Leather is one of the most popular coverings for couches. Not only is it super easy to maintain, and much easier to wipe clean than linen or fabric couches, there is also a whole range of colors and styles to choose from.
However, with so many different leather couches available and at such widely different price points, it can be tricky to know which is the best quality product.
This is because not all leather is created equal. There are several different types of grain, coatings, and textures on the market that all play a part in the leather’s quality.
While one leather couch may be much cheaper than a different sofa, this could be because the leather isn’t as good quality.
The better quality the leather, the longer it will last you, as it will be more durable.
Once you’ve found a range of couches that use good quality leather, you will need to think about the size of the sofa you would like.
Are you looking for a single unit? Or are you wanting a complete set to fit in your home? What color would you like to go with your decor?
These are all factors that you should consider before you commit to your purchase.
Aside from the quality of the leather, other factors will culminate in the leather couch’s durability.
You will also need to consider the weight capacity of your chosen couch, and ensure that this will be enough for you and your family.
Another important factor to consider is how comfortable you like your leather sofa to be. Do you prefer a squishier sofa or a firmer sofa?
Depending on your preferences, you may want to investigate what filling has been used for the leather sofa.
It is also important to see your preferred leather couch in person before you commit to a purchase. This will allow you to sit on it properly, and test whether you actually like the couch in person and find it comfortable.
How Can I Tell If A Leather Sofa Is Good Quality?
With so many different types of leather on the market, as well as faux leather, it can be difficult to know whether you’ve found the real deal.
However, it’s easier to identify genuine leather than you first think.
You should be able to do this from the texture of the leather, as well as the smell. Genuine leather will be soft, as well as warm to the touch.
It will also have a very distinctive smell, which will be appealing and rich. Faux leather, on the other hand, will give off a more unpleasant chemical aroma.
Another identifying factor is the grain of the leather itself. Genuine leather has a lot of variation, and won’t look very uniform. If the leather does appear to be very uniform, then chances are it’s faux leather.
Some leather can be corrected to try and give it a pattern and therefore more uniformity with the grain, but even in this case it still won’t be exactly uniform.
If you are able to look at the reverse side of the leather, this can help show you whether this is the real deal or not.
If your leather sofa is made using genuine leather, then this will be unfinished on the reverse side. This basically means it won’t have any color, and will be fairly rough on the bottom.
It will also be important to know the difference between certain types of leather.
Aniline is a leather that features a clear, organic stain, leaving the cowhide warm and soft to the touch. Semi-aniline is a cross between aniline and pigmented leather, and is often selected as the best of both worlds.
Pigmented leather features a protective opaque coating, which makes it more durable, as well as stain resistant. This leather does tend to fade in sunlight, and will be cold to the touch.
The last factor to bear in mind when determining the quality of the leather is what grain and grade of leather is used.
The best quality leather will be using the top grain of the leather piece. Leather hides are also split into three different grades depending on where in the world they come from. This is because some countries have different standards in terms of welfare for their animals.
The best types of leather come from southern Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, and Northern Italy.
What Color Of Leather Sofa Is Best?
It can be tricky knowing what color sofa to opt for in your home. You may be wondering which color sofa will be best.
However, this will mostly come down to personal preference rather than an indicator of quality. It will be important to choose the color couch that best goes with the rest of the decor in your home.
The vast majority of leather sofas are available in black, brown, or white. There are a range of other colored leather sofas.
However, the general rule of thumb is that the more the leather has been prepped or altered, the lesser quality it will be.
So if you weren’t that bothered by the color couch you choose, it will be best to opt for a natural brown leather.
What Should I Look For In A Leather Couch?
So as we now know, there are several factors that you will need to bear in mind when it comes to choosing the best leather couch for your home. These include:
- The type of leather grain used
- The grade of leather used
- The size of the couch
- How comfortable the couch is
- The weight capacity of the couch
- Whether you want a single couch or a complete set
- What color leather you would prefer
These should be able to help you find the best leather couch that will suit your home.
In Summary
So there you have it! It will be easier to find a quality leather couch than you first thought. As long as you bear the above factors in mind, you can rest assured that you’ve found the right leather couch for your home.
