Tips on Buying Leather Furniture

Leather prices have come down significantly, which means that it may just be possible to have this very practical material within your budget. The following tips will tell you how to buy and take care of your leather furnishings.

Leather has become more popular because newer and more efficient manufacturing processes, as well as an upswing in supply, have brought down leather's cost. Leather is very practical and can now adorn your sofa, too, at prices normally reserved for vinyl "faux" leather furniture pieces.

Leather is graded by its location, size, and the severity of the natural blemishes that occur within a given hide. If the hide is nearly perfect and his mark free, these very rare and prized pieces will be much more expensive. Aniline leathers will usually have visible markings, such as cars and wrinkles. However, over time and with use, these types of leathers develop a lustrous patina.

When you shop for furniture, look for top grain leather, which comes from the outer surface of the hide (desirable). Leather that's taken from inner surfaces is split grain leather, which is much weaker.

Aniline (or "full" or "pure" aniline) leather is soaked in aniline dye, but is not made with any other pigments or finishes apply. Only the best hides qualify for this soft, superior grade leather.

Semi-aniline (or "protected" aniline) leathers have a little pigment in them, which gives them better protection against fading and stains.

Pigmented leathers are also the most inexpensive. These leathers are generally stiffer than the other leathers, but they're also more scuff and stain resistant.

It's not always true, by the way, that surface pigments and added finishes are bad. They lower the cost, and they may also make the color more uniform -- plus, they'll give you resistance to stains, scratches and fading. This may make them perfect for kid-friendly use.

Leathers texture is partly a result of its quality. The higher the quality, in general, the softer the texture.

Nubuck leathers are lightly abraded or brushed to give them a plush, short nap. These are top grain leathers so that they wear better than their close cousin, suede. They are also more damage resistant.

Suede looks like nubuck, but it's not nearly as durable.

Sauvage has a "two-tone" effect that gives it a creased or marbled appearance.

Pull-up leathers are full aniline leathers that have been processed to give them a distressed or weathered book.

Embossed leathers are lower grade hides that have any number of textures, often imprinted.

The great of a particular piece of leather will determine how much you pay for that furniture. If a leather sofa is particularly high-grade, it might cost you 10 times what a lower quality piece would. Still, even lower grades can wear well and look great. You can also purchase extended warranties for more peace of mind, so that you are covered for damage and stains for the length of the warranty.

If you want to protect your investment, don't put your leather furniture near heat sources, which will dry it out. It can also dry out or fade if it's exposed to excessive sunlight.

Ensure as well that you vacuum your furniture regularly so that dust and pet hair is removed, and spills are taken up right away. Use the recommended cleaners and creams so that the leather remains conditioned and resistance to stains, and so that it remains soft and supple.

Leon Tuberman has almost 40 years working in the interior decorating and home furnishings business. He operates a popular home furniture store and showroom in the San Fernando Valley. They offer American made Arts & Crafts and Mission style wood furniture for your bedroom, dining room and home office. His store carries the best in handcrafted American made furniture that is made to last the ages. It doesn’t matter if your looking for wooden dressers or handmade oak dining sets, they carry only the best in American made quality furniture at everyday affordable prices.