Useful Facts for the First Time Leather Sofa Buyer

If you are thinking about buying a leather sofa for the first time, you will probably have some questions you’d like the answers to. This holds true whether you are considering buying one of the many Italian leather sofas on the market or something completely different.

We’ve compiled a selection of the most common ones here so you can get educated before choosing your ideal sofa.

What’s the difference between faux and real leather?

How can you tell the difference between the two? Touch is a good way to do it. Leather is more flexible and soft, but cheap leather will feel very different to an expensive one. Faux leather has a tendency to feel very much akin to plastic since the most commonly used version is a form of plastic.

This might sound odd, but if in doubt, smell it! Most people are aware that real leather has a distinctive aroma. If you cannot detect the real leather smell by sniffing a sofa, you’re probably looking at faux leather instead. Of course, the label should indicate what it is made from too.

Is it best to get the highest quality leather?

This depends on a number of factors. Firstly you should consider your budget – the highest quality may not be affordable for you. Secondly, you may not wish to invest in top quality leather if you have children and you fear the sofa will be easily damaged or stained. Quality does not necessarily translate into a more durable leather either.

Is there a difference between a semi and full aniline leather sofa?

Full aniline leather is top-grain, carefully chosen leather with a natural appearance. It has no stain properties, however. Semi-aniline leather is a full aniline finish that includes a surface protective coating. This may have a pigment added to provide a consistent finish.

Which leathers are easier to take care of?

Caring for leather is an important topic to consider if you want to get the longest life from your sofa. Think dark colours here. Leather sofas with a dark pigmented finish will look better for longer than light-coloured sofas. As such a semi-aniline leather, with its protective coating, will prove easier to care for than aniline leather. Most leathers can be repaired if any damage occurs; indeed they are far easier to repair in this situation than fabric sofas.

Does leather naturally wear out or alter over time?

Leather will change in colour when it is subjected to sunlight. You may wish to consider where your sofa will be positioned. If half of it receives the sun regularly while the other half is in the shade, you could well end up with a two-tone sofa – and not in a good way either.
Leather does wear but many owners would argue this provides additional character. You’ll also notice over time that the seats of the sofa become darker and more rugged since this is where you sit. The back of the sofa you rest against might also wear but to a lesser degree.

If you have any questions regarding choosing a leather sofa please do not hesitate to contact one of our highly trained team, either by email or call 020 3411 6630