Leather has been used in furniture and interior applications for generations because of its distinctive appearance, durability and ability to develop character over time. But not all leather is the same.
When selecting leather for upholstery, understanding the hide, grain, finish, feel and intended application can help you make a much more informed decision. Quality is not determined by one characteristic alone — it is the combination of the material, how it has been processed and how it is expected to perform.
The Quality of the Hide
Quality begins with the original hide. The natural characteristics of the hide influence the appearance, strength and eventual finish of the leather.
Higher-quality hides can retain more of their natural grain and character, while hides requiring greater correction may undergo additional processing to achieve a more uniform appearance.
Natural markings are not necessarily imperfections. Variations in grain, texture and colour can be part of what makes genuine leather distinctive.
Understanding Leather Finishes
One of the most important things to understand about leather is its finish. Aniline, semi-aniline and pigmented leather are different finishing approaches, rather than simply a ranking from “best” to “worst.”
Aniline leather has little or no pigmented surface coating, allowing much of the natural grain and character of the hide to remain visible. It offers a particularly natural appearance and feel, but requires more care.
Semi-aniline leather has a light protective finish containing some pigment. It retains much of the natural appearance of the hide while providing additional protection.
Pigmented leather has a more substantial pigmented finish, producing a more consistent appearance and greater surface protection. This can make it particularly practical for furniture exposed to regular use.
The right finish therefore depends on the application. A formal occasional chair may have very different requirements from a busy family sofa, restaurant seating or commercial furniture.
Look at the Grain
The grain is one of the defining characteristics of leather.
Natural grain variations can give leather depth and individuality, while highly corrected surfaces can provide a more consistent appearance. When examining leather, look closely at the surface rather than judging it solely by colour.
A quality leather should have a finish that complements the material rather than simply masking it.
Feel Matters
One of the easiest ways to appreciate quality leather is to feel it.
Good upholstery leather should feel substantial while remaining flexible enough to work with the contours of furniture. Depending on the finish, it can feel smooth, supple, textured or naturally varied.
The feel should also be appropriate for the intended furniture. A leather chosen for a frequently used sofa needs to provide a balance between comfort and performance rather than simply feeling soft when first touched.
Thickness and Construction
Leather thickness is another consideration, but thicker does not automatically mean better.
Different upholstery applications can require different specifications. What matters is whether the leather has the appropriate combination of thickness, flexibility and strength for the furniture being upholstered.
A material that is too stiff may be difficult to work around detailed shapes, while one that is not suitable for the application may not provide the required performance.
Colour and Consistency
Colour is an important part of the character of leather.
Premium leather can display subtle variations in tone because of the natural characteristics of the hide and the way it has been finished. These variations can contribute to a more authentic appearance.
For larger upholstery projects, consistency between hides is also important. The supplier and upholsterer should consider the required quantity and whether the leather needs to be matched across multiple pieces.
Durability and Performance
Quality leather should be selected according to how the furniture will actually be used.
Residential furniture, hospitality seating, commercial furniture and high-traffic applications can have very different performance requirements.
Factors such as the finish, abrasion resistance, exposure to sunlight, maintenance requirements and frequency of use should all be considered before making a final selection.
A beautiful leather that is unsuitable for the environment can become a poor choice, while a well-specified leather can continue looking impressive for years.
Natural Characteristics Are Part of the Appeal
Unlike a completely uniform synthetic surface, genuine leather can contain natural variations.
Small differences in grain, colour and texture can occur from one part of a hide to another. These characteristics contribute to the individuality of the material.
For many furniture and interior applications, this natural variation is exactly what gives leather its distinctive character.
Quality Is About the Whole Material
There is no single feature that automatically makes one leather better than another.
The best leather is the one that offers the right balance of quality, appearance, feel, finish, durability and suitability for the application.
Aniline may be ideal when natural character and a luxurious feel are the priority. Semi-aniline can offer a balance between natural appearance and protection, while pigmented leather can be a practical choice where consistency and everyday durability are more important.
Choosing Leather for Your Project
Whether you are upholstering a statement chair, restoring a classic sofa or specifying materials for a larger interior project, the leather should be selected with the finished application in mind.
At Sullies Fabrics, we understand that choosing the right material is an important part of achieving the desired result. Our range of fabrics and leather solutions is suited to a variety of upholstery and interior applications.
For assistance with your leather requirements, contact Sullies Fabrics on 011 830 2834.
