How to buy leather furniture

Introduction
Leather furniture gives a room an elegant yet inviting feel. It's a great investment because leather actually gets better with age and will outlast most upholstered furniture. Buying leather furniture can be a big investment so it's best to think carefully about what type of furniture and leather will fit your tastes and lifestyle.
When choosing leather, consider that it is a natural material and nature's signatures will be incorporated into it. These signatures may be in the form of healed scars, blemishes or other markings that should be considered natural beauty marks. Color variations also occur in aniline leathers. During the dyeing process, since pigments are not used, each hide absorbs the dye in varying amounts, much like wood varies when stained. An arm of a sofa may have a slightly different shade than the cushion or back of a sofa, because both pieces were cut from different parts of the hide, this is not a material defect, but evidence that it is natural leather. A swatch or sample cutting represents the color, texture and feel of the leather. However please understand it will likely not be an exact match to the hides you receive if you choose to special order your selections. Variations are due to the fact that leather is a natural product with unique characteristics that differ from hide to hide.

Leather Characteristics and Care
Leather brings prestige to any interior with its special feel and aroma. In an economy where the consumer wants the most for his or her dollar, leather delivers superior value. It is important that you appreciate its virtues and value.

Longevity: With continuous use, leather upholstery outlasts fabric at least 4-to-1, and unlike fabric, leather improves with age. Leather is also resilient and resists fading, tearing and cracking. Since fabrics are woven, any change in appearance from age and use detracts from their beauty. Leather, on the other hand, adjusts to its environment. It mellows gracefully with age and develops a patina.
Unique Style: Leather is always in style. Surface features testify to the authenticity of natural leather. Variations across a hide, density of grain, creases and folds, are distinctive characteristics much like the grain of fine wood. Leather is not like a bolt of cloth. On a sofa, five hides may be utilized which will blend and complement, but will never be identical. Leather is available in many price ranges and styles to suit all budgets and decors.
Worry-free Maintenance: Leather is a very practical material. Because leather is a natural material and has been preserved in the tanning process, it requires very little maintenance to keep it supple, clean and comfortable. Stains caused by food or drink can be removed from finished leathers with ease. In fact, many spills quickly bead up and can be absorbed or wiped away.
Temperature Control: Leather will breathe for comfort and ventilate to adjust to the environment.
Durability: Leather is the most durable upholstered material and its extremely strong texture makes it difficult to scratch or scuff. Leather won't stretch out of shape.
Health Benefits: Leather is lint and dust-free, making it ideal for sufferers of asthma and other allergies. Dust mites can grow wherever skin flakes can be found and it is for this reason that allergy experts recommend leather furniture for its ability to resist dust collection and can be easily wiped clean. Leather is fire resistant and emits no toxic fumes even when exposed to intense heat.
Care & Maintenance: Vacuum the piece now and then or wipe it off with a damp cloth. Do not place the furniture in direct sunlight and avoid placing it against a warm radiator or register. Stains that are water-soluble can be dabbed lightly and absorbed with a clean natural sponge or paper towel. Use cool water and mild soap such as Ivory, joy or any mild dishwashing liquid if cleaning is required. Do not rub. A grease stain such as butter can be left alone after the surplus has been wiped off with a dry cloth. The grease will eventually vanish into the leather. Never attempt to use chemical spot cleaners. For severe stains or damage, consult a leather repair specialist. If you purchase the Guardsman protection plan all these staind are covered, and they will clean or replace it within that 5 year period
Guardsman leather cleaner: This rejuvenation cleaner has been developed to add life to tired and faded leather. It is provide when you purchase a 5 year protection plan, which is a Godsend if you have kids, pets or sloppy friends or guest. It may be used on surface scuffs, scratches, abrasions and faded areas. Apply a small amount to a clean, white cloth and lightly dab the scratch or rub onto the faded area. Be careful not to use too much as this will cause the mark to darken. Always test on a non-visible area first. Not for use on Nubuk or sueded leathers.

General Instructions and information prior to purchase

1. Step One
Consider how much wear and tear your furniture is going to be subject to. If you have a large family or the furniture is in a room that gets used often, think about buying a middle-grade leather. It's easier to clean and can withstand wear and tear better.

2. Step Two
Expect imperfections when you buy leather furniture. If you're used to upholstered furniture you may be surprised at seeing imperfections on the leather such as scars and stretch marks. These are characteristics of the leather, not flaws in the furniture.

3 Step Three
Buy your leather furniture groupings all together, rather than one piece at a time. Leather is a natural product containing imperfections and differences in texture. If you buy your furniture gradually, the color and texture of the different pieces may not match.

4 Step Four
Look for leather furniture that has zippered seat cushions. Leather will likely last longer than the seat cushions. When the time comes to change a cushion you will want to be able to get to it easily.

5 Step Five
Decide how much time you want to put into upkeep. Different types of leather need different care. Purchase leather furniture only if you have enough time to care for it.

Tips & Warnings
Make sure your furniture is not a leather and vinyl combination because the vinyl will wear out before the leather. If you have pets, remember that leather furniture may not be the best option for you. Pet's claws can easily damage the leather.


Caring for Rawhide Leather (sometimes called unprotected)
The qualities of leather, created by nature and preserved by the tanner, are superior to those of any manmade synthetic material. To maintain the investment and ensure years of comfort, consistent maintenance will increase the life of the furniture for many years. Leather furniture is meant to get a little scratched up. It's part of the aging process that eventually produces a handsome desirable patina. Just like a pair of jeans, that look and feel better when they are broken in, leather furniture looks better with age. Blemishes are simply a part of the process.
Don't use colored shoe polish, it will rub into clothes.
Some soaps can leave behind a soap scum or residue. Some treatments darken leather, creating greasy spots that will encourage mold and mildew problems.
Never rub or scrub spots.
All leather treatments, cleaners or conditioners should be tested in an inconspicuous spot on the furniture, in order to make sure there are no adverse chemical reactions.

Questions & Answers

• Is Leather Hot?
  Leather is constantly adjusting to its environment. It is cool to the initial touch but will adjust to your body temperature within 10-15 seconds. Your furniture will not be hot & sticky.
  
• Will Leather Fade?
  Yes. Direct exposure to ultra violet sun rays will cause fading and/or discoloration.


• How Long Will Leather Last?
  Leather pieces have been known to be passed down a generation after 20-30 years of use. Consistent maintenance will increase the life of your furniture for many years.


• How Strong Is Leather?
  Leather is the strongest upholstery material available.


• Is Leather For Children?
  Yes. Leather is great for children of all ages. It is easy to care for and can take the day to day use from your family.


• Can You Mix Leather With Fabric?
  Yes. Place the seating so that the furniture covered in leather will get the most use. Leather will not show the day-to-day wear that fabric will.


• Can Leather Be Repaired If Scratched or torn?
  Yes. Other than the chance of scratches we seldom receive calls about leather being torn or ripped. If it does there are companies that specialize in these repairs.


• Will Leather Soften After Years of Use?
  Yes, but only slightly.


• Can Leather Be Cleaned?
  Yes. Most Leathers (example: protected) can be cleaned with a mild soapy solution and water. Unprotected Leathers (example: pure aniline) require special handling. Leather care products are recommended for their protection and cleaning. (Use a professional Leather Cleaning Service.) or you can purchase the Guardsman 5 year protection plan.