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How to choose the right quality and finish for your leather recliner chair
I hope my last post convinced you of the benefits of buying a leather recliner chair. This time I’d like to give you some advice on what to look for when you shop around for your new leather furniture. This is important stuff, and without it, you could end up making an expensive mistake.
The most important question you need to ask is what quality of leather was used in making the chair? Put simply, there are two basic qualities of leather, top-grain and split-grain. I’ll explain the difference…
Top-grain leather
As the name implies (sort of), this comes from the top layer of hide of the animal. As this is the layer that was always exposed to the environment, it’s the one that’s the strongest, and most durable. This means that it will last longer, look better, and be more resistant to stains and marks than the split-grain leather.
Split-grain leather
This is made from the underside of the animal’s hide, ie the side that was closest to the muscle and fat of the animal. As such, it’s softer than the top-grain leather, but is also cheaper. If your sofa or recliner chair is going to get a lot of use, especially if there are kids in the house, then it makes sense to spend the extra on top-grain leather as this will ensure it lasts a lot longer.
Split-grain leather is often dyed to make it look like top-grain, so if the extra durability of top-grain isn’t important to you, you can still get great looking leather furniture without spending a fortune.
OK, so the next thing you need to look at is the finish of the leather. This can also make a big difference to the price, so it’s worth knowing the difference between the finishes available.
Naturally finished leather
This has been given the least amount of processing of all types of finish, and requires the least amount of care. It is usually smooth to the touch, and can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Brushed leather
This has been, as the name implies, brushed during the processing, and this gives it a wonderful luxurious feel. Because of the soft nature of brushed leather, it needs more care than other finishes, and is not a good choice if there are children around, as it is more likely to show marks and stains.
Distressed leather
Despite the odd name, this simply means that it’s been made to look old. If your home has an antique or period feel, then a distressed leather recliner chair can look very stylish and striking. It often has fluctuations in colour over the surface, adding to the aged appearance. You might even find some that has artificial wrinkles added, giving a seriously period-piece impression!
Distressed leather furniture is a good idea when there are kids in the home, as it is very durable and stain-resistant.
I hope you found this article interesting. If you read it carefully, you’ll get a good idea of which quality and finish are right for you, so you’ll make the right choice when you buy your new leather recliner chair.
Next time I’ll be giving you some ideas about the colour of your leather furniture. Watch this blog!
See you,
Anne
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Topics: Leather chairs, Recliner chairs
