Sourcing leather lounges can be a pretty exciting, potentially once-in-a-lifetime experience. So it is important that you do it right. There is a range of styles and qualities that will determine your overall satisfaction with your couch. This article will explain everything you need to know when getting leather lounges as one of your purchases.

Types of leather lounges

As it turns out, there are three main types of (usually cow) hide that are used in the making of couches. These are:

Full grain

Full grain hide is arguably the highest quality, as it has not been sanded or buffed to get rid of imperfections and blemishes. This makes the material stronger, more durable and more breathable than other kids of hide.

Top grain

Despite what the name might suggest, top grain hide is not top quality – it is generally considered second-best to full grain (and is, as a result, cheaper). Top grain has been sanded and had a finishing coat added to it. This makes it more stain resistant than full grain hide, but less breathable and durable.

Split

A split hide is made from the second or third layers, which makes it cheaper but also more fragile and prone to stretching and breaking.

Advantages of leather lounges

Lounges made from cowhide offer benefits that their fabric counterparts do not. These include:

Allergy-friendly

Hide is less likely than fabric to hold allergens such as dust and pet fur. This makes it a great option for people (or those with children) who have allergies.

Appearance

Leather lounges possess an inimitable stylish charm which adds a sleek, lavish feel to a home or room.

Easy to clean

The hide is easy to take care of as a result of its smoothness. Simply give your couch a wipe down with a microfiber cloth a couple of times a week (and after any spills) to keep it clean. Use a conditioner every 6-12 months in order to maintain the couch’s quality and avoid splitting.

Long-lasting

Couches made of cow hide last on average 5 years longer than fabric ones, though this may be extended if you take proper care of your couch.

Disadvantages

While leather lounges come with many benefits, there are also some possible downsides to them (depending on your lifestyle and financial situation). These are:

Cost

Many people opt for fabric couches due to the greater upfront expense of leather lounges (they can cost over $2500 for a two-seater). However, it is worth noting that the hide’s durability makes them more likely to last longer than fabric, which means the initial cost should pay off eventually.

Touch

The feel of the hide can be off-putting for some people (while some love it). If you can’t get accustomed to the feeling you could consider covering it with a blanket.

Temperature sensitivity

Leather lounges are more affected by temperature changes than fabric couches are. This means that in the warmer months, the couch may be hot to the touch and may become sticky or moist from sweat. When it is cooler, the couch could become too cold to sit on. This can be managed by ensuring adequate temperature control using a heater or air conditioner, and by keeping your sofa out of direct sunlight in summer.

Few style options

Due to the nature of the material, couches made from cow hide do not offer as many colour and pattern options as fabric couches. You are typically limited to block colours like black, beige and white. This may be fine if you want a simple and timeless looking sofa.