The upholstery of fur or leather They are common in office seats intended for waiting areas, executive offices or meeting rooms. It's not a recommended material for high-traffic office chairs, mainly due to its high cost. However, incorporating a leather element in certain spaces adds a touch of elegance and elevates the interior design.

What is the difference between leather upholstery and suede upholstery?

Etymologically, the leather It refers to the natural covering of animals, which includes the epidermis, the dermis, and sometimes a layer of fat. When we talk about leather In a general context (for example, human skin or the skin of a freshly skinned animal), it is understood that the skin is not treated or processed.

On the other hand, leather is the skin of an animal that has been treated or tanned to preserve it and make it resistant.
The marketing process includesseveral phases that are reflected below: tanning It eliminates putrefaction and transforms the skin into a durable, flexible and waterproof material, which has been used since ancient times in the manufacture of all kinds of objects: shoes, saddles, bags, clothing, etc…

The modular sofa Bold by Limobel InwoIt features a wide range of upholstery options, including 14 leather colors.

Experts distinguish between skin and leather.

However, among those who work with leather, an unofficial distinction is often made between the two terms. For example, the leather comes from large and/or old animals. Therefore, after tanning, the result is usually more thick, hard, and less flexible. This type of work is called saddleryLeatherwork is a craft that requires techniques in cutting, sewing, embossing, and dyeing leather. It is applied, above all, to objects for heavier or larger use, such as riding boots, saddles, straps, harnesses and, in general, equestrian teams.

Meanwhile, there is talk of "fur" de small or young animals which, after being seasoned, results in a thin, soft and flexible sheet, much easier to work with. Hence, in “leather goods"Smaller pieces with finer finishes are produced, such as handbags, wallets, jackets, belts, etc."

Skin types for different jobs

Leather goods are usually made with fine, flexible leathers, which add great beauty to the final product, and that is why they are preferred. thin and fine skin. The skin of young calf It is highly valued for handbags, wallets, and belts because it is fine yet durable and flexible. Other more delicate leathers include... sheep, goat, deer or chamoisand exotic skins, such as crocodile, snake or ostrich skins. 

For leatherwork, the following are used thick, tough, and rigid hides, since the products must withstand weight, tension and constant use, like the skin of cow, bull, buffalo and even horse, called cordovan. 

Leather for upholstery of sofas and chairs has very specific characteristics: it must be Durable, flexible Pleasant to the touch and with a good appearance. Not just any leather is suitable for upholstery. Here is a list of leather types, in order from highest to lowest quality:

• Full grain leather
Considered the highest quality leather, this type of leather is extracted from the top layer of the animal's skinwithout sanding or altering the natural grain. It is very resistant, breathable, and develops a natural patina Over time, it has become popular. It is used in high-end sofas and luxury chairs. Due to its great durability and beauty, its price is quite high.

• Corrected Grain Leather
It is a type of natural leather that is sand the surface to remove imperfections and a pigmented or protective layerHence the name "corrected." It's widely used in sofas for both residential and commercial use, as it's more uniform and resistant to stains and scratches. It's not as expensive, but its feel is less natural.

• Split Leather (or Suede)
It is the result of separating the inner part of the skin of the top layer. It can be left natural (like suede) or be covered with a synthetic film (leather reconstituted or bicastIt is used in more economical or decorative furniture because it is cheaper, but less durable.

• Aniline and semi-aniline leather
These are types of finishedNot leather, but they are mentioned a lot in upholstery. aniline It's a type of dyeing with transparent dyes that preserve the leather's natural texture, resulting in a very soft and elegant finish. It's commonly used on high-end sofas. semianiline has a light protective layer On top of the stain, which preserves the natural appearance but is more resistant to wear. It is very common in good quality furniture.

• High-quality faux leather
Just like technical alternative Unlike leather, faux leathers are synthetic materials that replicate its aesthetic and offer a high performance. Our Retro American Alpha It is the perfect example: its iconic design is upholstered in high-quality finishes that guarantee resistance, easy maintenance and a chromatic freedom, all with the support of the OEKO-TEX and ecodesign certifications.

The chair Alpha by Limobel Inwo It is available in a wide range of faux leather colors, offering versatility and design for any space.

• regenerated or bicast leather
This type of semi-artificial leather is made with leather fibers mixed with polyurethaneIt's the cheapest imitation of genuine leather. Although it looks good, it deteriorates quickly over time. It's used in low-cost furniture.

Leather or suede in upholstery has many advantages. It is a material naturalVery resistant It is resistant to wear and tear, and can last for many years if properly cared for. Furthermore, it acquires a certain quality over time. aged patina very attractive and appreciated, which many consider even more beautiful than new skin.

It's easy maintenanceSimply wipe with a damp cloth to remove most stains or dust. It also doesn't absorb liquids easily.

But leather has one disadvantage: the high cost of the material and the labor, since there are hardly any upholsterers left who work leather with mastery.

Leather upholstery is a highly specialized craft, where a combination of art, mastery and technique. The whole process is delicate. The first step is the choice of material. Each hide is unique, which is why artisans must plan how to use each piece without wasting material. Therefore, the master upholsterer must evaluate its characteristics (thickness, elasticity, texture, color, and grain). To upholster a sofa, large, uniform pieces are needed that are free of scars, open pores, or imperfections.

The second step is the cut. Unlike the fabric, Leather cannot be easily stretched or corrected. Therefore, the pieces are cut by hand or with dies, taking care to follow the grain and ensure uniformity of color. A poor cut means losing an entire hide.

Next comes sewing and assembly. For this, a machinery Special thread, with thick thread and reinforced needles. The seams must be straight and precise, because leather cannot be unstitched: each stitch leaves a permanent hole.

In the process of tensioned and upholstered Regarding the structure, first, the leather is moistened or slightly heated. to make it more malleable. Then it is manually stretched over the furniture frame (sofa or chair) and secured with staples, hidden nails, or special adhesives. tensioned It must be uniform to avoid wrinkles or deformation.nes but without breaking the skin. In curved areas (arms, corners), the work becomes very complex and requires great skill.

Once upholstered, they are applied moisturizing and protective products to maintain the leather's flexibility and shine. Seams, joints, and tensions are checked to ensure a perfect finish. In luxury upholstery, a final polishing or burnishing to highlight the natural color.

The high cost of leather-upholstered furniture is not only due to the luxury raw material, but also to the complexity and expert workmanship required.