Leather is a natural, resistant and elegant material that can give you a touch of distinction to your home. However, not all types of leather are the same and do not adapt to all needs.
At Curtidos Menacho, your trusted store for leathers and tanned hides, we know that choosing the right material to upholster your furniture can be a daunting task. Therefore, we want to help you understand the different options that exist and which one best suits your needs.
In this article, we will explain the types of leather for upholstery, what advantages there are in covering with this material, how to choose the best leather for your project and some tips for taking care of your upholstery.
The best types of leather for upholstery
If you are thinking about how to choose the best leather to cover your furniture, you must keep in mind that this material is classified according to the part of the skin used and the type of finish that is given. Thus, we can distinguish:
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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 marks of the animal are. No chemical treatment or dye is applied, so it maintains its original appearance and softness to the touch. It is the most resistant upholstery leather to wear and tear and the passage of time, but also the most expensive and the most delicate when it comes to cleaning.
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Corrected grain leather: This is leather that undergoes a sanding and polishing process to remove surface imperfections. 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.
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Crust leather: This is leather obtained from the bottom layer of the skin. It is thinner and softer than full-grain leather, but also less durable and more prone to stains or fading. It is typically used to cover cushions or backrests.
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Nubuck Leather: This is a leather that undergoes a brushing process to create a velvet surface that is soft to the touch. It is very elegant and comfortable, but also very sensitive to dirt and water.
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Waxed leather: This is leather treated with waxes or oils to give it an aged or rustic look. It is very resistant to scratches and water, but it can also lose its color with use.
Types of leather according to the finish:
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Aniline: This is the most natural finish, where a water-soluble dye is used that penetrates the leather without covering its surface. It highlights the natural beauty of the leather and allows it to breathe.
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Semi-aniline: Similar to aniline, but with a light layer of pigment that gives it greater resistance to stains and discoloration.
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Pigmented: This finish covers the surface of the leather with a layer of pigment that gives it a uniform color and protects it from stains. It is the most resistant and easy to clean, but also the least natural.
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Nubuck: It is obtained by sanding the surface of the leather to create a soft and velvety texture. It is delicate and requires special care.
What are the advantages of upholstery with leather?
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Durability: Leather is a material that is very resistant to wear, stains and scratches. If properly cared for, it can last for many years without losing its beauty and quality.
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Cleaning: Leather is easy to clean, as it only needs 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.
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Breathability: Leather is a natural material that allows air circulation and regulates temperature. In winter, it retains heat and in summer, it retains cold. In addition, leather does not cause allergies or skin irritations.
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Style: Leather has an elegant and timeless look that adapts to any type of decoration. It can have different finishes, colors and textures that give personality and character to the furniture.
Tips for choosing the best leather for upholstery
When choosing the best leather for upholstering your furniture, you should take into account several factors such as:
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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, it is best to 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 softer leather such as full grain leather or split leather.
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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. Colour also influences style: light tones give more luminosity and spaciousness to the space, while dark tones give more elegance and sobriety.
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Your budget: The price of leather varies according to its quality and manufacturing process. Natural leather or full grain is the most expensive, followed by corrected grain leather and suede. You should also take into account the cost of upholstery, which will depend on the size of the furniture, the complexity of the work, and the professional who performs it.
How to care for your furniture upholstery?
Cleaning routine:
- Regular dusting: At least once a week, wipe a soft, dry cloth over your leather furniture to remove dust and surface dirt.
- Deep cleaning: For a deeper clean, lightly dampen a cloth with distilled water and gently wipe the surface of the leather. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the material.
Protection from the elements:
- Sun Enemy: Direct sunlight is one of the main enemies of leather, as it can cause discoloration and dryness. Protect your furniture by placing it away from windows or by using curtains and blinds.
- Controlled humidity: Avoid placing your leather furniture in excessively humid environments, as this can encourage the appearance of mold.
Nutrition and hydration:
- Conditioner, the secret: Apply a high-quality leather conditioner every three or four months to keep it hydrated, flexible and prevent the appearance of cracks.
- Stains, go for them!: In case of spills, act quickly. Dry the stain with a clean, dry cloth, avoiding rubbing. If the stain persists, use a specific cleaner for leather following the manufacturer's instructions.
By following these simple tips, your leather furniture will remain in optimal condition, preserving its beauty and comfort for a long time.
In short, leather is an excellent choice for upholstering furniture due to its durability and appearance. Although it can be expensive and vulnerable to tearing, properly caring for 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.
At Curtidos Menacho we offer a wide variety of leathers for upholstery, from full grain to suede, with different finishes so you can find the one that best suits your style and budget.
That is why if you are thinking of renewing your furniture with leather upholstery, at Curtidos Menacho, your leather sales store par excellence, we invite you to see our catalog of tanned leather for upholstering furniture, chairs and other furniture you need. Remember that our leathers are genuine. Don't wait any longer to buy high-quality cheap leather and give that elegant and sophisticated touch to the decoration of your spaces.
We invite you to visit our store and discover the quality of our products. Our team of experts will be happy to advise you on your choice.
Remember that when choosing a leather for upholstery you should consider:
- Resistance and durability: If the furniture is going to be used intensively, choose full grain or corrected grain with a pigmented finish.
- The style you want to achieve: Full grain leather has a more natural and rustic look, while pigmented leather has a more modern and uniform look.
- Your budget: Suede and leather with a pigmented finish are usually cheaper than full grain.
At Curtidos Menacho we help you make your upholstery projects a reality with the best selection of leathers. Contact us!