Types of leather in comparison - direct comparison of the 9 most popular types of leather sofas.

Leather is a popular material for sofas among many people. But which type of leather is best suited for which sofa and what are the requirements for care and maintenance? In this article we compare the 9 most popular types of leather for sofas and present their advantages and disadvantages.

Introduction to the different types of leather

Before we take a closer look at each type of leather, let's first take a look at the different types of leather. There are aniline leather, semi-aniline leather, pigmented leather, nubuck leather, suede leather, faux leather, buffalo leather and suede leather.

The importance of leather types for sofas

Choosing the right type of leather for a sofa depends on several factors. These include the look, feel, durability and maintenance requirements. Each type of leather has its own advantages and disadvantages and should be chosen accordingly.

Types of leather and their properties

In the following, we present the individual types of leather and explain their properties.

Aniline leather

Aniline leather is an open leather that is not pigmented. It is characterized by its natural look and feel. The leather is very breathable and comfortable on the skin. However, it is also very sensitive to stains and scratches.

Therefore, a sofa made of aniline leather should be placed only in rooms that are not heavily frequented. It should also be maintained regularly to keep the leather supple.

Semi-aniline leather

Semi-aniline leather is a leather that is lightly pigmented. This makes it more resistant to stains and scratches than aniline leather. However, it retains its natural look and feel.

A semi-aniline leather sofa is well suited for families with children or pets, as it is more durable than aniline leather. However, it should also be maintained regularly to keep the leather supple.

Pigmented leather

Pigmented leather is leather that is coated with a layer of pigment. This makes it very resistant to stains and scratches. However, it no longer has the natural look and feel of aniline leather or semi-aniline leather.

A pigmented leather sofa is well suited for high traffic areas like living rooms or offices. It is very easy to care for and does not require regular maintenance.

Nubuck leather

Nubuck leather is a leather that has been lightly buffed to create a velvety surface. It is very soft and comfortable on the skin. However, it is also very sensitive to stains and scratches.

A sofa made of nubuck leather should therefore only be placed in rooms that are not heavily frequented. It should also be maintained regularly to keep the leather supple.

Suede

Suede is a leather made from the skin of animals such as deer or wild boar. It is very soft and comfortable on the skin. However, it is also very sensitive to stains and scratches.

Therefore, a sofa made of suede should be placed only in rooms that are not heavily frequented. It should also be maintained regularly to keep the leather supple.

Faux leather

Faux leather is a leather substitute that is made from plastic. It is very resistant to stains and scratches. However, it does not have the natural look and feel of real leather.

A faux leather sofa is good for families with children or pets, as it is more durable than real leather. It is also very easy to care for and does not require regular maintenance.

Buffalo leather

Buffalo leather is a leather made from the skin of buffalo. It is very durable and long lasting. However, it does not have the natural look and feel of aniline leather or semi-aniline leather.

A sofa made of buffalo leather is well suited for busy rooms like living rooms or offices. It is very easy to clean and does not require regular maintenance.

Suede leather

Suede is a leather that has been lightly buffed to create a velvety surface. It is very soft and comfortable on the skin. However, it is also very sensitive to stains and scratches.

Therefore, a sofa made of suede should be placed only in rooms that are not heavily frequented. It should also be maintained regularly to keep the leather supple.

Aniline leather

Aniline leather is characterized by its natural look and feel. It is a thin leather that originally received no or only a light surface treatment. This makes it particularly soft and supple. However, aniline leather is sensitive to dirt and liquids and requires regular care. Abrasion marks can also quickly become visible on aniline leather.

The leather is obtained from the hides of cattle, usually from Europe or South America. Aniline leather is often used for high-end furniture, such as sofas and armchairs, because of its natural look and feel. The leather is also used in the fashion industry, for example for shoes and handbags.

The production of aniline leather is complex and requires a lot of know-how. The leather is dyed in a drum, which produces the Color penetrates deep into the leather. This creates the natural look of the leather. Since the leather receives only a light surface treatment, the natural structure of the leather is preserved.

Aniline leather properties

• natural look and feel
• thin and soft
• sensitive to dirt and liquids
• prone to abrasion marks
• breathable

Breathable leather provides a comfortable seating climate and is therefore especially popular in the summer. However, aniline leather sofas should not be placed directly in the sun, as this can cause the leather to fade.

Advantages and disadvantages of aniline leather sofas

+ natural look and feel
+ soft and cuddly
+ breathable
- sensitive to soiling and liquids
- needs regular care
- tends to show signs of abrasion
- more expensive than sofas made of imitation leather or fabric

Despite the disadvantages, aniline leather sofas enjoy great popularity. They are timeless and fit into any style of interior. With proper care, you can enjoy aniline leather sofa for a long time.

Semi aniline leather

Semi-aniline leather is a high-quality material made from the best hides of cattle. It is similar to aniline leather in its natural state, but it has received a light surface treatment. This makes it more resistant to dirt and liquids, but it does not lose its original look and feel. Semi-aniline leather is a good choice for people who prefer a soft and natural looking leather, but also value durability.

The leather is made by a special tanning process that uses only natural materials. The surface of the leather is lightly sanded to remove irregularities. Then it is covered with a thin protective layer that makes it more resistant to dirt and liquids.

Semi-aniline leather is particularly comfortable to touch and sit on. It has a soft and supple surface that is comfortable to the touch. The natural look and feel of the leather give your sofa a unique and timeless charm.

Features of semi-aniline leather

Semi-aniline leather has many properties that make it a popular material for high-end sofas. Among the most important properties are:

• natural look and feel
• more resistant to dirt and liquids than aniline leather
• not so sensitive to abrasion marks

These properties make semi-aniline leather a good choice for people who are looking for a high-quality and durable sofa.

Advantages and disadvantages of semi-aniline leather sofas

Semi aniline leather sofas have many advantages, but also some disadvantages. Here are the main advantages and disadvantages at a glance:

Advantages

• natural look and feel
• more resistant to dirt and liquids than aniline leather

Disadvantages

• Regular care required
• not as resistant as pigmented leather

Despite some drawbacks, semi-aniline leather is a great choice for people looking for a high-quality sofa that is both durable and beautiful. With proper care, you can ensure that your semi-aniline leather sofa will remain in top condition for many years to come.

Pigmented leather

Pigmented leather is one of the most popular types of leather on the market. It is treated with dyes and a top coat to achieve a uniform color surface. This makes it appear less natural than aniline leather and semi-aniline leather, but it is more resistant to stains, liquids and abrasion. Pigmented leather is a good choice for people who prefer a low-maintenance, durable leather.

There are many advantages to treating pigmented leather. It is more resistant to stains and dirt, which makes it an ideal choice for families with children or pets. It is also less susceptible to wear and abrasion, which means it will last longer than other types of leather.

Another advantage of pigmented leather is that it comes in a wide range of colors. From classic colors like black and brown to vibrant colors like red and blue, there is something for everyone.

Properties of pigmented leather

Pigmented leather has some unique properties that set it apart from other types of leather. Here are some of the most important properties:

• Resistance to dirt, liquids and abrasion.
• Less susceptible to wear and abrasion
• Available in many different colors

Advantages and disadvantages of pigmented leather sofas

If you're looking to buy a new sofa, pigmented leather is a great choice. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of pigmented leather sofas:

Advantages

• Easy to maintain and resistant to stains and dirt
• Durable and resistant to wear and abrasion
• Available in many different colors

Disadvantages

• Less natural looking than aniline and semi-aniline leather
• Less breathable than natural looking leathers

All in all, pigmented leather is an excellent choice for people who prefer a low-maintenance and durable leather. With its many benefits and wide range of colors, it is an excellent choice for any home.

Nubuck leather

Nubuck leather is a high-quality leather that is often used to make sofas and other furniture. It is sanded to achieve a velvety finish that gives it a unique look and feel. Compared to pigmented leather, nubuck leather is slightly more delicate, but retains its natural look and feel.

Nubuck leather is made from the top of the hide, making it naturally soft and supple. It is a good choice for people who prefer a natural look but also care about durability.

When you buy a nubuck leather sofa, you should keep in mind that it is regular care to maintain its beauty and durability. It is more delicate than pigmented leather and therefore requires more attention and care.

Properties of nubuck leather

Nubuck leather has a velvety surface that gives it a unique look and feel. It is naturally soft and supple and feels comfortable against the skin. Compared to pigmented leather, nubuck leather is slightly more sensitive, but retains its natural look and feel.

Another advantage of nubuck leather is that it is breathable and can absorb and release moisture. This keeps it pleasantly cool and dry even in warm weather.

Advantages and disadvantages of nubuck leather sofas

Nubuck leather sofas have many advantages, but also some disadvantages that you should consider when deciding on a new sofa. The advantages include the natural look and feel, which are more durable than aniline leather and semi-aniline leather.

Another advantage of nubuck leather sofas is that they are breathable and can absorb and release moisture. This keeps them pleasantly cool and dry even in warm weather.

One disadvantage of nubuck leather sofas is that they require regular maintenance to maintain their beauty and durability. They are more delicate than pigmented leather and therefore require more attention and care. However, if you are willing to take care of your nubuck leather sofa, it will give you many years of enjoyment.

Overall, nubuck leather is an excellent choice for people who prefer a natural look and care about durability. With proper care, your nubuck leather sofa will remain beautiful and functional for many years.

Our Livom sofas are also available in nubuck leather. Click here to see our leather sofas:

Suede

Suede is made from animals such as deer or cattle. It is characterized by its velvety surface and is considered particularly soft and supple. However, suede is sensitive to dirt, liquids and abrasion.

Suede properties

Suede is a natural product and therefore has its characteristic properties. In addition to the velvety surface, it is particularly soft and supple. It perfectly adapts to the body and provides a comfortable seating feeling. However, suede is also more sensitive than other materials. It can quickly absorb stains and impurities and is susceptible to abrasion.

Another advantage of suede is its breathability. Unlike synthetic leather or other synthetic materials, suede can absorb and release moisture. As a result, it remains pleasantly cool even in warm temperatures.

Advantages and disadvantages of suede sofas

Suede sofas have their own unique charm and are a real eye-catcher in many living rooms. They radiate coziness and warmth and invite you to relax. Another advantage is their longevity, if they are well cared for.

However, it is important to be aware of the disadvantages of suede sofas in advance. As mentioned earlier, suede is more delicate than other materials. It can quickly absorb stains and dirt and is susceptible to abrasion. Therefore, if you have a suede sofa, you should pay special attention not to spill liquids on it and clean it regularly.

Another disadvantage of suede sofas is their price. Since it is a high-quality natural product, suede sofas are often more expensive than other sofas made of artificial leather or fabric.

Ultimately, choosing a sofa always comes down to individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a particularly soft and cuddly sofa and are willing to spend a little more time and effort in the care a suede sofa can be a good choice.

Faux leather

Imitation leather is a popular material for furniture, clothing and accessories. It is made of various materials such as polyurethane or PVC and is an alternative to natural leathers. It is easy to clean, durable and visually almost indistinguishable from real leather. However, there are some differences between artificial leather and genuine leather that should be taken into account.

Properties of imitation leather

Imitation leather has many positive features. It is easy to clean and resistant to stains and scratches. Unlike real leather, it is less susceptible to moisture and therefore easier to clean. In addition, it is visually almost indistinguishable from real leather and comes in many different colors and designs.

However, imitation leather also has some disadvantages. It is less breathable than natural leathers, which means it can get sweaty faster. In addition, prolonged use can cause the surface of the faux leather to flake or discolor.

Advantages and disadvantages of faux leather sofas

Faux leather sofas are a popular choice for many people. They are easy to clean and resistant to stains and scratches. They are also often less expensive than real leather sofas, while still offering a similar look. However, there are some drawbacks here as well.

As mentioned earlier, faux leather is less breathable than real leather. This means it can get sweaty faster and be uncomfortable to sit on, especially in the summer. Also, the durability of faux leather sofas is often less than that of real leather sofas. The material can wear out or discolor more quickly, which means that the sofa will need to be replaced sooner.

Ultimately, whether you choose a faux leather or genuine leather sofa depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both materials have advantages and disadvantages that should be weighed before making a decision.

Buffalo leather

Buffalo leather is a popular choice for furniture because it has a sturdy surface and is more resistant to abrasion than other types of leather. However, it is less soft and supple than aniline leather or semi-aniline leather.

Buffalo leather is made from the hide of water buffalo. These animals are native to Asia and Africa and are often used as working animals. The leather made from their hide is naturally thick and durable, making it an ideal choice for furniture that will be heavily used.

Buffalo leather is treated during the tanning process to increase its durability and resistance to abrasion. It is also less susceptible to stains and soiling than other types of leather, making it a practical choice for families with children or pets.

Buffalo leather properties

Buffalo leather has a number of properties that make it a popular choice for furniture:

• Robust surface
• More resistant to abrasion than other types of leather
• Less susceptible to stains and soiling
• Practical choice for families with children or pets

However, there are also some disadvantages of buffalo leather that should be considered before choosing furniture made of this material.

Advantages and disadvantages of buffalo leather sofas

Some advantages of buffalo leather sofas are:

• Resistant to abrasion
• Long durability
• Practical choice for families with children or pets

Some disadvantages of buffalo leather sofas are:

• Less soft and supple than aniline leather or semi-aniline leather.
• Can be more expensive compared to other types of leather
• Requires regular careTo maintain its durability

Ultimately, the choice of leather for furniture depends on personal preferences and needs. If you're looking for a tough and durable material that's also practical, buffalo leather might be the right choice for you.

Suede

Suede is a very popular material for clothing, furniture and accessories. It is characterized by a velvety surface and is considered particularly soft and supple. However, compared to pigmented leather or buffalo leather, suede is more sensitive to soiling, liquids and abrasion.

The material is obtained from the underside of the animal skin, which is why it is also called suede. It is a natural product and therefore particularly breathable and skin-friendly. Suede is often used for high-quality garments such as jackets, coats and pants, as its soft surface makes it very comfortable to wear.

Properties of suede

Suede has some special properties that distinguish it from other types of leather:

• Velvety surface: Sanding the surface creates the characteristic velvety texture of suede.
• Particularly soft and supple: The fine fiber structure makes suede very soft and supple.
• More sensitive to dirt, liquids and abrasion: Due to the fine fiber structure, suede is more sensitive to external influences such as dirt, liquids and abrasion.

Advantages and disadvantages of suede sofas

Suede sofas are a popular choice for living room furniture. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of suede sofas:

• Extra soft and cuddly: suede sofas are very comfortable and cozy due to their soft surface.
• More sensitive to dirt, liquids and abrasion: As with all suede products, suede sofas should be handled with care to avoid dirt, liquids and abrasion.
• Classy Appearance: Suede sofas have a classy and luxurious look due to their velvety surface.
• Care requirements: Suede sofas require regular care and cleaning due to their sensitivity.

Overall, suede is a very high quality and comfortable material, but it does require some care due to its sensitivity. However, with proper care and attention, suede products can provide pleasure for a long time.

Conclusion and recommendations

Choosing the right type of leather for a sofa depends on several factors. If you prefer a natural look and feel and are willing to care for the leather regularly, aniline leather or nubuck leather is a good choice. Semi-aniline leather is a good choice for people who care about durability but don't want to sacrifice a natural look and feel. Pigmented leather is suitable for those who prefer a low-maintenance and durable leather. Faux leather is an inexpensive alternative to natural leathers. Buffalo leather and suede are suitable for people who care about resistance to abrasion, but still want a soft surface.

The best types of leather for different requirements

• Natural look and feel: aniline leather or nubuck leather.
• Resistance: semi-aniline leather, pigmented leather, buffalo leather or suede leather
• Easy care: pigmented leather or imitation leather

Tips for the care and maintenance of leather sofas

Regardless of the type of leather you choose, a leather sofa should be regularly maintained Be maintained to preserve its beauty and durability. Here are some tips:

• Use only special leather care products and not ordinary household cleaners.
• Do not expose the leather sofa to direct sunlight or heating sources.
• Avoid moisture on the sofa.
• Periodically wipe the sofa with a dry cloth to remove dust and dirt.