{"id":17435,"date":"2021-07-22T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-22T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/?p=17435"},"modified":"2025-09-15T14:17:31","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T18:17:31","slug":"just-the-leathers-faux-leather-vs-genuine-leather-for-furniture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/just-the-leathers-faux-leather-vs-genuine-leather-for-furniture\/","title":{"rendered":"Just the Leathers: Faux Leather vs. Genuine Leather for Furniture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to leather for upholstered furniture, there are a number of pros and cons to weigh. Not only do you need to decide if the leather look and characteristics are right for you, but there are other leather-like options to consider that can also do the job. This handy guide focuses on types of leather and compares faux versus genuine leather <\/a>for fine furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Amish<\/a>
Amish La Salle Urban Sofa<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Types of Leather<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Genuine Leather<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Just like cheese and wine, genuine leather is known to age gracefully. It gets softer with time. Markings on leather are nothing to be afraid of. Marks like bites, scars, burns or scrapes indicate the real deal, a full top-grain leather. These marks and wrinkles are individual imperfections that speak to the uniqueness of the animal hide the leather came from. Dye is used to color the hides, and each hide may take color a bit differently. The leather absorbs the dye, ensuring the color won\u2019t fade. Leather is low maintenance and easy to clean. Just a light dusting will suffice from time to time. You also can vacuum it or use a damp cloth to wipe it clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The strongest part of the hide is the top grain. Top grain leather results when full-grain leather is run through a splitter. All leathers are graded. The ones that don\u2019t need any altering or touch up get higher grades. The ones with imperfections that need touch up will be corrected and this makes the leather a little stiffer. Those that don\u2019t need correction are softer and more natural.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Amish<\/a>
Amish Kokadjo Mission Footstool<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Full grain leather or real leather is thick. No part of the leather is shaved off. It will develop a patina over the years as it absorbs moisture and oils. This results in a light and dark patina in some areas. Leather can be used for rustic, classic or contemporary<\/a> rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Genuine
Leather can be dyed a variety of colors.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Comfort Factor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Genuine leather softens as it ages. Instead of fading or losing shape like some fabrics can, leather will soften and become even more flexible. Genuine leather breathes. It absorbs and releases moisture, contributing to a comfy feel.  Leather also doesn\u2019t hold dust, allergens and pet dander like fabric does, offering a more hypoallergenic option for upholstered furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strength<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Leather upholstery for your sofa<\/a> or loveseat will last a lot longer than fabric. Its toughness resists wear and tear. Genuine leather is the most durable upholstery option, more durable than fabric and it wears well. Leather just gets better with age.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Amish<\/a>
Amish Magnolia Slat Mission Recliner<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Cost<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While leather will cost more than fabric upholstery, it pays you back in durability. Furniture with leather upholstery will last longer than fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leather Pros:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n