Buying a leather sofa takes up a lot of work as there are many factors to consider, so it is of no surprise if you get confused in buying the right sofa. You will have to think about various factors, from leather quality, maintenance to appearance.

But don’t worry, we have put together all the answers you are looking for on how to buy a sofa made of leather.

The different quality and types of leather

In total, there is mainly five type of leather grades that are widely used in many homes. And these different leather grades comprises of full-grain leather, top-grain leather, suede leather, corrected-grain or genuine leather and finally, bonded leather. However, there still are other types of leather like aniline leather, semi-aniline leather, pigmented or finished leather, Nubuck leather and bi-cast leathers.

The full aniline or full grained leather is the ideal choice for leather connoisseurs, as it gets more attractive with age. If you are looking for better durability and protection from spills, semi-aniline is a better choice.

But if your furniture is being used regularly, then you should get pigmented leather instead as this type of leather is more resistant to stains and is much easier to maintain. Though suede is visually appealing, it is the most difficult to clean among all the leather types and is not durable. If it is a must for you to include suede furniture, then it is best that you use accent pieces. Nubuck is similar to suede in a sense that it is better for decorative purposes, however, it is softer and more durable.

The frame structure and material to go for

After you have decided on the type of material that you want to buy, it’s time to choose the kind of wood that you intend to use for the sofa frame. It goes without saying that hardwood frames are unquestionably the first choice which includes walnut, oak, maple and ash, but all these options are rather expensive.

Plywood frames form a cheaper alternative, but you should ensure they have a minimum of 11 layer thickness for strength. In addition to the material used for the frame, the structure of the frame is also important. Ensure the frame has strong double dowel type of joints with corner blocks for strengthening major joints.

Make sure that the arms, back and legs of the sofa are also a component of the entire frame or they are at least of the same durable hardwood material.

Choosing the suspension type

Suspension helps improve the cushioning effect and makes the leather sofa comfortable. Eight-way hand tied types of suspension springs are the best, followed by drop-in coil springs and sinuous springs. An interlace webbing suspension is another type that is cheaper but does not have the same durability or quality as the other types.

Filling material and cushions

So, what comes after the sofa? The cushions, of course!

And we all know how the cushion material and filling material determines the comfort level. Among the many materials, foam is the most popular choice in cushion filler as it has excellent firmness and density. But if you want something more softer, then you should consider getting down pillows or feather pillows if you are looking for a cheaper option.

Prioritise your needs

While the above points are critical, you have to consider the purpose, budget and individual taste when it comes to making the final decision.

For long lasting furniture, you should consider hardwood frames and top or full grain leather. On the other hand, if comfort is your focus, look for the best cushions and suspension. If the appearance is your priority, focus on the type of leather, style and colour.

And last but not least, buying from a reputed dealer is also crucial, if you want your purchase to be worth the money you are spending on it. A professional dealer can give you the best offer when

Picking the right sofa on your own is not easy but with these tips, you will surely be able to determine which sofa is the most suitable one for your home.