Leather Furniture - what you need to know

I like the idea of leather but….

Investing in a piece of leather furniture can be daunting. Is it really worth the extra costs? How am I meant to care for it? …. We talked to our furniture buyer about the benefits on Leather furniture and got a few tips on what to look out for and how to make your new leather furniture last.

I’m looking at investing in a leather sofa – what do I need to know?

Leather sofas are some of the most durable around, and with the right care and treatment, they can last for a lifetime. Scratches, scuffs and stains add character.

What am I really paying for?
The durability and quality of the material and its overall finish are what determine the price. This includes factors like - How much of the natural grain you can see, how even the colour is and whether it has been coated with a protective layer.

Is leather furniture high maintenance?
It depends on the type of leather (or feel) that you’re after. Leather is a naturally tough material, which will hold up well to everyday use. It has an inherent water resistance, which makes it easy to clean if you do accidentally spill something. It won’t accumulate dust or pet fur the same way as fabric does, so you won’t have to vacuum it as much as you would with other types of sofa upholstery.

I’ve heard leather needs to be kept out of the sunlight...
You should treat your leather the same way you look after your own skin, keep it clean, moisturise it and protect it from harsh sunlight where it can dry out, fade or crack. Professional products are available to help you keep your furniture in top-notch condition. If placing leather furniture near windows, sheer curtains or slat blinds can help.

How do you tell if it’s real vs fake?
You may be able to tell just by touching the piece whether the leather is real or fake. Fake leather feels smooth, almost like plastic. Real leather feels soft and flexible, but it will also have a grainy feel. Real leather has a certain amount of give and will “wear” over time like your favourite pair of jeans.

Tell me about the different types of leather.

• PIGMENTED LEATHER is the most durable type of leather and is used in most furniture upholstery. The durability is provided by a polymer surface coating, which contains pigments/dye to even out the colour and imperfections in the hide.
• SEMI-ANILINE LEATHER is more durable than aniline leather while retaining a natural appearance. The increased durability is provided by the application of a light surface coating, which contains a small amount of pigment. This ensures a more consistent colour and imparts an extra degree of protection to semi-aniline leather sofas
• ANILINE LEATHER is coloured only with dye, and not with any surface coating of polymer and pigment. A light, non-pigment surface coating may be applied to enhance its appearance and offer some protection against spillages and soiling. A degree of natural marks and shade variation should be expected with aniline leather. This type of leather can be susceptible to the effects of sunlight, and it also absorbs liquids and stains more easily. Aniline leather sofas require careful handling and maintenance to keep them in top condition.

What does 'full-grain' mean?
Full leather grain is the topmost layer of the hide. In retaining its natural surface, any natural scars or blemishes will remain evident. Cleaner or less-scarred hides tend to be used for full-grain leathers.

Our quality leather sofas are incredibly comfortable and with the right care and treatment, can last a long time. Talk to our team about the best option for your space. 


We also offer Pelle Leather insurance plans to provide an extra layer of protection for any unexpected accidental damage including cuts, rips, food and drink spills. Talk to the team to find out more.