Kinds of Leather used in furniture upholstery

Leather is widely used in an array of different products. Book covers, all kinds of bags, purses, clothes, upholstery material, shoes, belts, and even wallpapers are popular products in which leather is used all around the world. The durability and flexibility of leather make it an excellent alternative to other covering materials. The quality of leather to keep cool in summer and warm during winter makes it the top upholstery material.

Leather being obtained from cows, goats, sheep, pigs, are some obvious sources and some rare sources like ostriches and stingrays; they can have different finishes and appearances. Depending on the kind of usage and wear and tear requirements of the furniture, the type of leather is chosen. Chairs, sofa sets, recliners, stools, bean bags, car seats, and cushions are products that use leather upholstery. However, the following are commonly used kinds of leather products in furniture upholstery.

Aniline dyed leather is known to be the most expensive and of the best quality. The leather retains the natural texture with its unique surface characteristics. The surface being natural is not treated or coated with pigments and polymers. The hide and the color of the aniline leather are the same throughout, i.e., in the back and in the front. A very thin layer of coating is added to such leather to prevent it from damages caused due to spillage and soiling. The soft, supple, and comfort of the leather make it the most preferred choice for luxury products. The fact that it retains the details of the hide makes it special and hence also derives the name naked leather because of it. But due to weak soil resistance, it cannot stand high wear and tear.

Semi-aniline dyed leather is an aniline hide dyed in pigments, however not necessarily partially unlike the name. Additional finishes are also applied to semi-aniline leather once the dyeing is over. This gives it the specially required effect, for instance, an antique finish. Finally, the last layer of coating gives the leather a matte or a glamorous glossy finish. The semi-aniline leather provides some resistance to soiling and staining. It also gives a consistent color to the product. The only drawback is that in treating hide with pigments and adding a protective layer does not retain the natural markings and uniqueness of that found in aniline leather. Hence semi-aniline may be less natural in appearance but acquires better wear and tear resistance.

Protected leather, also referred to as pigmented leather, is widely used as upholstery in furniture and cars. This signifies that it is the most durable kind of leather. Pigmented or protected leather has a protective polymer coating on it which consists of pigments that make it resistant to scuffing and fading. The thickness of the surface coating decides the durability of the leather.