A leather sofa isn't just a leather sofa anymore! The guide below is designed to help you distinguish between the various materials used to make leather sofas. Find the one that's best for you before you buy.
A Guide to Leathers
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Natural leather, also referred to as full aniline leather, naked leather, and pure aniline leather, is the most expensive and the most difficult to maintain. Italian leather is an example of a pure natural leather that is used often in high quality sofas.
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The word "aniline" refers to a type of dye which is soaked into the leather to create its color. Natural leather is made from the top grain of the hide, which is the uppermost section when the hide is split into layers. This is the highest quality part of the hide. Coloring the leather purely with aniline results in the extremely soft, supple texture for which natural leather sofas are known.
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Semi aniline leather is also made from the top grain of the hide, but this type of leather has been treated with aniline dye plus a waxy coat of color. The wax is designed to protect the leather while enhancing the color, but it does tend to make the surface stiffer and less supple than that of full aniline leather.
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Sometimes semi aniline leather sofas are treated with a process called "pulling up." In this technique, areas of the leather are stretched in various directions to create uneven wear in the overall color, resulting in a natural antiqued look.
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Nubuck leather is a term for top grain, full aniline leather that has been put through a buffing procedure to create a texture much like velvet. Because it is extremely soft and dyed with aniline throughout, nubuck is extremely susceptible to stains and should be treated with an approved sealant before use.
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Split leather refers to any part of the hide other than the top grain. This type of leather can be treated to look and feel like top grain, but doesn't have the strength of the real thing. It is appropriate for furniture upholstery, but is generally cheaper and does not last as long as top grain leather.
If you're interested in purchasing a leather sofa, knowing what type of materials are available will help you find the one that works best for you. Avoid imitation leather sofas or those that are upholstered in materials that you cannot identify; your best bet is to know exactly what you're buying so you're sure of getting your money's worth. With a little research, you're sure to find the leather sofa that's just right for you.
