When shoppers visit our showroom looking for leather sofas or other leather seating, they almost always come in with a ton of questions. That’s because leather upholstery is a surprisingly complex topic, complete with lots of industry jargon. Unfortunately, it’s easy to lose yourself among all the leather lingo – split leather, full grain, aniline, nubuck, top grain, suede, semi-aniline, pigmented, corrected, protected, and on and on.
Here at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet, we don’t want you to get lost in the language. We want you to come in and have a great experience because you already have a good idea what type of leather is the best fit for you! By the end of this short article, you’ll know just that.
When it comes to authentic leather upholstery, there are 3 key types of leather finishes — aniline leather, semi-aniline leather, and pigmented leather. What are these different types of leather, and how are each of them different?
Aniline vs Semi-Aniline vs Pigmented Leather
First, when comparing aniline vs semi-aniline vs pigmented leather, it’s important to understand what these types of leather are — and what they aren’t. These definitions don’t refer to different cuts or grades of leather such as full grain or top grain.
Rather, these leather types are defined solely by their finishing process. In other words, the terms aniline, semi-aniline and pigmented leather refer specifically to how a leather is treated. As you’ll learn below, leather manufacturers process and finish each of these leather types differently.
What is Aniline Leather?
Aniline leather, also known as full aniline leather, is the most straight-forward. That’s because it’s all natural with minimal pigmentation or coloring. Since there is minimal finishing, only the very highest quality full grain leathers are considered for aniline leather products.
The finishing process for aniline leather is done using transparent or translucent dyes that keep the natural appearance of the leather fully intact. Every pore, scar, bug bite, other natural mark on the hide is visible on aniline leather. In fact, it’s these “imperfections” that give authentic aniline leather its character.
Of these three, aniline leather is the most breathable, has the softest hand feel, and is typically the most expensive. It is also the least resistant to stains due to its lack of a protective layer. However, many aniline leathers are waxed or oiled to mitigate this and provide a more natural stain resistance.
Unlike other upholstery leathers, aniline leather will become more and more beautiful over time as it develops its own rich patina and unique wear pattern. Also, despite having less protection, aniline leather is the easiest leather upholstery to repair thanks to its simplicity.
What is Semi-Aniline Leather?
Semi-aniline leather, as the name suggests, is a bit of a compromise. Much like aniline, leather workers usually craft semi-aniline from full grain leather. However, occasionally leather manufacturers will make semi-aniline from high quality top grain instead. When made with full grain, semi-aniline leather also retains many of the same natural characteristics of the untreated hide.
So what is the difference between semi-aniline leather and aniline leather?
Well, with semi-aniline leather, leather makers may slightly buff the leather surface to remove more significant blemishes. Then, using spot embossing, they even out the leather tones. Finally, they add the pigment.
Unlike transparent aniline dyes, semi-aniline dyes do have a slight color. This process also makes semi-aniline more durable and resistant to stains. So, while semi-aniline leather does have a lot of aniline leather’s character and will develop a unique wear pattern and patina over time, it is much less pronounced.
Overall, semi-aniline leather is more affordable, more durable, and lower maintenance than aniline leather. On the other hand, you do sacrifice the softer feel and some of the visual appeal of pure aniline leather upholstery.
What is Pigmented Leather?
Finally, that brings us to our third and final type of leather finish. This one is known by a bunch of different names depending on who you ask — protected leather, fully protected leather, corrected leather, or pigmented leather. These are simply different ways of explaining the same process.
Usually with pigmented leather, manufacturers start with a lower quality top grain leather instead of full grain leather. That’s because this process involves significant buffing of the leather surface to remove any and all blemishes.
After this, they spray the leather with a coating that colors, seals, and protects the entire surface. This creates a more consistent, even finish that is extremely stain resistant. In other words, when you look at a pigmented or corrected leather, all you’re really seeing is the finish.
Pigmented leather is the most affordable and lowest maintenance of these leathers. It also gives you more colors to choose from. However, the trade-off is that pigmented leather is less supple and less breathable than aniline and semi-aniline. Also, in cases of rips, tears, or punctures, the finish itself makes repair slightly more difficult.
Which Leather Type Do You Think is the Best Fit for Your Home?
Given the pros and cons of each leather type, which do you think is the right fit for you? Aniline leather in all its luxurious, natural, full-grain beauty? Semi-aniline with its balance and practicality? Or perhaps pigmented leather with its affordability and stain resistance?
To get a better idea, ask yourself the questions below…
Do you have kids? How about pets? If so, some level of protection is advisable.
Do you want a long-lasting leather that will gain character and improve its look with age? Or is it more important to you to have more color options and stain protection?
How often will your new piece of leather furniture be used? Will it be in a high-traffic area of the home, or in a seldom-used sitting room or formal living room?
Only you know the answers to these questions. And only you know which of these factors is the most important to you.
Shop Georgia’s Best Selection of Leather Upholstery at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet
No matter which you choose, Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet has something for you. We have one of Georgia’s best selections of leather sofas, sectionals, loveseats, chairs and ottomans.
For a beautiful example of our top quality leather furniture inventory, don’t miss our recent feature on Softline Furniture. Especially if you’ve got an eye for fine Italian leather. We’re sure you’ll love our entire leather selection including brands like Softline, Leather Italia, Bradington-Young, Bernhardt, Simon Li, Palliser, FSI and more!
Visit us today at our furniture stores in Woodstock/Acworth, Dallas/Hiram and Rome. See you soon!
