A significant life decision such as purchasing leather furniture, like any other, should be approached with caution and consideration. To decorate your living room, you must first decide whether you want a piece of art or a piece of furniture. Are you the owner of a house of any kind? To be certain that you have everything you need, ask yourself the following questions before you begin shopping.
Aside from the fundamentals, you’ll need to know how to describe leather furniture in terms of its various features and qualities, which is a skill that can be learned. For example, what is the difference between “top” and “full-grain”? What’s the best way to see how leather wears over time? Here are some of the most commonly used terms and provided tips you’ll encounter on your trip to the furniture shop in Singapore.
Consider the pre-conceived leather of your preference
Before you go to the furniture shop in Singapore, you’ll also need to decide which type of leather best complements your home’s decor. Several factors influence the characteristics of each type of leather. Understanding why some leathers last longer, cost more, and whether or not cheaper options are worthwhile will be necessary for you to make an educated purchasing decision.
The highest-quality leather can be by a variety of factors, including the following:
- The breed of an animal.
- The animal’s habitat. Most importantly, its location and climate.
- This is the area of the hide from which the leather was trimmed (see diagram below).
- The layer of the hide that is utilised (top-grain, full-grain, split).
- The craftsmanship in both the tanning and processing.
Leather made from different types of cattle will have a different quality depending on the type of cattle. The type of leather available will be determined by a variety of other factors, such as the body area, tanning, finishing, and so on. The following are the most commonly used leathers in furniture.
Common Types of Leathers:
Corrected Leather
The natural variations in this leather are smoothed out through a sanding procedure. The strength and flexibility of this process are still present, but the range of possibilities is less than with top-grain leather. Full-grain leather’s natural markings will be reduced or eliminated in corrected leather, resulting in a more uniform appearance. It’s a great option for those who prefer a sleek, contemporary look in their homes. Look into this before you buy furniture in Singapore.
Grained Leather
There are several different types of graining, and each one has its unique characteristics. The top layer of the hide, where the graining is tight, durable, and resistant to moisture, is the source of full-grain leather. Because of its durability, natural characteristics, and ability to develop a beautiful patina, full-grain leather is highly sought after. The top layer of top-grain leather has been sanded and buffed to remove imperfections and markings, making it similar to full-grain leather. The colour of top-grain leather is more consistent, thus it is regularly recommended when people buy furniture in Singapore.
· High-tier Grain Leather
That being said, top-grain does not imply superiority over other varieties. Natural grain, markings, and texture are usually present. Top grain leather has the most character and flaws because it is like the outermost layer of your skin. In addition to being stain-resistant, leather sofas made from top-grain are extremely durable.
· Full-Grain Leather
Leather that is full-grain, like top-grain, does not have to be corrected. Natural-looking leather is the best of the bunch. There will be beautiful variations and unique markings in furniture made from full-grain leather, such as sofas, chairs, and more. For contemporary furniture, it’s a great option. Full-grain leather, on the other hand, will absorb more oil, water, dirt, and other moisture than any other type of leather. Choose a different type of leather if that bothers you. There will always be a non-grain 3 seater leather sofa in Singapore.
Aniline
There are no colour corrections or pigments in aniline leather. An aniline-coated piece of furniture will show off the leather’s natural beauty and characteristics. Buttery and supple, it develops a vintage patina as it ages. If you want this leather to last, you’ll have to take good care of it. Aniline dyeing is the process of using transparent dyes to colour leathers. The lack of a protective coating enhances the natural feel of full-aniline-dyed leather. Semi-aniline dying coats the hide with a thin, water-resistant layer, making it more resistant to wear and staining.
Patina
This leather will naturally develop a patina as it ages. For leather connoisseurs, patina is a way to enhance the richness, depth, and suppleness of a piece of leather. Avoid placing furniture in areas where it will be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause premature ageing of the leather. Take note of this as you add your 2 seater leather sofa to your list of Singapore must-haves.
Bonded
The bonded type of leather is a seamless piece of leather created by fusing pieces of animal hide. Furniture in high-traffic areas, such as dining room chairs and stools, benefits from bonded leather’s durability and elegance.
Terms Worth Knowing:
Natural Markings
Due to the inherent variability of leather as a natural product, no two hides will ever be the same. The leather swatch should be pulled and stretched to know how the leather will look when it is on furniture. These types of leather furniture can be custom-made. Go to your local furniture shop in Singapore and see if they have rare designs.
Closures
The bottom of the cushion isn’t covered in leather just like it is on a fabric sofa or chair. Allowing the cushion to breathe, the bottom of the casing has a tightly woven mesh material. Leather sofas and chairs, like your favourite jacket, only get better with age. As time goes on, you’ll appreciate a piece even more than you do now.
Leather furniture is a long-term investment, so do your research and weigh your options before making a final decision when you buy furniture in Singapore.
