes with children or pets.
- Breathability: leather is a natural material that allows air circulation and regulates temperature. In winter, leather retains heat and in summer, the cold. In addition, leather does not cause allergies or skin irritations.
- Style: Leather has an elegant and timeless look that suits any type of decoration. Leather can have different finishes, colors and textures that give the furniture personality and character.
Tips for choosing the best leather for upholstery
When choosing the best leather to upholster your furniture, you must take into account several factors such as:
- The use you are going to give it: If you are going to use the furniture daily or if you have children or pets at home, you should choose a more resistant and easy-to-clean leather such as pigmented leather. If you are looking for a more exclusive and decorative piece of furniture, you can opt for a more natural and soft leather for upholstery such as full grain leather or split leather.
- The style you want to achieve: Natural leather has a more rustic and vintage look, while pigmented leather has a more modern and uniform look. The color also influences the style: light tones give more light and spaciousness to the space, while the dark ones give more elegance and sobriety.
- The budget you have: The price of leather varies according to its quality and its manufacturing process. Natural or full grain leather is the most expensive, followed by corrected grain leather and split leather. You must also take into account the cost of the upholstery, which will depend on the size of the furniture, the complexity of the work and the professional who performs it.
How to take care of the upholstery of your furniture?
Taking proper care of leather furniture is crucial to making sure it lasts a long time. Regular maintenance includes wiping leather furniture with a clean, soft cloth to remove dust and dirt. It's also important to avoid exposing leather furniture to direct sunlight, as it can cause the leather to fade and dry out.
Also, it is advisable to apply a high-quality leather conditioner every few months to keep the leather soft and supple. If a stain does occur on leather furniture, it is important to treat it immediately to prevent it from becoming embedded in the leather.
In short, leather is a great choice for furniture upholstery due to its durability and appearance. Although it can be expensive and vulnerable to tears, taking proper care of leather furniture can make it last for decades. With regular maintenance and a high-quality leather conditioner, leather furniture can be a worthwhile investment for any home.
That is why if you are thinking of renovating your furniture with leather upholstery at Curtidos Menacho, we invite you to see our leather catalog for upholstering furniture, chairs and other furniture you need, remember that our leathers are genuine and of high quality. so don't wait any longer and give that elegant and sophisticated touch to the decoration of your spaces.