What Are the Differences in Leather Sofas?

Inexpensive Leather

• On bargain leather sofas, the leather is known as pigmented leather. This leather is processed synthetically, which can dissolve its natural grain. It may feel harder than more expensive leather, but it does have the advantage of being stain-resistant. If you have children and pets and love the look of leather, this may be the best option for you. Also, on inexpensive couches, the parts of the sofa you don't touch, such as the sides and back, may be covered with a matching vinyl, not leather at all.

Expensive Leather

• The best quality leather sofas are made from 100 percent aniline leather, which feels soft and luxurious but is not stain-resistant. Also, the best leather is full-grain and shows the natural markings from the hide.

  Some mid-range leather sofas are made from semi-aniline leather, which combines the softness of aniline leather with a light surface coating to provide some stain protection.

Sofa Frames and Support

• Less expensive leather sofa frames can be made from soft wood, such as pine, whereas more expensive ones have hardwood frames. Also, softer couches have suspension rods for support, and firmer ones use a spring system similar to that used for beds.

  No matter what type of support is used, make sure the couch feels comfortable to you. And consider how the sofa will be used. Firm support is less important if the couch will be in a rarely used formal living room than if it will be in a family room with children and pets jumping on it.

Brand Names

• As with any other product, a more expensive brand name sofa may cost more simply due to the popularity of the brand and the marketing and advertising costs for that brand. The type of leather and the frame and construction are more important; check these before considering which brand of sofa to buy.

Cushion Filling

• Make sure the leather cushions are filled with a quality high-density foam that has good support. The cushions should be firm yet comfortable, so they don't squish down to nothing when you sit on them. A leather sofa with this type of filling will last much longer than one with a cheaper filling.