Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone has any opinions on leather as a sofa fabric. My mother is looking for a new couch and she found a style she likes but it only comes in leather. Since she hadn’t considered leather as a fabric, she’s a little nervous about it! She asked me what I thought but I don’t have any experience with leather furniture either.
I’ve heard it’s a pretty resiliant fabric choice but it may be cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.
Any info will help.
Thanks, Jen
Replies
I've had leather furniture for over 25 years, thru 2 active boys and several cats and dogs and they still look great.
Depends on the leather and the finish. We have some glove-soft leather furniture that feels fabulous and we love it for lounging, but it is susceptible to staining. Our neighbors have some sofas that have a harder, shiny finish that seem indestructible.
Both are a little cold in the winter--we just use throws--but ours isn't hot in the summer. Just the opposite.
Leigh
edited to fix pre-coffee spelling error
I am a domestic goddess! I deserve three ovens (and two dishwashers)! I am a domestic goddess! I deserve three ovens (and two dishwashers)! I am a domestic goddess! I deserve three ovens (and two dishwashers). . .
Edited 10/23/2005 10:08 am by Aberwacky
Temperature hasn't been a problem for us since we use air conditioning in the summer.
What you want to do is make sure you research the grade of leather available. There are grades of leather that are basically just dyed on the surface; it's almost like a paint finish. This is the cheaper, shiny vinyl like finish. It may wipe easily but not for long.
The higher grades are dyed all the way thru. These are the more durable and expensive grades. Just like any material, you'll get what you pay for.
Also, you may get a better price by putting the high grade leather where it counts, i.e. surfaces that come in contact with your body. Surfaces such as the sides and back are typically vinyl in lower priced leathers. You'll pay a premium for a 100% leather couch.
I bought a Berkline with a lower grade of leather...I didn't know any better. The finish faded within a year like someone had sandpapered a painted wall. Luckily, Berkline has great customer service and replaced the entire couch for free...and it faded again...we then did our homework and upgraded to a higher grade for a very small fee. So far it's held up...I'm crossing my fingers.
The lesson here is, unlike fabric, good leather will cost a premium and YOU need to do the research...most salespersons won't know the difference. With fabric, the higher cost can be due to better materials or more intricate patterns in the fabric.
Have used the same leather sofa for almost 35 years with dogs/cats & visiting kids plus we eat there daily. Prior to this sofa, we replaced fabric sofa almost every 2 years due to wear/tear/spills being so visible. Essentially, we saved a bundle by going with leather. Currently, the leather has incurred scratches over time, but more so, the most used 2 cushions are beginning to sink a bit lower & there are now a couple of all the way "cuts" created by dog having nails longer than she should have. These cuts were repaired via an auto upholstery repairer, who does leather repair & have held up well due to some time of transparent glue. Consequently, we will be replacing it with a new leather sofa upon move to new home. Like an old friend, I hesitate to let go, but realize no upholstery last forever.
As to temperature differences, with households being pretty much same temperature year-round, I have not found this to be a problem. True, hot with no air conditioning, the sofa might be sticky. If cold & no heat in the home, there will be a cool feeling which quickly warms to body temperature.
Another post identified the differences in leather; best to purchase quality even though it may appear pricey at the time. With a good quality leather sofa, this may become an heirloom for her grandchildren!
It is the best stuff there is.
Thank you everyone for your thoughtful responces. I'm happy to report that Mom's leather couch was delivered this past week!