Leather is a very appealing fabric that people want to have. A set of leather furniture in the living room isn’t just about comfort, it’s also about style.
Why Choose Leather Furniture
Owning leather furniture is certainly about more than just impressing your neighbors. One of the biggest single reasons why people choose to spend extra for leather furniture is because it lasts. Typical upholstery will only stand up to constant use for about 5 years before it begins to fray, tatter, and tear. When properly cared for, leather furniture can last for 20 years or more before needing major repair or replacement. While leather furniture may be more expensive, it certainly isn’t over the top compared to other fabrics. Therefore, going leather is actually the better economic move.
Aside from being a status symbol and very durable, leather furniture is comfortable and stays at room temperature. When the temperature is high, the leather is very soft and pliable. However, when the room temperature dips for any reason, the leather will become more brittle and less pliable because leather furniture breathes.
Made from animal skins that have pores throughout them, leather furniture breathes through the pores in its surface. Genuine leather will not become sticky in the summer and is one of the most comfortable materials for your skin. As long as the leather furniture is cleaned and conditioned regularly, the leather will also not be brittle in the winter unless temperatures drop far lower than is normal in a household.
Another big advantage of leather furniture over upholstered varieties is that leather itself ages very well. Leather can also develop an attractive weathered look as the years go on. In fact, leather furniture actually looks better as it ages while upholstered furniture just fades and looks aged.
Leather furniture must be cared for in order for it to age properly and stand the test of time. It is important to keep the pores in the leather free from dust – it is necessary to dust the leather furniture once a week. That way, the leather cleaner and conditioner can get down into the pores and keep the material soft, pliable, and well preserved. Plan on using a leather cleaner three times a year or so in order to prevent premature cracking or peeling that results from improper maintenance. With proper care, you can continue to enjoy the look of your furniture for many years to come while being able to enjoy the soft feel of leather.
The Leather Couch
The leather couch is the central part of the room, usually the living room or den. Leather couches are typically made from cushions sewn over with sheets of leather or suede, a tougher, courser form of leather.
Many different types of couches exist: divan, chaise lounge, canapeí, sofa-bed, and the two-person loveseat. These are distinguished by style as well as purpose, but all are for comfort and style, just like the leather couch.
History of the Leather Couch
Originally the throne of an Arabian ruler during the Age of Antiquity, the couch was essentially found in only the homes of elitists. The wealthier men in Ancient Roman society used to lounge back on the couches while the women rested in regular chairs.
It wasn’t until the Age of Industrialization in the late nineteenth century that couches were introduced into lower and middle-class homes. The comfort in which the couch had so long been associated was no longer exclusive to the upper-class. As a matter of fact, a leather couch would be expected in every household; without it, the home would seem empty, incomplete, bland, and even lacking in comfort.
In modern times, the couch is central in family life, such as at TV time and social gatherings or parties. The leather couch itself actually turned into a trend during the 1960’s through a preference to leather and leather products. Nowadays, leather couches are common both because of style and comfort, not to mention the image one gains by having one.
Leather couches have become an ongoing trend that every home or office naturally acquires. Most doctor’s offices have leather couches now. These couches look cool, feel great, are chic, and easy to clean. It appears that leather couches, like all things leather, are here to stay.