how can you tell what quality the leather is in furniture?

Question

leather sofa ,loveseat or chair how can you tell waht quality the leather would be just by touching it.

Answer 1

Leather furniture varies greatly in quality and you can't judge it "just by touching". Higher quality leather furniture will specify "top grain" as opposed to furniture which is made with a "split" hide. Make sure that it is ALL leather, not just where your tush/arm/back touches. Some pieces will have vinyl backs. If the sofa you see has one continuous piece of "leather" on the back it is not real leather. There are no seven-foot hides. Look for seams. Also, leather which has been dyed is preferable to that which has an applied pigment (painted, essentially). Some people prefer a softer touch while others want a stiffer leather that retains some shape. When shopping for any upholstered furniture, it is also important to ask about the construction (those feature which you cannot see). Is it hardwood construction? Does it have hand-tied springs? What is the "fill" of the cushions? Are they foam, down, or a combination? I like a foam core with a down wrap. This retains some shape while giving a more luxurious feel. Sit/lay on several options and see what is most comfortable to you. Also, ask yourself how you will use the piece: Are you going to use it on a daily basis? Just sitting or lying on it too? Will it be exposed to continuous natural light (some colors of leather are subject to fading)? Do you live with pets who's nails could damage the finish? While you may need to replace the "fill" on cushions eventually, a good quality leather piece should last a life-time, growing more pliable, softer and worn over time. This is not in itself a defect, but part of the natural "aging" of good leather, like a favorite article of clothing. If you are going to invest in quality upholstered furniture you need to know as much about its "insides" as about its covering.

Answer 2

The stiffer a leather is, the cheaper it is... The thinner and more pliable it is, the more expensive it is....

One thing to keep in mind: Nowadays, what with leather being so expensive and all, alot of companys are only putting leather on the parts where your back and butt touch.... so watch out for that....! You'll find that everywhere else, they put fake leather...