In the furniture industry, the choice of leather is essential to ensure not only the desired aesthetics, but also durability and comfort. The most in-demand skins on the market are mainly of bovine origin, due to their large size that allow them to cover large surfaces, and their robustness.
The skins are distinguished according to their processing and their layer:
* Aniline (or Full Flower): It is the most valuable skin. It keeps intact the natural grain and imperfections of the animal, such as wrinkles and pores. It is treated with transparent dyes that enhance its softness and silky touch. Despite being more delicate and sensitive to spots and direct light, it offers an unparalleled look and feel of luxury. It is the preferred choice for high-end furniture.
* Semi-Aniline: It represents a compromise between the naturalness of aniline and the strength of pigmented skin. A thin layer of pigment is applied that slightly uniforms the color and protects it more from wear and spots, while keeping the natural grain visible. It is one of the most popular options in the upholstery market.
* Pigmented (or Correct Flower): It is the most durable and versatile skin. Its surface is smoothed to eliminate imperfections and then covered with a layer of opaque pigment and a protective finish. This treatment makes it very resistant to stains, rubbing and sunlight. Although it loses some of its naturalness to the touch, it is ideal for high-use sofas and seating, such as those in family or public environments.
* Nabuk and Suede: These skins do not have a glossy finish, but a velvety surface. The Nabuk is obtained by slightly smoothing the outer part of the flower, offering an incredibly soft feel and an opaque appearance. Suede (or suede) is obtained from the inside of the skin, resulting softer and less resistant than Nabuk. Both are highly valued for their sophisticated appearance, but require more careful maintenance.
The upholstery market is looking for leathers that combine aesthetics, durability and ease of maintenance.
* Color and Thickness uniformity: A high quality translates into a leather with a homogeneous coloration and a constant thickness over the entire surface, essential for a flawless end result.
* Wear Resistance: Pigmented processing is particularly required for their abrasion resistance and deterioration caused by daily use.
* Softness and Touch: Despite the resistance, the market rewards the skins that maintain an excellent feel to the touch, giving comfort and a perception of value higher than the finished product.
* Sustainability: There is a growing focus on leather from tanneries that adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly machining processes.
* Size and Shape: Cutting efficiency is crucial for upholsterers. Large and regular-shaped leathers allow you to optimize materials and reduce waste.
I hope this information is useful for you to better understand the world of furniture skins.
