Leather furniture is ideal for those with children or pets who may pose a risk to your home goods. It can withstand even the most destructive of little creatures, making it a worthwhile choice for anyone who needs extra protection. Leather sofas are an attractive and luxurious addition to any home. They look nice, feel nice and provide a great return on investment given their long-term strength and resistance to damage.
That being said, you should never go out and purchase a leather sofa on a whim without first making a few important considerations, like the five below:
- Ask for a sample
Most furniture companies can provide swatches of the leathers they use on their products. This is a helpful way to test the quality and durability of the fabric and determine how it will hold up over time. The feel and thickness of the swatch are important, in addition to how well it stretches (as this will indicate what the couch will look like after a few years of wear and tear).
- Choose top or full grain over split grain
Split grain is sourced from the same hide as top grain, but the former is found several layers deeper within the hide. Subsequently, it is of a lower quality and far more fibrous than top grain. It also requires heavy pigmentation and artificial texturing. Split grain can be used on the underside of couches (or other areas that remain out of sight), but it is not a great choice for the visible parts of the couch. Instead, choose top grain or full grain, which are much richer and natural looking.
- Look for sofas with removable cushions
While a leather sofa will last for years and years, your cushions may not. A couch with zippered cushions means that you can remove and replace the inner padding as needed to ensure that your couch remains comfy and plush. Just be sure to fit your new cushions correctly, as leather does not stretch easily.
- Remember that leather lasts much longer than other materials
If you are concerned about the high costs associated with purchasing a leather sofa, be sure to remind yourself of the long-term investment you are making. Sure, leather furniture may be a bit more expensive than furniture made of other materials, but it also tends to hold up better, meaning that you need to replace or repair it less often, and ultimately get more of your money’s worth for the product. A good way to work out your optimal sofa price range is to divide its price by how many years you plan to use it, and then choose your sofa based on the best price per year of use.
- Keep your new sofa out of direct sunlight
Direct light and heat can damage leather, causing it to fade and deteriorate. Keep this in mind when choosing and placing your new leather sofa. It’s okay to put your couch in a sunny room, but you may want to invest in some window coverings or protective throw blankets to keep the leather from receiving too much sun. There are also some varieties that hold up to sun better than others, which your local leather sofa supplier can point out upon inspection.
There are so many benefits to leather sofas, but doing proper research before you buy is paramount. Consider these five tips when choosing your sofa to ensure you make a smart purchase and get the most out of your couch.
