A Guide to Leather Furniture

Leather is one of the most timeless and popular types of upholstery on the market. Keep reading to find out some useful information on this classic, beautiful material.

Advantages of Leather Furniture

The saying “you get what you pay for” really rings true when it comes to leather furniture. In terms of upholstered furniture, leather has some benefits that other materials don’t:

• Long lifespan. Leather is extremely long-lasting, and it ages very well. In fact, leather that looks worn and weathered is sometimes more desirable than new leather, as its natural qualities are brought out more over time.
• Durability. As far as durability goes, leather is second to none. Some furniture experts estimate that leather furniture lasts up to four times longer than fabric furniture. Aside from that, leather is much more resistant to ripping and fraying than other upholstery. 
• Easy to care for. Despite common misconceptions, leather is fairly easy to clean and care for. Spills on leather can be easily wiped away, whereas they may soak in and stain fabric furniture.
• Always in style. While other fabrics may go in and out of style rather quickly, leather is one material that seems to never go out of fashion. 

Leather Considerations

If you’re thinking about buying a leather piece of furniture, there are a few things to keep in mind before you make the purchase.

First, think about your lifestyle. Do you have kids or pets? While leather is durable, it will still accumulate scratches and marks over time, and smaller children or pets can contribute toward this. No matter how well you take care of leather furniture, sometimes you just can’t prevent your cat from scratching it or your child from spilling something on it.

Secondly, before buying a piece of leather furniture, don’t forget to consider your home’s style and color scheme. Leather is available in a variety of different types and furniture styles, but keep in mind that the color selection of leather is more limited than that of fabric. That said, it may be more difficult to match leather to shades that aren’t as natural-looking.

Lastly, take into account the lifespan of leather furniture before you buy. Leather lasts significantly longer than other types of upholstery, so make sure you are choosing a color and style of furniture that you’ll be okay with having for a long time.

Cleaning & Caring for Leather Furniture

While leather furniture is fairly easy to clean and maintain, there are a few best practices you should adhere to in order to keep your piece of furniture in great shape.

Cleaning Leather

When it comes to regular cleaning for leather furniture, vacuuming your piece with a soft bristle brush attachment or wiping it with a clean, dry cloth is usually sufficient for getting rid of dust or debris. 

For messes or spills, be sure to take action right away. Wipe away the spill with a dry cloth or sponge. If this doesn’t work, try wetting the cloth with water slightly and gently dabbing the area. Then, let the surface air dry. Keep in mind that for minor spots and spills, water alone is typically enough to take care of the problem. Do not use cleaning solutions, ammonia, furniture polish, or anything abrasive that could damage the leather. 

For stubborn stains, it’s best to contact a leather specialist to take care of the cleaning.

Leather Maintenance Tips

Leather furniture is a sizable investment, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to maintain it and maximize its lifespan. Here are a few maintenance tips to follow:

• Avoid placing leather furniture in direct sunlight. Even an hour or two of sunlight a day will cause leather to fade over time, so it’s best to position the furniture in a spot where the sun won’t directly shine on it.
• Between cleanings, it’s beneficial to use a leather conditioner on your furniture to maintain its finish. Be sure to only use products that are specifically made for leather.
• If you spot a scratch on leather, simply rub it off with your finger. Due to the oil on your hands, this is usually enough to get rid of the scratch if it isn’t too deep.

Ready to purchase your piece of leather furniture? Check out the selection at King’s Impressions today, or contact us for more information.