Leather Care Guide
Caring for Your Leather Furniture
Quality leathers and fine materials bring lasting comfort and timeless style when cared for properly. Our guide offers general advice to help preserve the natural beauty, suppleness, and lifespan of your pieces.
Note: As leather types, finishes, and treatments vary by manufacturer, always follow the specific care instructions supplied with your product for warranty coverage.
A Note on Your Home Environment
Every home is different and the environment within your home will inevitably influence the care requirements of your furniture. Modern, energy-efficient and airtight homes can create conditions that differ significantly from older properties, particularly in relation to temperature, humidity and ventilation.
It is important to consider the environment in which your furniture now resides and adjust your care routine accordingly. Providing each piece with the appropriate care based on the conditions within your home will help maintain its appearance, performance and longevity.
The Beauty of Natural Leather
Leather is a natural product, and part of its appeal is that no two hides are ever exactly alike. Each piece may feature its own unique characteristics, including:
- Natural grain variation
- Wrinkles and creases
- Growth marks
- Healed scars
- Changes in texture
- Shade and colour variation
These features are not imperfections. They are a testament to the authenticity of the leather and contribute to the individuality of every piece. Just as no two trees produce identical timber, no two hides will produce identical leather.
Over time, leather will continue to develop character, softening with use and forming a rich natural patina that enhances its appearance.
Understanding Different Types of Leather
Leather upholstery comes in a range of distinct finishes, each offering its own character, feel, and maintenance needs:
- Aniline Leather – Exceptionally soft, luxurious, and natural in appearance, displaying full hide beauty and natural markings. Expect minimal surface protection, making it more susceptible to staining and fading.
- Semi-Aniline Leather – Combines a soft, natural feel with added surface protection. Expect enhanced durability and resistance to everyday wear, making it well-suited for busy family homes.
- Nubuck Leather – Lightly buffed for a velvety texture, rich color depth, and tactile finish. Expect greater sensitivity to spills and staining, requiring specialist care.
- Pigmented Leather – Durable with a protective surface coating, offering a consistent appearance and good wear resistance. Ideal for easy maintenance in everyday living spaces.
- Waxed & Oiled Leather – Rich, natural look with a tactile, relaxed feel. Expect marks and scuffs to blend back into the finish naturally, developing a beautiful lived-in character over time.
- Antique & Vintage Leathers – Intentionally designed to age gracefully throughout their lifetime. Expect each piece to evolve uniquely with everyday use as it develops extra depth and patina.
Leather Care Recommendations
✓ Do
Everyday Care
- ✓ Dust regularly with a soft, clean cloth
- ✓ Vacuum gently using a soft upholstery attachment
- ✓ Remove dust and debris from seams and crevices
Positioning & Protection
- ✓ Position furniture away from prolonged direct sunlight
- ✓ Maintain a consistent room temperature
- ✓ Take extra care with heavily dyed clothing (like new denim) on lighter leather
- ✓ Protect leather surfaces from sharp objects, jewellery, pet claws, and metal accessories
Spillages & Cleaning
- ✓ Blot spills immediately using a clean, dry absorbent cloth
- ✓ Absorb as much liquid as possible and allow the area to dry naturally
- ✓ Only use specialist leather care products approved by the manufacturer
- ✓ Always test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first
✕ Don't
Positioning & Environment
- ✕ Don't position furniture close to radiators, stoves, fireplaces, heating vents, or conservatory glazing
- ✕ Don't allow prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
- ✕ Don't place sharp or abrasive objects on leather surfaces
- ✕ Don't ignore dye transfer risk from unwashed or heavily dyed fabrics
Spillages & Cleaning
- ✕ Don't rub or scrub the affected area when a spill occurs
- ✕ Avoid household detergents, solvents, bleach, and chemical cleaners
- ✕ Avoid abrasive cleaning products or harsh cloths
- ✕ Avoid using excess water when cleaning leather
- ✕ Don't apply direct heat to dry a wet spot quickly
Cushion Filling Guide
The comfort and character of a sofa or chair is largely determined by its cushion filling. Different fillings respond to everyday use in unique ways and require tailored maintenance:
- Foam – Supportive and holds its shape well with minimal effort. Requires occasional dressing and rotation.
- Foam & Fibre – Offers a balance of support and softness with good shape retention. Requires regular dressing and occasional plumping.
- Fibre – Soft, comfortable, and provides a relaxed appearance. Frequent plumping recommended to maintain shape and loft.
- Feather & Down – Ultra-soft, luxurious, and sink-in comfortable. Daily plumping recommended to restore volume and appearance.
Everyday Cushion Care
✓ Do
- ✓ Plump, smooth, and dress cushions after use to minimise creasing
- ✓ Sit centrally on cushions where practical
- ✓ Rotate loose cushions and alternate seating positions to distribute wear evenly
✕ Don't
- ✕ Sit on cushion edges for prolonged periods
- ✕ Sit on sofa arms
- ✕ Stand or kneel on cushions
- ✕ Apply concentrated weight to one area repeatedly
- ✕ Continuously use the same seat position where alternatives are available
Understanding Cushion Settlement
Settlement is a natural part of upholstered furniture ownership. Luxury upholstery is often designed to provide comfort rather than rigid firmness, and some visible settling is entirely normal. Natural settlement may include:
- Slight dips in frequently used areas
- Cushion softening
- Fabric relaxation
- Gentle creasing
These characteristics do not indicate a manufacturing fault and are often more noticeable in softer, higher-comfort cushion constructions.
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