Leather since the early centuries has been utilized by humans for so many purposes for it is durable, looks better as it ages, perfect for all seasons – warm in winter, cool in summer, easy to clean and is non-allergenic. One of the most popular uses is on furniture. As of today, leather furniture is mainly a statement of wealth and sophistication. Leather furniture for example, can add an aristocratic and elegant feeling to a home. Yet due to the common misinterpretation, leather now is believed to be a luxury only to be indulged in by those who have a lot of extra cash.
In contrast to this common belief, affordable leather products can still be found. The only problem is, people talk about leather but they do not usually know what it is. They do not have an idea of what to look for or what advantages it can provide them. This ignorance often leads to the furniture getting thrown out after a few weeks or even days, thus, wasting time and money. As a solution to these problems, here is a basic guide on how to buy leather furniture.
Types of Leather
When a cow is slaughtered, all the other parts except the beef and hide go to waste. Beef as we know it is used for food consumption. Hides on the other hand, are treated and undergo the process of tanning. The end product would be leather. Different treatments provide different types of leathers. Some goes through so many methods which remove the grain and give an equal façade. But the most sought-after is the full grain leather which has a softer texture. The bite marks from insects and other creatures are still visible and gives a unique characteristic to full grain leathers. Other types would be top grain, antiqued, aniline and painted leathers.
Given the following types and their advantages and disadvantages, you should now have an idea of which one fits the theme of the place you are going to put it in.
Check the details
After all the considerations on what type of leather you want for your furniture and the place to put it in, it is time for you to scout and buy. Once in the furniture shop and you have spotted the leather furniture you want:
• Try to see how stable its frame is. The full grain leather will be useless on a weak frame.
• Be sure that the furniture looks good overall and it would fit your place perfectly.
• Feel the grains of the leather. If it is supple and feels like butter, then it is the one you want.
• Try sitting down on the furniture (it is a sofa or a chair). If you are comfortable then it would be good.
• Also check the deck of the furniture by removing the cushions. It is should be sturdy.
Following these guidelines will help insure that you get your money’s worth when buying leather furniture.
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