How to choose leather for furniture, useful recommendations
A durable and easy-to-care upholstery material is leather for furniture, which is also considered a symbol of luxury and wealth. She emphasizes the status of the owner, giving the interior solidity and significance. Modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of material, different in texture, shade, production method, price category. Thanks to a wide range of upholstery materials, furniture design has acquired new forms, styles, and furniture has become more affordable.
Pros and cons
The leather used for upholstery has indisputable advantages such as:
- durability;
- strength;
- simplicity in leaving;
- does not accumulate dust and microorganisms;
- a large selection of colors, textures;
- the visual appeal of the upholstery and the luxurious appearance of the finished furniture.
In addition to the above, furniture leather has pleasant tactile properties, good qualities of water absorption and water loss, which makes it very comfortable to use. On such a sofa it is not hot in summer, not cold in winter.
A plus is that pets, as a rule, do not encroach on headsets with leather upholstery.
The disadvantages of genuine leather for furniture are:
- high price;
- sensitivity to temperature extremes, increased air dryness;
- intolerance to direct sunlight;
- absorption of extraneous odors.
It is advisable not to put any furniture in the skin near heating appliances. From sudden temperature extremes and low humidity, the upholstery loses its elasticity, stretches, and cracks. It fades from direct sunlight, changes color. When buying, it is also worth considering that harsh odors, such as tobacco smoke or perfume, easily penetrate and are stored in leather upholstery.
Modern artificial leather coverings are deprived of the above disadvantages, they are durable, and can withstand extreme temperatures. The cost of high-quality artificial coatings is high. There is always a danger of buying low-quality goods at a high price, so such expensive purchases are best done from well-known large manufacturers or sellers.
Varieties
Modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of leather for furniture, both natural and artificial. The kind of leather upholstery depends on the material and production technology. For the production of natural furniture leather, cattle skins (cattle) are used. In the manufacturing process, the skins are divided into several layers. The top layer is the highest quality and thickest used for upholstery of expensive furniture. It has softness, elasticity, required thickness, and therefore is durable.The lower layer is less quality and durable, is called split (Split leather), used for various purposes: the production of haberdashery, shoes, clothing, furniture leather.
Genuine furniture leather is divided by the method of tanning:
- processing with natural plant components;
- chromium treatment;
- without treatment, with a protective dust coating of wax, resin or paint.
Depending on the method of tanning and additional processing, the following types of leather are distinguished for covering furniture:
- crust - dense, durable genuine leather with a preserved natural face. During operation, natural abrasions, darkening of the color are formed;
- smooth leather for furniture - plastic and soft, without processing the front surface. It is made from the skin of young animals. It is used for covering elite furniture, the manufacture of expensive accessories, clothes, shoes;
- aniline - a kind of smooth skin, refers to premium materials with a protective coating that preserves the natural texture on the front surface;
- semi-aniline - has additional protective coatings, making it more resistant to external influences;
- velor and suede - have a velvety surface, require careful care, additional processing;
- nubuck - dense, with an exquisite velvety surface, also requires additional care with the help of special tools;
- Crazy - has a matte surface with a special wax coating.
Today, manufacturers offer many high-quality substitutes for natural upholstery. Modern artificial leather coverings are not inferior in quality to natural materials, and furniture in artificial leather is visually difficult to distinguish from natural.
Among the modern artificial furniture upholstery stand out:
- microfiber - has the softness of a natural material, but does not absorb extraneous odors, does not lend itself to abrasion, is wear-resistant, retains color and shape under the influence of light, high temperatures;
- vinyl leather - based on polyvinyl chloride, deposited on a fabric surface. Special impregnations provide strength and durability with vinyl skin substitute;
- leather substitute - based on polyurethane, applied to a fabric base. A wonderful modern analogue of a natural product that has all its advantages, but eliminates the disadvantages.
Use cases
The main purpose of furniture leather material is the upholstery of upholstered furniture for various purposes and styles. Modern designers also use it for the production of cabinet furniture and as decorating elements. Sliding wardrobes, beds, hallways, dressers with leather inserts on doors, drawers, butts, all these are popular options for the manufacture of modern products.
Color spectrum
The color scheme of natural materials involves natural shades or the use of natural dyes, giving a limited color range. Modern artificial materials allow the use of a wide range of artificial dyes, giving a rich color palette.
Methods of producing artificial upholstery allow you to create not only any color, but also the texture of the material, imitating even the natural skin of a crocodile. Modern upholstery materials provide a diverse selection of high-quality upholstery with excellent performance, a wide range of colors and various textures.
The color scheme of upholstery leather materials makes it possible to translate any design decisions into reality.
How to choose
Here are some tips for choosing furniture in leather:
- do not buy furniture in leather according to the catalog, trust your tactile sensations: be sure to visit the salon and feel upholstery;
- the upholstery should not have an unpleasant smell;
- high-quality furniture leather in a few seconds heats up to your body temperature;
- the coating should not be too tight, patterns of quality products are made with a margin;
- Do not buy headsets in parts: each new product made of natural material has its own unique shade.
Care Tips
Genuine leather furniture requires more care than artificial leather. Modern artificial leather coverings better tolerate external influences, but when caring for any leather item, try to adhere to the following rules:
- Avoid temperature extremes and direct sunlight - this can cause cracks, discoloration;
- wipe the furniture with special microfiber cloths or a regular cotton cloth 3-4 times a week;
- if liquid gets in, remove it as soon as possible, otherwise a stain may remain on the furniture;
- Do not use tap water; it may be too hard. Use special products for cleaning;
- use special air conditioners for furniture, they will protect the surface from any external influences. Treat them with all leather products 1-2 times a year;
- Do not use cleaners that are not suitable for leather upholstery.
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