Leather Furniture

Fine leather is soft and luxurious, an ideal choice for furniture. Whether you purchase pure and natural top grain or grain-corrected top grain, there will be faint surface marks on your leather. Scars, scratches, and color variations are not defects, but rather an indication of genuine leather and do not affect the durability of your furniture.

So you like leather furniture, but do you really know all you need to know? Learn to speak the language by taking a look at the sections below.

BENEFITS OF LEATHER

• Leather lasts 3-4 times longer than fabric so it costs less in the long run

• Leather is easier to clean than fabric and scratches can be touched up

• Leather does not absorb dust, odor, cigarette smoke, or pet hair

• Leather will not aggravate allergies

• Leather is comfortable and it will soften with age

• Leather breathes so it absorbs and releases moisture

• Top-grain leather is neither hot nor cold (unlike vinyl or automobile leather), so it will always
  maintain the temperature of whatever is around it

SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE
Before you buy, look over the descriptions below to help you decide which leather would be the best fit in your home.

	Full Aniline Leather	Finest leather available, always made from premium quality, top-grain hides Softest, most luxurious and natural looking leather More likely to fade and stain; will feature noticeable range marks, "barbed wire" scars, wrinkles, scratches and brands Un-retouched, resulting in subtle color and shading differences from hide to hide, and even within a hide
	Semi-Aniline or Finished Leather	For high-traffic use High quality, high value leather, always top-grain Often coated with clear sealant to enhance stain resistance Soft and beautiful, durable and practical Slightly more uniform in color and texture than full aniline with fewer noticeable range marks
	Nubuck Leather	High quality, full top-grain leather buffed or sanded to a velvety, suede-like nap More likely to fade and stain, will feature noticeable range marks, barbed wire scars, wrinkles, scratches and brands Soft and beautiful, more durable than a true suede that is produced from lower quality split-grain leather
	Pigmented Leather	Sanded surface and faux embossed pattern create a highly uniform and consistent texture Least likely to fade or stain Coated with clear sealant to enhance stain resistance Opaque dyes create uniform coloration that minimize natural marks and scars Excellent durability with minimal maintenance

LEATHER CARE TIPS
With the right care, leather improves with age, but even the best leather is subject to damage and wear. Different types of leather require different care and maintenance. If you are uncertain about the type of leather you have, consult a sales representative for specialized care. Remember to pre-test all care products in a hidden area.

• Never use furniture polish, saddle soap, abrasive cleaners, or household cleaning products on any leather upholstery.

• Rotate cushions to ensure even wear and compression.

• Avoid using or placing sharp objects on leather goods. Although leather is very durable, it is not damage or accident proof.

• Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and premature aging, especially for full grain and unfinished top grain leathers; also, keep leather furniture away from direct heat sources such as heat vents, radiators or fireplaces as leather may crack or peel when placed within three feet of a heat source.

• Blot up spills immediately with a clean white cloth or sponge.

• For protected (semi-aniline and pigmented) leather, wipe with lukewarm water and allow to air dry.

• Frequently vacuum dust and dirt particles to maintain the best appearance of the leather.

• Unprotected leather (unfinished top grain) is like a well loved, well-used leather saddle or jacket; natural oils will stain untreated leather slightly, giving it a lovely patina over time; care should be taken to blot up food or liquid spills immediately, as they will be difficult to remove later.

• For oil, butter or grease stains, blot the excess grease with a clean, white cloth. Do not apply water to the spot; the grease spot should dissipate into the leather over time.

• If your leather becomes soiled from use or it has a stain which you cannot remove, you should contact a professional leather furniture cleaning service.

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