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 is a living, natural material and will respond to everyday use. Over time you may notice softening of the leather, stretching in frequently used areas, gentle creasing, changes in feel and appearance, development of a natural patina and slight variations in colour with age.
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.
Understanding "Puddling"
You may notice a degree of stretching and relaxation in seat and back cushions, sometimes referred to as "puddling".
This is a natural characteristic of many quality leathers, particularly softer and more luxurious grades, and should not be considered a fault.
Leather Furniture Care Recommendations
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
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.
Final Word
Quality leather upholstery and cushions are designed to adapt to everyday living and become more individual over time. Leather will naturally develop character and a unique patina, while cushion fillings and comfort layers will settle and soften with use. Variations in grain, texture, colour and natural markings are all part of the authenticity and charm of these materials.
With regular plumping, rotation where appropriate and sensible day-to-day care, your furniture can retain its comfort, appearance and performance for many years.
For specific cleaning recommendations, maintenance requirements and warranty conditions, always refer to the manufacturer's care guide and warranty documentation supplied with your furniture.