Your Guide to Different Types of Leather

Leather is a classic material that is crafted with durability and comfort in mind. Because of its natural color and texture, it blends into any style and brings warmth into any space. It also ages beautifully over time. Since buying leather furniture is an investment, this requires some consideration about which type meets the needs of your home. Our guide answers questions that you might have, such as “What is genuine leather?” or “What is distressed leather?” Read below to find out which types of leather are best for you.

Types of Leather

When shopping for leather furniture, there are many different types to choose from. With plenty of options available, we’ve listed some of the most popular materials for leather furniture and tips to consider while browsing.

Genuine Leather

Genuine leather can be a broad category. It includes cowhide leather with different grains – top grain, full grain, and split grain. There are variations of quality, durability, softness, and cost based on each grain. Since the term “genuine leather” isn’t always specific, we recommend looking closely at the product description for details about the grain and finish. Keep reading to learn more about types of grains and finishes.

Genuine leather is one of the most durable materials for furniture. It becomes more comfortable over time and can be easy to clean depending on its finish. For homes with children or pets, we recommend opting for leather upholstery with a protective finish to avoid scratches or stains.

Faux Leather

Faux leather is made from fabric treated with a synthetic polyurethane wax or dye to replicate the look of traditional leather. It can be a great alternative for any budget since it’s less expensive than genuine leather.

Faux leather is nonporous, which makes it water-resistant and easy to clean. It’s also less prone to stains or spills. Faux leather can be a great option for large families and busy spaces.

Leather Match

Leather-match furniture uses genuine leather on front pieces and faux leather in less visible areas. The faux leather is closely matched to the color and feel of the genuine leather for a seamless piece that combines value and livable quality.

Leather-match furniture is great for pieces like sofas, sectionals, and armchairs. It has the soft and classic feel of genuine leather at a more affordable price.

Leather Grain Types

Leather goods are typically classified by five types of grain – full grain, top grain, corrected, split grain, and bonded leather. These types are based on which layer of the hide the finished leather comes from.

Full grain: Full-grain leather is taken from the outermost layer of the hide and is densely packed with fibers that make it one of the most durable types. Since it usually doesn’t get sanded during the finishing process, full-grain leather often has small imperfections and can develop a charming patina over time.

Top grain: This type of leather is similar to full grain, except the top layer is sanded to remove those imperfections. Because of this, top-grain leather is softer and more pliable.

Corrected: Corrected leather can come from any layer of the hide. It’s sanded to remove imperfections and make a more uniform surface before getting dyed and finished.

Split grain: This form is taken from a lower layer of the hide, making it less dense than the other grains. It’s typically colored and embossed during the finishing process.

Bonded: This type of leather is manufactured from a combination of authentic leather scraps and a synthetic bonding material. Bonded leather is given a textured finish and a protective coating for a realistic look.

Leather Finish Types

The finish is often based on the grain and affects the feel of the leather. It’s also an important factor in choosing leather furniture for your home. Some finishes are better for families while other finishes require frequent care.

We recommend staying away from using varnish, oil, furniture polish, ammonia, or saddle soap on your leather furniture.

Aniline: Full-aniline leather is colored with soluble dye that doesn’t alter the feel of the leather. This type of dye provides color without covering up any natural markings. This type of leather is sensitive to staining and should be cleaned carefully. Use a soft microfiber cloth to remove dust, and vacuum regularly. For more intensive cleaning, use only a solution formulated for aniline leather.

Semi-aniline: Semi-aniline dying gives the leather color and a thin, protective coating to prevent wear or discoloration that might happen with full-aniline leather. Like aniline leather, semi-aniline requires careful cleaning, regular vacuuming, and a leather cleaner that is appropriate for the finish.

Pigmented: Pigmented leather is more durable and low maintenance than aniline or semi-aniline leathers. These hides are drum-dyed and then coated for a consistent, uniform color. This process creates smooth leather that is more resistant to wear, fading, and moisture than other finishes. This type is one of the easiest to clean. It should be cleaned with warm water and mild soap before drying completely with a clean, soft cloth.

Embossed: Embossed leather is stamped with engraved plates. This embossing is typically either a decorative pattern or a design that mimics the natural texture of full-grain leather.

Distressed: Distressed leather is an aniline leather that is hand-worn to replicate the look of aged leather with scratches and fading. This finish gives any piece a touch of rustic appeal.
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