What are the Grades of Leather Furniture?

Clients often visit our London showroom looking for leather sofas and ask, “What are the grades of leather furniture?”

There are different grades of leather, each with its unique characteristics and qualities. Understanding their differences is crucial when purchasing leather sofas, as it can affect the product's durability, quality, and price.

In this article, we'll delve into the various grades of leather used in furniture making and help you decide which leather grade is appropriate for your needs and budget.

Understanding Leather Quality Grades

Understanding leather quality grades is essential when shopping for furniture or other leather products. There are four grades of leather: Full grain, top grain, corrected grain, and bonded leather. Here's a breakdown of each quality:

• Full-grain leather: This is the highest quality leather available. It comes from the top layer of the hide and retains its natural texture, making each piece of furniture unique.
  Full grain leather is known for its durability and develops a beautiful patina over time, like in our gorgeous Escape Sofa. It is the most expensive type of leather.
• Top grain leather: This is the second-highest quality leather available. It is also taken from the hide's top layer but sanded and buffed to remove imperfections or blemishes. Top-grain leather is still high quality and is more affordable than full-grain leather.
• Corrected grain leather: Sanded or embossed leather creates a uniform appearance. It is less expensive than full-grain and top-grain leather but lacks the natural texture of these higher-quality leathers.
• Bonded leather: The lowest grade leather is created by utilising adhesive to bind leather pieces together. Bonded leather is often coated with a plastic layer to give it a uniform appearance. It is the least expensive leather type but also the least durable and can peel or crack over time.

When shopping for leather furniture, ask the retailer or manufacturer about the grade of leather used to ensure you get the quality you're paying for.

At FCI London, we’re highly cognisant of the material and craftsmanship of our furniture, which is why we always arrange bespoke options for many of our products that aren’t available anywhere else.

Leather Grades vs Leather Types: What's the Difference?

When shopping for leather furniture or other leather products, you may come across terms like "leather grades" and "leather types." While these terms may seem interchangeable, they refer to different aspects of the leather.

Leather grades refer to the quality of leather. It depends on the type of animal, the thickness of its hide, and any imperfections or blemishes. As discussed above, there are four grades of leather: full-grain, top-grain, corrected-grain, and bonded leather.

On the other hand, leather types refer to the specific type of leather, based on the animal it comes from. For example, common types of leather include cowhide, sheepskin, and goatskin. Each leather type has a unique texture, feel, and durability.

It's crucial to understand leather grades and types when shopping for leather products. The grade of the leather will affect the quality, durability, and price of the product, while the type of leather will affect the texture and feel of the product.

Factors that Affect Leather Quality

Several factors affect the quality of leather, including:

• Animal type: Different animals produce different types of leather with varying textures, durability, and flexibility. Cowhide is the most common type of leather used in furniture making.
• Tanning process: This involves treating raw animal hides to turn them into usable leather. The quality of the tanning process can affect the quality of the leather.
  High-quality tanning processes typically involve natural vegetable tanning, while lower-quality methods may involve chemical treatments that can weaken the leather over time.
• Hide thickness: The hide's thickness affects the leather's durability and quality. Thicker coats are typically more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
• Scarring and imperfections: Scars, blemishes, and other imperfections on the hide can affect the quality of the leather. These imperfections can weaken the leather and affect its texture and appearance.
• Grain quality: The grain of the leather refers to patterns and fibres on its surface. Higher-quality leather will have more consistent grain patterns - as seen in Gamma & Dandy's Wave Sofa.
• Treatment and finishing: Treatment and finishing processes can affect the quality and appearance of the leather. High-quality leather will typically be treated with natural oils or waxes to enhance its texture and durability while you may treat lower-quality leather with synthetic coatings that can peel or crack over time.

Understanding these factors can help you choose the best quality leather for furniture or other leather products.

How to Choose the Right Leather Grade for Your Furniture

Choosing the suitable leather grade for your furniture is essential for the piece's durability and appearance. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a leather grade:

• Intended Use: Consider the use of your furniture when selecting a leather grade. If the sofa will be in a high-traffic area or exposed to sunlight, a higher quality, more durable leather may be a better choice.
• Aesthetics: The appearance of the leather is also an important consideration. Full-grain leather will have natural variations in texture and colour, while corrected-grain leather will have a more uniform appearance. Choose a leather grade that fits the look and style you want for your furniture.
• Maintenance: Some leather grades require more maintenance than others. Full-grain leather will develop a natural patina over time and requires regular conditioning, while bonded leather is easier to clean but may require more frequent replacement.

By considering these factors and researching different leather grades, you can make an informed decision and choose a leather grade that will provide both durability and beauty for years.

Conclusion

Understanding leather grades is crucial when selecting high-quality and durable leather sofas. Consider factors like your budget, intended use, aesthetics, and maintenance when picking a leather grade for your furniture.

If you need further guidance or inspiration, our expert design team is here to help. Chat with us on WhatsApp or visit our showroom to browse our luxury and contemporary furniture collections.

You can also look at our interior design project portfolio for inspiration and ideas on creating a gorgeous, luxurious modern home that reflects your style. Get in touch with us to start creating the home of your dreams.