Page 33 - Interface March 2024

eather is used in an array Top and full grain Leather tanning
of different products. Book As part of the involved upholstery leather Tanning is the process that turns an animal
Lcovers, all kinds of bags, preparation process, suitable animal hides hide into leather. It preserves the hide,
purses, clothes, upholstery material, are split into a top layer (the one with hair) makes it softer, more pliable and durable.
shoes, boots, belts and even wall and a thick lower layer.
papers are popular products in Today, virtually all leather is tanned with
leather used all around the world. The top layer, also called top grain, can a chromium tanning process, a mineral
The durability and flexibility of either be processed into full grain leather tanning type. With normal use and care,
leather makes it an excellent that is not buffed and sanded; or into modern chromium tanning techniques
alternative to other covering corrected grain leather that has had the produce leather upholstery that can last
materials. The quality of leather, surface markings altered by buffing and several decades. .
which keeps it cool in summer and sanding.
warm in winter, ranks it as the top Leather market trends
choice for upholstery. Splits Fine leather upholstery was found in the
The lower layer may be further split and dens and living rooms of only the very
Leather obtained from cows, goats, processed into suede split or coated split wealthy. Heavy, traditional styles and
sheep, and pigs is a common source, leather. Coated split leather is stiffer and intense colours such as burgundy, oxblood,
and rare sources like ostriches and less durable than top grain leather. It is burnt orange, rust walnut, tortoise, navy
stingrays can have different finishes sometimes used to cover upholstered sides and blackberry characterised the category.
and appearances. The type of leather and backs that do not need to flex and move These leathers had heavenly glazed, shiny
is chosen depending on the kind of much. finishes. Massive, traditional Chesterfields
usage and wear and tear requirements tufted wing chairs, traditionally padded
of the furniture. Chairs, sofa sets, Bonded leather armed and double bustle pub sofas
recliners, stools, day beds, bean bags, Bonded leather is made of leather pieces characterised leather upholstered
car seats, and cushions use leather glued together, then covered with a vinyl furniture styles.
upholstery. High-quality leather is top. Bonded leather behaves much like vinyl.
expensive. The raw material cost The only difference is that it doesn’t have More recently, advances in tanning,
represents a substantial percentage the same ability to stretch, but a significant technology, globalisation, the introduction
of the total cost of manufacturing advantage is that it is less expensive. of composite leather materials, and
leather upholstery. changes in consumer buying preferences
Durability have helped leather furniture sales grow
Leather is undoubtedly the best Regarding durability, full-grain leather, tremendously.
choice for furniture upholstery corrected-grain leather, and split leather
because it lasts up to five times more of comparable thickness have the same Contemporary-styled leather upholstery
than fabrics. It can resist stains, strength characteristics. Split leather usually has emerged as a growth category with
wear and tear and spills. The natural does not have as good flex resistance, which broad consumer appeal. The styling of
glossiness of the material makes it is why it is used in non-flexible areas. Grain upholstered pieces has changed, and
more desirable. It is easy to maintain correction, or removing the top grain layer, leather now comes in a wider array of
leather and it only becomes more does not alter strength when comparing designer colours and is softer, more pliable
durable with time. equally thick samples. and comfortable.

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