UNDERSTANDING LEATHER FURNITURE LANGUAGE

Have you ever been shopping for leather furniture and the salesperson uses furniture terms that are over your head? Not anymore, I am going to help you get familiar with all of the most important leather furniture terms you need to know when shopping for your new leather sofa, recliner, chair & more.

Leather: You want to make sure you buy only top grain cowhide leather for its beauty, durability, and longevity. Only top grain leather will provide the strength you need to have a leather sofa or sectional that will last. Any other kind of leather will not hold up to daily use.

Embossed Leather: Do you like texture and a unique embossed design?  If so, embossed leather is a good choice for you.  An embossed leather pattern is unique and mostly used for its decorative look.  Not often used on seats or backs but rather on areas our skin does not touch.  Areas like out arms, outback’s, and front edges.

Embossed leathers come in many patterns.  Some offer a western flair while others offer a cooler, cleaner contemporary look.  Embossed leathers can be soft or more rigid.  In todays marketplace you can find coastal colors shading into darker more urban colors with plenty of pattern options.  Embossed leathers are a nice finishing touch to any leather sofa or chair.

Back Cushion: The inside back cushion is where your back rests when you are seated. It could consist of one solid pillow, tight back, or double pillow back.

Welt: Some call this cording. It is what makes a border on a seat or back cushion. It is a way to finish the look neat and clean. Other ways to border cushions are using a baseball stitch, double needle stitch or decorative stitching.

Outside Back: This is the part of the furniture where you do not sit. If your leather sofa is placed against a wall this would be the back that would face the wall.

Inside Arm: This is where your arm rests and the part of the arm that will be next to your body on the inside of the chair.

Seat Cushion: Where your tush rests! This is the most important part of your new leather chair. This controls the comfort. Make sure you let your salesperson know your needs. Firm, soft, extra firm etc….

Outside arm: Just as it says the outside of the arm. This area should be finished properly to free float in your room.

Seat Cushion Front Border: This includes the entire front of the seat cushion that faces forward not the part where you sit.

Arm Panels: These are the front of the arms. Often outlined with nail trim, the arm panels are a good place to add interest. Contrasting colors or even embossed or decorative leathers are often placed here.

Seat Boarder: A small section underneath the seat cushion just above the front rail. Not all sofas will have a seat border. Some will only have a front rail. This is decorative and not necessary for structure.

Front Rail: The front rail is the area between the seat cushion and the bottom of the sofa. If there is a seat border, it will be below this. It is the area where your calves will hit while seated.

More Leather Furniture Terms

Three Over Three: This means there are three back cushions and three seat cushions.

Two Over Two: Same as three over three just two back cushions and two seat cushions.

Bench Seat: A solid seat cushion. Only one seat cushion that goes across the sofa in one piece. Some Chesterfield sofas will have a tufted bench seat cushion.

Button Tufted: These are buttons that are used to produce patterns and dimensions to a leather piece. Tufting is an old art that can make a leather sofa or chair more interesting. Tufting with a pure aniline leather gives lots of interest because it changes the color of the leather where it is pulled tight.

Button Tufted: These are buttons that are used to produce patterns and dimensions to a leather piece. Tufting is an old art that can make a leather sofa or chair more interesting. Tufting with a pure aniline leather gives lots of interest because it changes the color of the leather where it is pulled tight.

Cocktail Ottoman: 

For the most part cocktail ottomans are fancy coffee tables.  The main difference between the two is it is considered OK in some homes to prop your feet up on a cocktail ottoman and not cool to put your feet up on a true coffee table, right?  Well, it depends on your situation.  A relaxed household finds it fine to prop up your feet while a more formal home would see that as inappropriate.

Cocktail tables were indeed back in the olden days used to serve guests beverages like cocktails.  Today you will find coffee tables made from wood, glass, and anything sturdy.  They can also be found in different sizes and shapes.  When placed in front of a leather sofa your table or ottoman should be a little smaller than the front edge of your sofa.  This allows room to walk around easily.

Our Sandstone Leather Ottoman is a great option for all uses of a table or ottoman. This piece of furniture was designed to add functionality and a fantastic look to your room.  Some cocktail ottomans even offer a storage option.  A good place to store remotes or comfy lap blankets.

Chaise Lounge: 

Sometimes known as a fainting bench.  This piece of furniture works well as a go between. For instance, where a chair is not big enough and a sofa or settee is too big. Although a chaise takes up more space than a regular chair you can prop up your feet without manual motion or power.  A good alternative for those looking for that kind of support without a full-on recliner or large leather sofa.

You will find a chaise lounge is a good balance of size and most of all comfort!

Cigar Chair: 

Cigar chairs are most popular in cigar bars where gentlemen tend to gather throughout the world.  These chairs were found in various sizes and used for smoking and conversations. The most popular style then and still holds true today is a leather chair with solid brass nail trim, big rolled arms and a plush deep down filled seat cushion.  A pure aniline or distressed leather with a worn look adds additional character and softness.

Another favorite look is with a tall, tufted back, bun feet and flat arms.  These chairs are often accompanied with a matching ottoman with a pillow top or even a button tufted top.  With some ottomans you will find storage for cigars, matches and other necessities for your comfort while you visit.

Cigar chairs can be used as occasional seating or placed in a group.  These chairs never go out of style and homes that have them generally have a warm and cozy feel.  They are like comfort food!

Leather Furniture is an investment that will last for generations as long as you give it a little TLC.

Keeping your new leather sofa cleaned and conditioned is a key part to longevity. Little maintenance will add years to a leather chair. Clean with a soft cleaner from time to time and condition on occasion as needed.