You often see these options of leather as you browse through our Sofa collection but wonder what are the real differences in them and which one suits you the best. So here is a quick explanation of what they are and the associated pros and cons with each option.
Before we go into the individual explanations, firstly we need to understand that these definitions do not refer to the type of grades of leather like top of full grain. They refer to the finishing process of the leather, in which they are treated and dyed.
Full Aniline
During the aniline dying process, a translucent dye is used so that the natural appearance of the leather is kept intact. Therefore slight imperfections on the leather like scars, marks will be visible still after the process. Due to the different parts of the leather having different rate of absorption, the colour will also not be very even throughout, testament of a natural genuine leather finish.
PROS
Full aniline leather therefore has the softest feel of all the leathers and develops a rich patina over time as body oils get seeped into the leather. It is also the most breathable, providing a cool touch on a summer day. Some of our full aniline leathers are also slightly embossed to give that slight consistency however, the natural markings of the leather are still clearly visible.
CONS
With that said, full aniline leathers therefore are normally the most expensive as the best leather is chosen for this so that there are minimal imperfections on the surface of the skin. Due to the minimal processing, these leathers are more prone to scratches and stains therefore extra care is needed to maintain the leather. Regular conditioning of the leather also needs to be done to prevent the leather from cracking and to maintain its suppleness and patina.
VERDICT
If you are someone who loves the natural beauty of leather with all its slight imperfections and watch it develop into a unique patina and colour over time, then a Full Aniline leather is your choice.
Semi-Aniline
The semi-aniline process is similar to the aniline process however an additional thin layer of coat is sometimes added to prevent it from normal wear and stain. The leather used in this case will be slightly buffed and embossed to keep the uniformity of the colour and grain throughout. So overall, you get a more even colour, feel and a more resistant leather but keeping most of the advantages of an aniline leather.
PROS
Semi-aniline leather gives a more uniform colour and grain as well as slightly more resistant to scratches and stains. Due to the more affordable pricing and lesser maintenance required, this is the most popular choice of leather, for those who are looking for a natural feel but requires a easier maintenance. However, regular maintenance of the leather is still required.
CONS
The downside to semi-aniline leather is that you do not get the natural appearance of the leather as the top part of the grain is sanded down slightly to give a uniform appearance. The leather is also not as supple and soft as compared to full aniline leathers
VERDICT
If you like the leather to be soft, close to the original appearance of leather and lesser maintenance, then semi-aniline is the leather of your choice. Not only is it much more affordable than full aniline, it is also more resistant to your everyday use.
Corrected
The processing of corrected leather greatly varies but normally it means that the leather is buffed till there are no visible markings on the leather and embossing or stamping is done to return the grain pattern onto the leather. Normally semi-aniline or pigmented dye is used for the finishing process. This is the most widely used leather in the world due to the scarcity of flawless leather.
PROS
Corrected leather are the most affordable and far more resistant from scratches and stains. Some of them are also treated with stain resistant coatings to make it even more durable. The colour will remain more or less the same throughout the years of usage. There is lesser maintenance required as well as compared to the other types of leather mentioned here.
CONS
With the leather being buffed significantly sometimes, the natural grain of the leather will not be apparent and the leather will feel thicker and less supple as compared to aniline leathers. The leather is also less breathable due to the coatings applied to the leather and more prone to cracking if it is not regularly conditioned.
VERDICT
If you have pets at home and more likely to have small accidents here and there, then this is more suitable as it does provide additional resistant and more durable as compared to aniline leathers. Areas of high usage are best suited to go with corrected leathers.
Final thoughts
Choosing a type of leather for your sofa is all up to your preference and style. Understanding the pros and cons of each type of finishing of leather will definitely allow you to better choose a leather type to suit your lifestyle and needs. In any case you need additional information, hit us up and we will be glad to answer all your queries.