Leather. The word conjures up authenticity, character, comfort, durability, style and luxury.

The first known leather furniture dates back to the 7th century BC. Over time, use of leather in furniture was considered a rare luxury afforded only by the royalty, nobles and elite.

Modern craftsmanship including advanced leather tanning processes and availability of hides enables a more budget-friendly array of options in leather furniture. Having said that, leather furniture is still and will always be allied with a certain luxury and stature.

There is a certain wariness associated with the word ‘luxury’, where an oft-made assumption is about high maintenance and care of luxury goods. Not so with leather and leather furniture! Unlike fabric and other material which wear out, leather wears in; meaning, that while fabric and vinyl and rexine give way with use and time, leather wears well and softens and endures with use and time and gains character. A simple wipe with a damp cloth (leather has an inherent water resistance) is all that is required to keep it clean. No chemicals, no soap, an occasional leather conditioner (as advised by your furniture dealer) to enrich the material.

A leather sofa is a paean to the ultimate in comfort. Historically speaking, leather furniture has been used for hundreds of years in a great variety of situations where comfort is at a premium. They are a favourite among therapists and psychologists, who seek to induce a feeling of comfort and safety for their patients during their sessions with them. For families for whom comfort is the byword for sofas, nothing can be better than leather. Having said that, the choice of the type of leather and the dye is paramount in assuring comfort, quality and resilience.

Types of Leather: Choosing the right type of leather is integral to the aesthetic, comfort and longevity of your furniture.

  • Full-grain leather is the crème de la crème, as it comes from the outermost layer of the hide and is the most durable, has the most character (shows original scratches), has a great patina (as it absorbs oils easily), ages well and responds well to body temperature. It is also very expensive, not pliable and stains easily.
  • Top-grain leather is taken from the outermost layer of the hide, sanded, and imprinted with artificial grain to make it look uniform and give it stain resistance. Soft and pliable, it is of high quality at a lower cost.

Leather sofas are typically made using top-grain or full-grain leather as they are the most durable, comfortable and classy.

Types of Dye: The type of dye determines how the leather will age, how it will fit in with your decor, and how it will feel to the touch.

  • Full aniline dyes the leather through and through, giving it a robustness both in colour and the retention of natural grain markings. It is also very expensive and not resistant to stains.
  • Semi-aniline goes through a complete dyeing, followed by a thin sealant coating to protect from stains. It is also expensive.
  • Pigmented leather is treated with a dye and a protective sealant which provides durability with a polymer surface coating and allows a greater resistance to soiling, scuffing and fading. It is also the least expensive.

Pigmented leather is the most durable type and is widely used for furniture upholstery.

Showcased in the photo alongside, is a Chesterfield Sofa Set with Centre Table, a very popular style with its distinct deeply buttoned, quilted leather upholstery and lower seat base utilizing premier leather. Also known as a tufted leather sofa, the Chesterfield is believed to have been first commissioned by the Fourth Earl of Chesterfield, Philip Dormer Stanhope (1694-1773) in the 1700's.

Manufactured by Artisans Rose, this product features top-grain, pigmented leather with a hand antiquing process (a specialty for traditional English style furniture) on a sheesham wood frame.

If you like what you see and want to order and know more, do write to us at [email protected]. You can also call +91 90727 87773, Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm.

Please visit our website, https://artisansrose.com/web/index.php/ for more on what we do.

We spearhead interior design and architecture projects along with our esteemed partners and elevate and enhance spaces (home and commercial) to our clients’ complete satisfaction.