LEATHER REAL VS FAUX

WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you are in the process of looking for a new piece of furniture, you might feel a bit confused by the leather choices available. If you are looking into leather coverings, there are a surprising number of types to choose from.

With that in mind, this article will be comparing real and faux leather types and the pros and cons of each. We will break down the different kinds of real leather and their applications in furniture, as well as the types and uses for faux leather.

Types of Natural Leather

Full-grain Leather: The best leather in the industry is full-grain leather (also known as top grain leather). Full-grain leather is made with the top hide of the cow and comes with the textures and blemishes gathered throughout the cow’s life.

Aniline Dyed Leather: Full-grain leather that is aniline dyed emphasizes natural patterns and abnormalities in the leather while using minimal dyes. The leather of this type reacts to its surroundings and will shift over time in patina. Aniline dying is what gives many sofas and chairs a vintage look and feel while adding a lot of character to the piece.

Embossed Grain Leather: Some people prefer leather without blemishes and imperfections. Embossed grain leather is leather that has a pattern stamped into it to create the leather look without the defects that full-grain leather has.

Bonded/Genuine Leather: When manufacturers are making and treating leather for commercial use, they do a lot of trimming in the process. The leather scraps are broken down into small pieces and bonded together to create a leather material, often referred to in advertising as “genuine leather”. This type of leather costs less, saves resources, and is a lot softer than regular leather.

Types of Faux Leather

PU Leather: Makers apply a polyurethane finish to an upholstery fabric such aspolyester, cotton, nylon, or rayon. Once the polyurethane finish is applied, a leather pattern is stamped over the top to create a leather finish look.

PVC Leather: PVC Leather combines polyvinyl chloride with stabilizers, plasticizers, and lubricants to create a substance that applies to the base materials like polyester, cotton, nylon, or rayon. This leather look is also very uniform but will be perfect for low-cost leather upholstery.

So What Type of Leather Furniture is Best for You?

Now that you know what types of leathers are out there, you have the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions on leather upholstery.

If you are seeking longevity, classic look, durability, and heirloom quality and feel, then an animal leather upholstery is right for you.

If you are looking for cruelty-free, easy-to-clean, or more affordable leather upholstery then faux leather is your best option.