What to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Leather Furniture
There are dozens and dozens of types of furniture styles on the market. You can usually take a tour of a furniture showroom or some other store to get the full picture on the different styles you can use to fill your living room. No matter what you’re looking for, however, the question inevitably comes down a simple choice: leather or something else?
Leather tends to be a bit more expensive, which is why homeowners might be hesitant to get involved right off the bat. The good news is that when you find real, genuine leather, you know you’ve made a wise long-term investment. Because it’s stronger and more durable than regular fabrics, leather tends to hold up better over time and sometimes even becomes better the more it ages. But the most important thing you can do in order to ensure you get a find real leather is ask about it before you take it home with you. It helps to know the different types before you dive in, as well as where to buy furniture to begin with.
Top grain vs split grain
When it comes to the highest-quality leather, you have to look at the grain tier before you make your final decision. Top grain, or what’s made from the outer surface of a cow’s hide, is much stronger than the split grain, which comes from inside. Top grain will typically last longer, but split grain might be more cost-effective, though you get waht you pay for. That’s one of the most important tips on buying furniture you can keep in mind.
Aniline vs semi-aniline
A lot of the discussion of leather hides boils down to where to buy furniture at all. Shops that sell aniline leather are selling you the premium hides, as that’s what aniline dyes are used for exclusively. What you get with aniline is leather that’s soft and devoid of other finishes, making it more natural. Semi-aniline has more added pigment in order to make the finish more stain-resistant and protected once it’s inside your home.
Long term vs short term
This one doesn’t directly apply to leather but any kind of couch, chair or table in general. Before you buy, think about what you need it for. How long will you actually be living in this apartment? Is this a couch that can be dumped to the curb when your lease expires, or are you looking to invest in something that can be loaded into the U-Haul when you find your next dwelling? If you’re looking to plant some roots in a brand new home, you’re probably looking for long-term stuff, so think big — and think durable. That’s what to look for when buying furniture.
Of course, where to buy furniture depends mightily on where you’re living, so do a little research before you settle on a particular or local establishment. The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to walk out with the right kind of leather for your home. Happy hunting! Learn more.