Not many projects are as exciting as giving your home a little makeover for a fresh look and to make living more comfortable. You can do so through little enhancements such as new wall paint or refreshing textiles and fabric. Many homeowners also opt for décor updates and add larger greenery for a gorgeous splash of colour. However, very few items can upgrade your interior like a classic leather lounge. Leather lounges have been featured in high-class magazines for decades, lending any space that final touch of elegance. Lately, they are seen all across social media, fitting right in with contemporary home designs using light neutrals or black and greys. Nevertheless, these timeless pieces of furniture can also be brilliantly paired with richly painted walls and a colourful rug or staged with bright, bold pillows.
All About Leather Lounges
Leather lounges are available in various styles and sizes. But while most of them come with long warranties, you may notice that some greatly differ in quality once you visit furniture stores in Sydney trying to find your ultimate sofa. To be able to distinguish high-quality leather lounges, it is best to familiarise yourself with the different leather types and grades used in furniture making before you make your purchase.
Full-Grain Leather
Full-grain leather is the strongest and most durable leather and is often used in Italian furniture Sydney. The type earns its name because the natural grain pattern is unaltered and visible on the surface. This means that the leather still bears unique markings, adding character to each furniture piece. Full-grain leather has excellent moisture resistance, therefore ideal for homes with children or pets, and develops a lovely, rich patina over time.
Top-Grain Leather
The difference to full-grain leather is that the top surface is sanded away to remove any small imperfections, like insect bites or scratches. Top-grain leather has a highly uniform overall look as a result of this. Since the surface of top-grain leather has been buffed, polished, and smoothed, it feels incredibly soft to the touch. However, top-grain leather is not as durable as full-grain leather.
Bonded Leather
Bonded leather is made from crushed pieces that have been ground, coloured, and glued to a synthetic underlayer. This material contains only 17% genuine leather, and due to the synthetic coating, the material does not breathe like genuine leather, making these leather lounges or furniture unpleasant to sit on for extended periods. Bonded leather does, however, effectively resist spills and stains.
When shopping for your new leather lounge, it is furthermore important to check how much of the piece you have set your eyes on is covered with pure leather. Less reputable furniture stores in Sydney may offer full-grain or top-grain leather just on the seat, armrests, and back. They often use lower-quality materials like bonded leather or vinyl for the outer arms and rear side. This usually results in an unsightly two-tone piece with usage. Always read through the labels or ask for information to make sure the furniture is constructed entirely of real leather.
The Dying Processes
Another difference in furniture quality is how the leather is treated with dye. Here, the three major kinds are:
Pure Aniline
Pure aniline is the most expensive and also the softest leather. To achieve this softness, the hides are placed in large spinning drums, where they completely soak in the dye to give them a rich and deep colour. Since no protective coating is added, the product is more vulnerable to fading and staining.
Semi-Aniline
Also known as protected aniline, this leather has a thin layer of protective coating. The coating provides superior stain and fade resistance to pure aniline leather while the marks, grains and texture will still be visible, preserving the leather’s original surface and appearance. Due to its protective coat, semi-aniline is a better choice for making leather lounges and other furniture.
Pigmented
This leather is less expensive and not usually soft. It has an extra coat applied to the surface, specially formulated to allow stretch and breathability, whereas another transparent coat is applied for protection. Pigmented leather can resist wear and tear, hide stains better, is easier to maintain, and fades more slowly than the two types above.
Known for their durability and longevity, no matter the type and grade of leather, leather lounges can last for many years when properly cared for and kept away from direct sun light. All you have to do is remove stains as quickly as possible and apply a little good leather conditioner regularly every six months or so to prevent the material from cracking and keep it soft and fresh.
Buying From the Right Furniture Stores in Sydney
The worst mistake when buying expensive items is purchasing from the wrong store, especially for leather furniture, given the many manufacturing and design factors. Luckily, you have already taken the first step by educating yourself about the different qualities of leather and have established priorities upfront. All that is left is deciding who to buy from.
Narrow your retailer list to brands aligning with your interior vision and style, and dismiss any lacking transparency. Once you have your list of reputable furniture stores in Sydney, put your newfound knowledge to use. In-person, apply healthy suspicion to salespeople’s claims and request catalogues detailing dimensions, origins, techniques, frame construction, warranties, and finishes. Unscrupulous sellers take advantage of uninformed customers, so only buy from trustworthy manufacturers and retailers.
Visit Us at Cabramatta
Brescia Furniture is the leading retailer of Italian furniture Sydney. Founded in 1961, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality service and leather lounges in the city. If this guide has helped you understand how to make a smart purchase, reach out so we can assist you further as true leather furniture experts. Check our Instagram account and website for the latest premium leather lounges that will last a lifetime, and visit us at Cabramatta to find the perfect lounge for you.
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