Leather Types
Pure Aniline Leather
These are the highest quality hides, with minimal pigmentation or coloring, allowing all-natural markings to show the beauty of these innate leathers. Because any texture or marking on the surface is visible, only high- quality hides are suitable for aniline finishing. These hides, which use wax and oils to provide natural protection, are the least resistant to stains, color variance, fading and scratches. Over time Pure Aniline leathers develop a rich patina and unique wear pattern.
Some natural markings you can expect are healed cuts and rubs, bug bites, fat wrinkles, natural texture and color variations and some leathers will have a color burst when pulled.
We try to use parts of the hides with the fewest markings for arms, seat cushion tops and front of backs. When possible, we place severe natural markings and blemishes in inconspicuous areas. These areas may be the bottom or back of seat cushions and backs and the inside and bottom of arms.
Semi-Aniline Leather
These hides give a choice between Pure Aniline and Corrected leather. The hides are slightly buffed, removing significant blemishes and leaving some natural grain. Semi-aniline dyes contain a slight color, creating a varied finish and enhancing durability. This leather is more durable with lower maintenance than Pure Aniline but sacrifices visual appeal and richness by comparison.
Corrected Leather
These hides are first buffed to remove blemishes and then sprayed with pigments that color, seal and protect the leather. This process prioritizes protection and practicality over the natural appearance of the leather. Corrected leathers are consistent in color with an even finish. These leathers require the least maintenance and are more resistant to stains, fading and scratches.
Embossed Leather
These leathers have raised patterns created from an ancient method called embossing. Using heat and heavy templates or rollers, the leather fibers condense creating the patterns. Embossed leathers are often stiff and may show plate lines were pressed to form patterns. The unique characteristics of Embossed leather limit applications on furniture and careful consideration should be made when selecting these leathers.
Hair on Hides
These hides are used in the most natural form, leaving the original hair on the hide. The hides are soaked in a solution to remove bacteria and a conditioner is added to soften the hide. As you see cows in the fields, no two hides are the same. We sort hides individually by different colors and patterns providing some consistency, but there are still variations. We hand-place pattern parts to create the most artistic use of hides on our furniture. The unique characteristics of hair on hides limit furniture applications and careful consideration should be taken when selecting these leathers.