- 2 class="western"> (1)
- 2 class="western"> (2)
- 2 class="western"> (3)
- 2 class="western"> 1. Varieties of leather (4)
- 3 class="western"> (5)
- 3 class="western"> a) Full flower (6)
- 3 class="western"> (7)
- 3 class="western"> (8)
- 3 class="western">c) Artificial leathers (9)
- 2 class="western"> (10)
- 2 class="western"> (11)
- 2 class="western"> (12)
- 2 class="western"> (13)
- 2 class="western"> (14)
- 2 class="western"> (15)
- 2 class="western"> (16)
- 2 class="western"> (17)
- 2 class="western"> 2. Leather colors and care (18)
- 3 class="western"> a) Colors (19)
- 3 class="western"> (20)
- 3 class="western"> (21)
- 3 class="western"> (22)
- 3 class="western"> b) Leather care (23)
Leather is the noble material par excellence for coverings. If its style appeals, its quality and composition can vary, so it is important to know leather well and understand the constitution of a covering when purchasing.
Prepared from animal skins, traditional leather often comes from mammals such as cows, calves, pigs or goats. The skins are cleaned and treated in the tannery to ensure better conservation of the material.
At the height of quality: full-grain leather, the upper part of the skin, thick and resistant, carefully selected for its natural appearance and flexibility. Full grain leather can be:
- original and intact (its most natural and noble version)
- pigmented and protected by a dye
- rectified or corrected to standardize its appearance.
- Please note : full grain leather may have imperfections or irregularities, but this gives it its authenticity and charm.
Carlton convertible sofa
b) Split leather Split leather is a piece whose thickness has been modified after “splitting” the leather; stripped of its grain, it no longer presents the smooth appearance of the original leather. In order to restore the appearance of full grain leather, the split leather is printed and covered with varnish or polyurethane.
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An armchair stamped “leather” without other details will not have the quality of 100% leather. Indeed, it will probably be made of split leather often used to reduce the price of the product.
This nevertheless involves disadvantages which it is better to be aware of: discoloration, depigmentation of the crust, more rapid deterioration when rubbed. If the grain of split leather is similar to that of 100% leather, the subtle differences will have a great impact on the value and resistance of the product.
If your sofa is not 100% leather, that does not mean that it is only made of split leather.
- Please note : Split leather is generally reserved for parts where the risk of abrasion is zero: side bands of the sofa, back of the sofa, etc. This way, the illusion is maintained but you will have saved money.
There are artificial leathers that recreate the appearance of natural leather.
They constitute an economical and ethical alternative for those who still appreciate the grain of leather. Some of these leathers are made from plastic materials, such as polyurethane (after PVC was discarded due to the toxicity and pollution problems it caused), and come in many colors. They can even be made from eco-responsible recycled materials.
Other vegan artificial leathers move away from chemical or harmful treatments to focus on vegetable tanning obtained by natural pigmentation. Their impact on the environment is even more ecological.
- Please note : Designers and consumers are increasingly committed to production that is more respectful of animals and the environment through the use of faux leather items.
The natural origin of the leather will influence the range of colors available for this material. Indeed, not all pigmentations can work on leather which may reject certain dyes.
For this reason, leather pieces will mostly adopt black, white, gray or even red colors. These colors must be treated to avoid transfers with other textiles and waterproofed to avoid bleeding.
- Please note : 100% leather and split leather are maintained and cleaned in the same way, using specialized products which will preserve their hydration.
Tennessee leather convertible sofa