What You Should Know Before Buying A Leather Couch

When it is time to replace the furniture in your living room, you have to think about the various material options out there and how well they can work to meet your unique needs. For some, the fabric should be comfortable and cozy, but leather is the go-to option for others. According to Laz-Z-Bay Home Furnishings & Décor, leather has some big benefits. It could be the ideal choice for those who want a product that is more durable since this material lasts up to 15 to 20 years compared to other prevalent furniture fabrics, which have a life of up to five years. Leather can also be easy to care for and a beautiful addition to your home.

While all of these things are great, there are some very important details you should know before you decide to buy a leather couch. Since it can be a significant expenditure, you want to be sure you're investing wisely based on what's best for your home and family.

Some types of leather require coatings to help them feel soft and luxurious and offer some layer of protection. Aniline is one type that is not processed much and tends to cost a bit more. This type is specifically noted for its luxurious and mellow feel. The difference between this leather type and other kinds is that the manufacturer will cover this fabric with aniline dye, according to Forbes. However, no pigment is added to it, allowing the natural coloring to come through.

Furthermore, aniline leather is extremely sought-after since the pigment is only viable for the highest-quality hides. Also notable is this leather does not have any added protective coatings, which means that it does make it a bit more at risk when it comes to staining. However, the natural surface grains on this fabric type tend to stand out and age well, giving it character. So, when you want leather that's supple and comfortable to sit on, consider the higher-costing aniline product.

One of the many options for leather couches may be pigmented or fabric with a tinted coating. This type is different from the aniline leather that's placed in the clear and color-free dye. Instead, pigmented leather has a finish coating added to it. This tinted dye coating is done to help create a waterproof surface, which is a good thing for those who have children who spill often or pets. It generally takes just a wet cloth to clean up these services, as noted by ReLeather.

The pigmentation also changes the way the leather looks. In these types of couches, you can expect more consistency of color throughout the entire piece. That uniformity is something many people prefer in these furnishings. This coating is also noted for being a more durable finish to the fabric, and although all leather will eventually weaken, it is less likely to wear down than aniline-dyed leather. 

One of the more common misconceptions about leather is that it is uncomfortable. For example, some people may think it is too cold when you sit on it, especially in the air conditioning or winter months. On the opposite end are those who think that leather is too hot to get cozy on during the summer months. Decorium states this is false on both sides.

One of the reasons for this is that leather is a porous material. That means it breathes well and picks up on the temperatures surrounding it. Let's say it's a hot summer day. The leather will adjust to the room's temperature, meaning the AC makes it comfortable and not hot. Additionally, the fabric modifies after your body temperature. It will be at room temperature but once seated, it will truly feel chilly in the summer and cozy warm in the winter.

It may be true that the leather couch is going to cost you more money than one made of fabric. However, that higher cost may be worthwhile for several reasons. First, according to Victoria Advocate, a quality leather sofa is going to last you much longer than a fabric couch, and that often means that you can expect to put off having to replace it for a long time. In this way, it may be a better value overall.

Some people consider the investment in high-quality leather to be much like buying anything else that's a higher grade. It may look better, match your style the way you want, and be more durable, adding value to your home that's worth the extra price. Though costs range widely, finding something within your budget is an option. You could get a lower-quality product if you don't want to spend a significant amount on a high-priced sofa. Be sure to check reviews and do some research on the overall quality.

Buying a leather sofa doesn't mean having just one style to select from — a brown couch isn't the only look you can go for, so be sure to get a leather couch that fits your style instead of trying to change your interests and likes to fit it.

San Francisco Design notes that you can find leather for just about any space, from modern to contemporary pieces. Look for details that help it stand out, such as a color you love or tufting, to add dimension to it. You can go with a traditional sofa if that is what you enjoy, but you don't have to feel limited when buying these products. Some people may like an older style of leather that has a patina on it from years of use. Others may like a geometric look with clean lines and more refined material. Define your furniture style as your first step, and then seek out pieces that fit it.