Pros and Cons of Different Types of Leathers

Choosing a covering for your Chesterfield is an important decision – and with so many options available now it’s not always easy to know which will be best for you. Although contemporary Chesterfields can be covered in a wide range of natural and synthetic materials, many still opt for the classic high-quality leather covering which is loved for its longevity, enhanced comfort, practical benefits and timeless aesthetic. But with so much to consider and different types of leathers to choose from, you may find it difficult to decide which one is best suited to your needs, preferences and budget.

There are five types of leather available, some traditional in style and others more modern, all with varying features due to the difference in processing methods which impacts their appearance and structure. From durability, daily use and aesthetics to comfort, location and personal preferences, there are lots of considerations to take into account before you can pick the perfect leather covering for your Chesterfield furniture.

Full-Grain Leather

Full-grain leather is what most people associate with the iconic, historic Chesterfield style. Boasting plenty of old-world character and charm, full-grain is the highest-quality, most durable leather available and it is often chosen for its stunning natural aesthetic. Full grain leather is the closest we can get today to the leather original Chesterfield furniture was made with; and it undergoes minimal processing compared with other types of leather which gives it a variety of unique features and characteristics.

The first quality full grain leather is known for is its durability and graceful ageing process, lasting 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and cleaning. This type of leather develops a natural sheen that slowly forms over time known as a patina, which adds a vintage, lived-in feel to your furniture and contributes to its timeless appeal. Due to the minimal processing it is subjected to, full grain leather also features natural imperfections which also adds unique character and charm to your Chesterfield seating. Comfort is also important to mention here, as soft and supple full grain leather is luxurious to sink into and is known for its breathability, adjusting seamlessly to your body temperature.

Due to its composition and minimal processing full grain leather is robust and won’t show damage or wear as easily as other types of covering – but it does still require dedicated care and maintenance in order to keep it looking its best and to retain its properties. Thankfully this is as simple as consistent cleaning and annual conditioning treatments designed to maintain softness and prevent cracking which can occur with regular use over time.

The practical and aesthetic benefits of full grain leather make it one of the most expensive and luxurious covering options available – but if budget allows the benefits significantly outweigh the added cost.

Top-Grain Leather

As a more affordable alternative to full grain leather, top-grain leather offers a smoother, more refined finish which boasts enhanced durability and flexibility in terms of style.

Top grain leather is a popular choice for contemporary Chesterfields. It is carefully sanded to create a smoother, sleeker finish for butter-soft comfort and a flawless finish and it is much more flexible than traditional types of leather, making it ideal for modern furniture designs. This additional processing also opens up the possibility of more colour options, so homeowners can choose bolder and brighter hues if they wish as opposed to more traditional browns, greens and dark tones.

Practically top grain leather also offers a variety of benefits. It is less breathable than full grain leather, which tends to also be stronger and thicker than a top grain hide, but is still durable and long-lasting, offering the perfect balance between quality and price. It’s also easier to clean and maintain compared with full-grain leather and can be treated to protect against stains, making it a good choice for busy homes with families and pets.

Bonded Leather

Budget-friendly bonded leather is still a great covering option for your Chesterfield, but there are some features and characteristics to be aware of which should be compared with top and full grain leathers to help you make a sound decision.

Bonded leather is a man-made material which is created using a blend of leather fibres and polyurethane. To the untrained eye bonded leather can look very similar to genuine leather – but it lacks the durability of natural leathers, and over time it will lose its structure and appearance and is prone to cracking and peeling with prolonged use.

As an affordable option however, bonded leather can be a really stylish and practical way to get that classic Chesterfield aesthetic without going over-budget. As it deteriorates more quickly than genuine leather, especially in high-traffic areas with regular use, bonded leather may be best reserved for furniture which isn’t in constant use.

With consistent and proper care, bonded leather can be expected to last anywhere between two and five years, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers or those seeking a temporary solution.

Faux Leather (Vegan Leather)

Also popularly known as vegan leather, faux leather offers an ethical and eco-friendly alternative to natural leathers, but it lacks the longevity and some key characteristics of real leather.

Cruelty-free faux leather is typically made from synthetic materials like polyurethane – although there are some innovative new products emerging made from organic materials like cactus, cellulose and bamboo for the eco-conscious. Vegan leather is a versatile design choice as it’s also available in an extensive variety of textures and colours, appealing to a much wider audience and making brighter, bolder hues and patterning possible.

Faux leathers vary vastly when it comes to quality and price. It’s not as easy to identify a good quality, durable faux leather in comparison with a lower quality product, so expert guidance is often needed to ensure you find the perfect covering for your needs.

Faux leather is easy to clean and maintain and needs minimal care over its lifetime, but it is more prone to peeling and cracking with prolonged use. Compared to real leather most faux leather involves a compromise in terms of comfort and durability – although higher-quality vegan leather can look and feel a lot like the real thing.

Making the Right Choice for Your Chesterfield

In this guide we’ve shared the key properties and characteristics of the main types of leather available for your Chesterfield furniture. Whether you’re looking for a traditional, classic finish or prefer a sleeker contemporary style, there are many different leather coverings to choose from suited to a range of aesthetic and practical requirements and budgets.

Classic full-grain leather is the most durable option, but it is also the most expensive and requires regular care to keep it in good condition throughout its lifetime.

Top-grain leather offers a good balance of cost and durability, with its smooth finish and versatile colour options.

Bonded leather is an affordable choice, but it’s much less durable and won’t last as long as genuine leather.

Faux leather (also known as vegan leather) is the perfect option for anyone seeking an ethical, affordable covering for their Chesterfield, but it’s important to note that this synthetic material won’t last as long as real leather.

For tailored professional advice on choosing a leather covering for your Chesterfield, get in touch today or browse our collections here: