How To Compare Quality in Leather Furniture

Quality leather comes in a variety of different colors and styles, is easy to clean and is luxurious to the touch. Styles and prices for leather furniture vary according to quality and the quality of the leather will be apparent over time. While you can get the look and feel of leather at lower prices by purchasing furniture with synthetic leather on the sides and back (parts not showing), the construction of the furniture and the grade of the leather on the surface must still be evaluated.

Instructions

- 1
  Ask the manufacture for details about where the leather originated. Inquire if the skin is natural. You can test this by pressing down into the leather to determine flexibility and stretch. It should return to its original shape if the skin is natural.
- 2
  Sit on the furniture. Quality leather breathes. Unlike synthetic leather, it is cool in the summer and retains heat in the winter. Sticky or clammy leather is sign of poor quality.
- 3
  Compare cleaning instructions. Good leather furniture is durable and can be cleaned with minimal effort. Quality leather furniture is also fire resistant and emits no toxins even when exposed to high heat.
- 4
  Determine if the furniture is made out of corrected leather. Corrected leather has been sanded and embossed to remove blemishes. It has also been treated with a protective coating to improve resistance to water.
- 5
  Determine if the leather is untreated leather. Untreated leather is usually selected from the best hides (skins). These are chosen according to suppleness and touch. It will develop a natural patina over time. Some people prefer the natural scarring or wrinkles uncorrected leather provides for furniture.

How to Select Quality Leather Furniture

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