In the past, you could only find leather furniture in places like a gentlemen’s club or big offices. Today, you can easily spot leather sofas in cafe shops, hotels and homes. In fact, Market.us reported that the global leather sofa industry generated over $20 million in total revenue in 2018, and might reach almost $60 million by 2029.

An leather sofa, with its high-quality and unique fibre, is an excellent addition to your home and stand as a design statement or icon. From contemporary to traditional, the versatility of leather sofa styles makes any space seem more inviting and sophisticated. To make sure you choose the perfect leather sofa for your house, here are three essential tips.

Know your leather dye and style

Generally, there are three types of colouring and styles for leather, which include:

• Pigmented leather

Pigmented or protected leather is the most durable type of leather amongst all, yet the cheapest option available. Its grain pattern’s creases are filled out as if its surface was painted over multiple times. In pigmented leather, the manufacturer coats the surface with a combination of dye and a protective coating.

Although this type of leather is cheaper and durable, it is not too popular since it does not have the buttery feel that most people desire. Moreover, it looks somewhat peculiar.

• Aniline leather

Unlike pigmented leather, the creases of aniline leather are distinct and not packed with a surface coating. It is dyed in a drum with the colour permeates the entire piece of leather, which offer a lasting finish. Aniline leather has by far the most natural look as the animal hide stays visible.

• Semi-aniline leather

This type of leather has a light surface coating. Its creases are less distinct since the surface coating filled it partially. The surface may look like it has been layered with a thin paint coating. When it comes to the dyeing process, semi-aniline leather adopts pretty similar process as that of the aniline leather. The only difference is that dye in the former only fills the surface, which gives it more like a coating. Still, it is more durable than the latter and retains a more natural look.

Consider the comfort

A 2016 survey by Statista Research Department reported that up to 95% of the United States respondents listed comfort as one of the crucial factors to consider when it comes to buying a Leather Sofa. Hence, prospective consumers should try to sit and test the leather sofa they desire and see if they find it comfortable. Try to move side to side or lean back to give the couch a thorough feel.

Inspect the ins and outs of the sofa

The leather pieces of a couch typically last longer than its padding. Thus, customers should opt for removable leather covers where they can replace the filling without buying a whole new sofa set.

Another thing worth keeping in mind is the maintenance of the sofa. A Leather Sofa which is easier to clean, maintain, and repair will undoubtedly have a longer lifespan and better quality.

Customers should also ensure the stitches are in place with no signs of wearing out. Each piece of leather should look tight and secure.

The leather sofa market offers several types of leather, each of which has its distinct feel and benefits. To make sure you pick the right leather sofa, you need to consider several factors, including the style and dye of the couch, its comfortability and maintenance.