When you understand leather, you’ll be better able to appreciate the dramatic benefits of leather furniture. Understanding leather as a natural material is one of the most important factors to consider before purchasing leather furniture. In a world of man-made materials, leather remains a natural product that is ideal for home furnishings. Leather is a versatile, durable skin that is resistant to tearing, cracking, peeling, punctures, and will not lose its shape over time. Leather breathes during all seasons and never has a sticky texture like vinyl or “leather match” products.

Quality differences between promotional and higher end leather furniture are very dramatic. One might have difficulty evaluating how these differences impact on the beauty, comfort and durability of an individual piece. One of the major determinates of the quality of a leather sofa is the type of leather used. All leather is the product of animal hides. However, these hides vary greatly in their quality. The origin of the hides, the way in which they’re converted to leather and the method used to dye the hides all contribute to their value.

Leather used for leather sofas in its natural state is soft and supple. Before the hide endures the finishing process it is considered “raw”. In other words, it has not been dyed or treated for spills, stains or other safe guard matter. Once your leather has been treated it is ready for active household use. Treated leather allows for day-to-day use, as well as prevention of spills, stains, and mishaps by one’s family and friends.

Even the finest quality leather has markings analogous to fingerprints. It is, after all, a natural product and like anything natural, leather is not always perfect. Its markings should be considered nature’s signature, and are our guarantee that the product is genuine. Leather often contains surface blemishes referred to natural scars. These scars are a part of the beauty of natural leather. Scarring is indicative of a natural skin, which in turn represents authentic leather. Other natural markings that are often found in leather furniture include insect bites, healed scratches, barbed wire marks, stretch and vein marks, and age wrinkles.

Sofaweb leather furniture will need very little maintenance. In fact, regular dusting and wiping is enough. It's a good idea to use a moist cloth occasionally. If leather becomes soiled with grease, beer, wine, coffee, or other household hazards, wipe immediately using a sponge or chamois with lukewarm water. Our SofaWeb Leather Protection Program is also available to clean and condition your furniture.

Leather Grades

Grade (A) Elegance Collection

Our introductory Elegance grade leather offers an extremely heavy finish. This leather is highly resistant to dirt, liquids, sunlight, and everyday wear and tear. This leather is easy to keep clean, and is excellent for commercial use in high traffic areas, and for busy families with multiple children and pets.

Grade (B) Star Collection

A top grain leather, these hides are unaltered and finished with fine pigments. This leather often has a two-tone effect to maintain the “baseball glove” look that everyone is raving about. Star grade leathers have a protective finish and are very easy to maintain.

Grade (C) Luxury Collection

This pigmented pure aniline dyed leather has a luxurious touch and is spill and stain resistant. This beautiful leather has long lasting wear and tear features and will become more soft and supple with age.

Grade (D) Celebrity Collection

This top grain aniline dyed leather has been refinished to have a smooth and supple feel. Natural marking are pronounced and add to the leather furniture’s inherent beauty. Over time these leathers will work a well worn patina. This leather offers a protective coating to guard against spills and stains.

Grade (E) Presidential Collection

Our Presidential Collection is the ultimate in top grain leather. The aniline dyed hides are extraordinarily soft and supple to the touch. This leather exemplifies beauty with its natural markings, and is perfect for those who insist on having the best and most natural leather available. This leather is also treated with a protective finish to guard against any mishaps that may occur.