From couches and car seats to jackets and shoes, there's no denying the fact that leather is everywhere.
The production of leather was one of Primitive man’s earliest achievements – its use dates back to Paleolithic era.
The utilization of leather for furniture gained popularity in the Middle Ages, where it was commonly used as upholstery for chairs and couches. It was most notably used as a chair cover for dining rooms – as food smells did not penetrate the material. The Industrial Revolution saw the production of newer, softer leathers – quite like the ones which are used in the manufacture of the modern leather sofa.
These days, leather furniture is more popular than ever - and it is easy to see why.
If you’re in the market for a new sofa, here are seven reasons why you might want to choose one made of leather.
1. Low-maintenance
Entertaining in your home can be a scary thing sometimes, especially when the look of your brand-new furniture could be at the mercy of tipsy party guests and children with sticky fingers. Unlike its cloth counterpart, liquid spills will bead and roll off of leather – and can quite often be cleaned by just using a clean terry cloth towel. As a further preventative measure, invest in having your new sofa protected by a professionally applied leather protector, which will keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
2. Comfort
A sofa can be the most important piece of furniture you buy for your home. We use our sofas for entertaining, dining and the occasional nap. One of the first factors people look for when purchasing a sofa is comfort, and no one can deny the coziness of a good quality leather couch. Leather also adapts to any climate – it’s warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
3. They compliment any décor
A good quality leather sofa in a neutral color will match almost any décor, which would explain why they’ve been popular with interior decorators for years. However, most decorators recommend using leather sparingly - by limiting it to one or two pieces per room. Adding statement pieces like brightly colored throw pillows or throws can be an inexpensive way to change the look of an entire room. Using a leather couch as a foundation piece can generate limitless decorative opportunities.
4. It’s a timeless investment
That leather sofa you invest in today will still look current and up-to-date 10 years from now. Some may be deterred by the fact that leather costs a little more than cloth - one should take into consideration that unlike cloth, leather improves its look as it matures.
5. They add class and sophistication
At one point in recent history, leather sofas were once considered a luxury item reserved for only the wealthy. They have always been synonymous with good taste and style. Now, with manufacturers offering more affordable options, almost anyone can add the class and sophistication of a leather sofa to their home.
6. Leather is durable
Selecting a durable material for your sofa is essential to its longevity. Leather is considered by many to be the most resilient and long-wearing material on the market – it typically can last up to four times longer than cloth covered furniture. Leather furniture is a really good option for homes with children and pets, as its look only gets better with age and wear. We’re also finding that more and more businesses are using leather furniture for common areas as a more resilient alternative to cloth covered sofas. One tip – be sure to purchase your leather sofa with zippered cushions, as the leather will long outlast the material inside.
7. Endless options
Today’s leather furniture enjoys a wide variety of grain and colour options – in varying types of quality. While shopping, it’s important to take into consideration how the sofa will be used and the nature of the household. For high-traffic areas, you may want to consider full grain leather, as its durability will stand up to excess wear and tear.
Investing in a quality leather sofa is a smart choice. With a little research, you’re bound to find the perfect one that not only meets your needs, but exceeds your expectations.