The picture shows my client’s sectional that comes from a “naked leather” or full aniline hide, dyed a hunter green color.

Frequently during any day you will see some piece of furniture covered in leather.  Most of us are not aware of the standards that make a good leather, how leathers are chosen, graded and the historical pedigree of leather.

The adornments of Cleopatra are the earliest dating of leather working. Leather’s popularity has continued through history into today times. Leather is valued because of its unique grain, texture and variety of colors it can come in.

Cowhides and steer hides are the most frequently seen leathers because they are so plentiful and the fact that they can come from anywhere around the world. The Unites States, South America and Europe provide the most cowhides because that is where the most beef is consumed. Because in Germany and Europe cows are confined and are not free to roam over wide areas, where they could incur scrapes or tears. They are not branded and their hides are some of the best available. Too many marks, tears or imperfection on a hide make it undesirable.

Leather also can come from calfskin, pigskin, lambskin, goatskin and water buffalo. Water buffalo leather is generally a very low grade of leather that needs to be heavily corrected to look smooth and then colored carefully so that they are uniform in color.

It is the condition of the hide that determines its quality or rating and ultimately its price. Hides without any markings and an attractive grain are the ideal and prized. They are finished and are identified as “naked leather,” or full aniline because very little has been done to them. Full aniline is suitable for furniture upholstery except where you have a lot of heavy wear and tear. In that case your best choice is semi-aniline leather.

Semi-aniline leather differs from full aniline because of the addition of a small amount of pigment to the topcoat, to provide better protection for heavy use.

Another term you hear with leather is “nubuck.” It refers to a dyed full aniline hide that has been buffed to create a soft nap. Because it is very delicate it is not the best option for seat cushions or arm rests.

If the leather has markings on it, commonly known as corrected leather, it becomes a lower grade leather. It usually is embossed or has decorative finishes added to it to make it more appealing. Although corrected leather is less valued, it holds up well in high traffic areas.

Teal Michel ASID, is a licensed full-service interior design firm specializing in residential interior design and renovation-remodeling design throughout the Carolinas. Teal has won awards from ASID for interior spaces and furniture design and from the Home Builder’s Association of Charlotte Excellence in Remodeling for remodel design and interior renovation. She has participated in HGTV’s “Designer’s Challenge” and her work has been featured in several books. www.tealmichelasid.com.