October 18, 2018

Fact or Myth: Discover the Truth about Leather Furniture

Sometimes, it can be hard to differentiate between fact and fiction.

Unfortunately, this is something which happens a lot in the world of leather furniture. So much so some people refuse to purchase a beautiful leather sofa or statement recliner simply because of bad things they’ve heard.

We’re here to set the record straight and show you why leather furniture is actually a really a wise purchase to make.

Sifting Fact from Fiction: 6 Myths About Leather Furniture

If you’re in the market for a new sofa, sectional, or recliner, leather is a great option. Once you wade through the myths surrounding leather furniture, we’re positive you’ll rethink your options and give leather a try.

1. Leather Furniture Is Way Too Expensive

This is a common misconception. The reality is you can, in fact, find leather furniture at an affordable price. And we’re talking about real leather, not faux leather.

Another misconception is you have to sacrifice quality for affordability when it comes to getting a leather chair or sofa.

Really, though, if you do a little bit of research, you’re sure to find a company (like us!) who can provide you with the best quality leather furniture brands at a price you can be happy with.

2. You Shouldn’t Have Leather If You Have Kids or Pets

Actually, leather is one of the best materials to have in your home if you have pets or kids. It’s really durable and is made to withstand normal, everyday activities.

Leather is kind of like our skin – resilient. It can be stretched and return back to its normal condition because of the elasticity in it.

Other fabrics used in furniture manufacturing typically don’t have this capability, leading to rips in the fabric, thinning over time, and looking stretched-out and worn.

3. A Leather Sofa Is Too Hard to Care For

We’re not really sure where this idea comes from, but it’s false.

Cleaning leather is much easier than other furniture fabrics. You can easily clean up spills with a cloth or paper towels. Baking soda can be used to absorb any sort of oil which ends up on the material.

To ensure the elasticity of your leather and the vibrancy of its color, manufacturers generally recommend conditioning the leather once or twice a year. This is a small price to pay, though, to keep your furniture looking great for years.

4. It’s Really Easy to Ruin Leather

It’s no easier to ruin leather than it is to ruin any other type of fabric.

Yes, there are things which can damage leather – like soaps, detergents, and direct sunlight.

But there are things which can ruin other types of fabric, too. It’s just a part of life and something to try and avoid, no matter the type of material.

5. A Leather Couch Won’t Last Very Long

A leather couch can last for years – even decades – depending on how well we care for the piece.

If you properly care for leather furniture (clean spills right away and condition according to the manufacturer’s instructions) it can last for a very long time.

However, like any piece of furniture, if the piece isn’t cared for and maintained it can shorten the lifespan of the piece.

6. It’s Okay to Use Markers or Hairspray on Leather

Sometimes, people try to cover over any sort of discoloration with markers. This isn’t a great fix for two reasons:

You’ll never be able to match the colors of the marker and the leather.

Over time, the color from the marker and the color of the leather will discolor unevenly.

Another old wives’ tale regarding leather furniture is you should use hairspray to remove stains. This is ill-advised as the high alcohol levels will leave a discolored, sticky mark on the leather.