A Buyer's Guide to Leather Sofas and the Questions to Ask When Buying One

Buying a new sofa can be an overwhelming process, especially with so many styles and colours available, where do you start? This article will assist you in purchasing the perfect leather sofa for your home.

Choosing the colour

One of the first considerations you should make is practicality. If you have pets or a young family, then you probably won’t fancy spending your spare time wiping finger marks or dogs fur from a cream or white leather sofa. Black is a very versatile option, easy to maintain and fits well with the majority of décor styles. A brown leather sofa made from aniline leather, brings an element of comfort and homeliness to a living room, and a red leather sofa can create a very striking counterpoint to neutral or light décor. You can accentuate polished wooden flooring with a cream leather sofa; this can be accessorized with a variety of colorful cushions. 

              

Choosing the style

It is worth remembering that you will have to live with your sofa for the next few years so choose a style that will age well and match any future trends, for example, in 3 years time are you still going to love that yellow low backed sofa? With a wealth of styles available it can complicated to choose a leather sofa that everyone in your home is happy with. If you prefer sofas with higher backs and elegant low back designs in beautiful two toned antique colors then a traditional leather sofa is for you. Chesterfield Leather Sofas are a great choice if you’re looking for a sofa that is both classic and timeless. If you like modern décor, a contemporary sofa might be a better choice, these are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. 

Choosing a leather type 

                                                  

Full Grain

Full grain remains natural and is the most desirable of all leathers. The prominent markings from bug bites, a scar from a fence, or the usual little wrinkles that occur on the leather are evident. These natural markings provide the hide with a host of unique characteristics.

Top Grain

If you hear or see the words “top grain”, the reference is to where the leather was cut rather than its grade. Do not confuse full grain with top grain, which basically means that it has not been split. When shopping for your leather sofa, make sure that the back of the sofa, cushions and any large areas were cut from the top grain of the leather and not from vinyl fabrics.

Aniline

Aniline leather has been labeled with various names such as naked aniline, true aniline, and aniline full grain, all of them being exactly same. Aniline is basically leather that has been dyed right the way through. The spongy feel of aniline leather allows it to breathe effectively, which in turn increases its durability. It’s worth remembering that: the softer the leather feels, the higher its grade.

Antiqued

When searching for a leather sofa that suits your unique needs you may hear the word “antiqued” this is a leather that has been dyed twice, first in a lighter shade of color, and then in a darker shade that will provide variation and a unique antique appearance. This process is also known as distressed leather.

Ask the following questions when shopping:

1. Is the leather finished or unfinished?
2. Is the leather top-grain? If it isn’t, it won’t be as durable as you think.
3. Is the whole sofa made of leather, or is some of it vinyl? Don’t be fooled.
4. How has the frame been constructed? Is it built to last?

Author byline:

This guide was contributed by David at Thomas Lloyd; 

From Mike: 5 Tips to Rock Your Sofa

Mike writes at Fabnest:

How many times have you been corrected when asked, “How is your day and you say good?” And there reply is, “You mean well.” I know, proper from improper can be a real pain.

This diction analogy is similar when talking about couch vs sofa.  One word that is never used by interior designers is “couch.” A couch is a sofa. Sofas have gone by many names: Chesterfield, divan, settee, davenport, daveno, couch, but now only sofa.

Read the rest at Fabnest:

Room of the Day: Adding Comfort and Style to a
New Jersey Family Room

The Loveseat For Smaller Spaces

Apartment Therapy is trying to suggest there's a new sofa type out there for small space dwellers.
They write, "New Traditionalists Unite! Not every small space dweller is into modern lines or minimal, neutral textures. We're sure there are plenty of you living in pint size palaces who would like to embrace classic lines mixed with color, texture and pattern when it comes to your sofa style. Well, here you go - seven small but not-too-safe sofas to consider that all clock in at under 70 inches..."

In one place a picture of a small sofa is called a "sofette." That's is just another for a loveseat and we've had loveseats for years. Bernhardt and Bernhardt Interiors calls them Loveseats. Here are a few examples of loveseats:

All under 70 inches.

Floating Chesterfield

That same article in The Las Vegas Review on home trends 2014 featured this Chesterfield sofa:

A Chesterfield-inspired sofa is taken to new heights in Viper, part of Sunpan’s Club Collection. It’s stocked in two bonded leathers, peanut (shown) or gray. The cantilevered base is stainless steel.

New From Bernhardt

Apartment Therapy toured High Point Market recently and gives us "...a glimpse of what's on it's way in the coming months..." in 12 different sofa offerings. Included in that list is one of our lines. 

Bernhardt, says Apartment Therapy, went a little wild with a hide upholstery. A luxurious choice that also has a rustic side - perfect for a cabin chic look.

Sofa, Couch or What?

S.J.D., of Belleville posed this question to The Answer Man:

Q. Why do we have two very different names for a couch/sofa? When you look on craigslist, they are used interchangeably. Is there a difference?

Interesting article about the history of the name!

I have some further input on the question. My husband used to call the sofa a couch or davano until I corrected him Now he's pretty good at just using sofa for the multiple seat thing in the den or living room, usually taken by the dog.

Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/2013/04/23/2589275/answer-man-have-a-seat-on-the.html#storylink=cpy

Helpful Tips on Buying the Perfect Sofa

When in the market to buy a new sofa, the endless options available to us can be overwhelming.  Whether you're looking for a high-end sofa with traditional design, or a more modern or contemporary piece, you'll have a better chance at successfully finding the right sofa with just a bit of planning prior to your search.  With various factors to consider, we wanted to offer a few tips to make the decision-making process smoother.  Ideally, you’d first want to consider your personal needs, and how you'd like your new sofa to match your home and lifestyle.

Frame Construction
A sofa's frame provides the foundation and should be one of the first factors to consider when buying a sofa.  A high quality sofa should sit squarely on the floor without any wobbling or creaking.  This indicates that joints are sturdy and will last a long time.  You'll also want to ensure that the wood used is of the highest quality and if possible, opt for furniture constructed with kiln-dried wood to prevent undue warping and expanding over time due to moisture or changes in climate.

Cushion Style

As with any cushioning, ensure that it is firm yet pliable, and regains its shape after pressing down upon it and let go.  Down-filled cushions are optimal, though are generally more expensive.  Down-filled cushioning is comfortable to sit on as they conform to one’s body, however, they may need to be fluffed up and turned occasionally to maintain their form and shape.

Also, check that a back sofa's cushion has no hard spots and sofa-bed cushions all fit snugly in place.  For optimal comfort, choose a seat with depth depending upon your height.  The taller a person is, the more seat depth would be needed.

Sofa Arm Style

There are several styles of sofa arms from which to choose, such as curved, traditional rolled, straight, or even armless sofas.  Whichever your preference, check to see that the sofa arms are properly joined to the sofa frame and are well-padded.

Upholstery
Another point to consider is the type of fabric to look for on sofas.  From the cushion of the sofa bed to the accent and support pillows, you'll want to have the highest quality in textiles and upholstery.  The materials and cloths used should be carefully considered according to your lifestyle.  For instance, if small kids will be around your sofa, you may wish to avoid smaller designer pieces such as beads or sequins.  Knowing these details beforehand can help prevent any potential issues later on.

Sofa Body
From sofa-beds to sectionals, there are as many sofa body styles as there are types of fabric.  Take some time to browse different styles to get a better feel for what size, shape and style you need.

Savannah Collections' Santa Barbara Sectional Sofa above provides ample space for a relaxing retreat, with generous support and accent pillows for a cozy yet luxurious setting.

If a leather sofa is what you’re seeking, the Henredon Leather Sofa shown above defines elegant comfort with its tufted leather cushioning, gracefully rolled arm rests, and nail-head accents.

The Perfect Sofa
We hope that these tips and ideas will provide a solid basis for your search in finding the perfect sofa.  Since your sofa will stay with you for a significant period of your life, you'll inevitably want to ensure you can enjoy your investment for a long time.


Marge Carsone

Henredon

Century Furniture

Strange, But Wonderful!

I recall reading some many months ago that a chemical on sofas was causing sitters to get burned by the chemicals resulting in blisters. Now that chemical, dimethyl fumarate "...is getting a second chance—as a much ballyhooed multiple sclerosis drug called Tecfidera, whose sales could be enormous.

"Among doctors, there's "a strong consensus that Tecfidera offers a more favorable clinical profile than other oral or injectable first-line options," says an analyst. Indeed, some patients have reportedly been waiting for Tecfidera's FDA approval, which came yesterday, before starting any kind of MS treatment"

Ed Sheeran - "Sofa"

Ed Sheeran just appeared on the Grammy's Sunday and has a song out called Sofa:

Lyrics to Sofa :
She's reinventing loving me
When we're resembling cutlery on the sofa
It must have been about 5.01
Like my blue ripped jeans
And my eyes are closed
And I'm way too tired
Hoody still smells of the beach bonfire
On the sofa, where we lay
I wanna stay inside all day
And it's cold outside, again

And we're both so high
We could fly to Berlin, Tokyo or Jamaica
We can go where you want
Say the word and I'll take ya
But I'd rather stay on the sofa
On the sofa, with you

When the morning comes
We're not watching Formula I
It's not what we breathe for
So kick off the day with Friends on T4
Two, boiled and brew
Two sugars ain't too sweet for you
On the sofa, where we lay
I wanna stay inside all day
And it's cold outside, again
And we're still so high

We could fly to Berlin, Tokyo or Jamaica
We can go where you want
Say the word and I'll take ya
But I'd rather stay on the sofa
On the sofa, with you

And it feels like I'm flying
And it feels like
We could go to Berlin, Tokyo or Jamaica
Through the streets of New York
That is where I will take ya
Paris, Rome, to Rio
Passing through Las Vegas
We can go where you want
Say the word, and I'll take ya
But I'd rather stay on the sofa
On the sofa
On the sofa, with you

I wonder what color of sofa.

What does your sofa say about you?

We have a red leather sofa in the living room and a green leather sofa in the den, where we watch the Blazers play. In the case of the red sofa, the article by Kim Palmer says "the color encourages action and confidence and sets a bold, bright tone. Red is also directly related to energy. If you want a fire-y, vibrant room, then red is for you."

Sounds right! :)

Old Couch Kicked To The Curb

Brad Flory writes today about a husband surprised when his wife said, “I ordered new furniture.” 

Many times, each day is pretty much like the day before and tomorrow is déjà vu all over again. We see our sofa that we plop down on at night as perfectly fine.  The stains by "...gallons of accumulated potato chip oil and snore spittle..." aren't even noticed. Noticed, that is, until we move or sit it out on the curb.  Then we see it was perfectly ugly, misshapened and stained.  Most of the time a "FREE" sign won't move the thing. And the last thing agencies that collect furniture for the down-on-their-luck need is another sofa.

Selling furniture is about creating a need. The furniture industry needs Brad Flory to write our ad copy. 

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
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Heretic Sofa

You think I've milked the sofa topic enough?  Well, hardly, because from Autumn I found the perfect sofa for the Adams Family:



The Heretic, a dark sofa made from a re-purposed coffin.




Hat tip to Curated.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
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Suzuki Shows Off Motorized Sofa

If you are looking for motorized  furniture, come take a look at Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
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"Just Right" Sofa

Did you hear about the man who awoke and found a stranger sleeping on his sofa?

Deputies woke up the man, later identified as Kevin Mace, 41, only to discover that he was intoxicated. Mace lives several trailers away and deputies believe he stumbled into the wrong residence and found a sofa that was "just right" for slumber.

This reminds me of the story of the Dad who comes home from work and wanders into the wrong house because all the houses look the same.  Kevin Mace maybe couldn't tell that he was on the wrong sofa because too many sofas look alike.

If you want a new sofa and want to be able to choose between a contemporary, traditional or transitional sofa in fabric or leather in all sizes, you should be coming to Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery.  We have Duralee, Sherrill, Precedent, Rowe, and now Lexington and we are sure we can help you find something that will fit your budget.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
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You May Need A Sleeper Sofa

Here's a story that brought a smile to my face.

A Turkish man living in Germany with his wife of 18 years went to police for protection from her insatiable appetite for sex, Bild newspaper reported Wednesday.

He told police he slept on a sofa for the past four years in a futile attempt to escape the voracious embraces of his wife.

Can you imagine sleeping on a lumpy, short sofa for four years! Now if you are finding yourself sleeping on the sofa for whatever reason, you might want to investigate our sleeper sofa options. Whether fabric or leather, Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery has a sofa that will allow you to get a good nights sleep and thus keep up your energy for those waking hours.

Come see us today so you can awake rested and ready to go.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
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Why are flame retardants required in furniture, anyway?

Florence Williams asks the question on her Slate blog.

The European Union had recently banned two of the major commercial formulas of brominated flame retardants, called penta- and octa-BDEs. Produced in large quantities in the United States to meet furniture and other fire codes, they were poured into products—and quickly migrated into dust, air, soil, waterways, effluent, and food. Because flame retardants don't break down easily, they remain for years in the tissues of birds, aquatic organisms and mammals, including us, albeit in small quantities. An endocrine disruptor and neurotoxin, the retardants are linked to thyroid disorders and reproductive problems in animals and humans. blockquote>

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
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Is It Time For A New Sofa?

How's your sofa doing? Has it stopped being comfortable? Have you had it awhile and need a new look? Have your needs changed?

• Your children are older and are easier on furniture
• It's time to change the color of the walls and the old sofa won't fit with the new colors.
• You've had an upholstered sofa for years, but now want to try a leather sofa, maybe in a soft glove leather or bold in a bright red leather sofa.

These are all good reasons for thinking about purchasing a new sofa. It can be a major expenditure, so let's look at some things to consider before the new purchase.

What room will it be in and will it be in the same position as the one it's replacing? A sofa that won't get a lot of use doesn't have to be as sturdy as one in a den or media room.

What will its function be? Does it need to be a sleeper sofa or a sofa with a recliner. Do you have pets? Pets can determine whether you go tight or woven fabric or leather.

What size sofa do you need? Will someone be taking a nap on it? How about depth of the seating area? A shorter person may want less depth so their feet hit the floor. How many people do you want to seat on the sofa?

Do you want a high backed sofa or low, soft cushioned seat or firm?

Now we get to style. Sofas come in very traditional styles, transitional and contemporary. What's the style of your home or decor? Is your new sofa going to match your color scheme and blend in or is the design or color going to be the focus? Should the sofa be dressy or casual?

The colors available in furniture these days have only been surpassed by the choice of patterns but also by the choice of styles. In most good furniture stores you will find the traditional sofa in all shades of brown and beige; if it is patterned, the pattern will be subtle – maybe even just embossed onto the fabric. Alongside this, you will also find the ‘state of the art’ contemporary designs, anything from scarlet red tartan, to almost fluorescent pink floral patterns. The styles will range from old-fashioned Chesterfield to innovative minimalist leather and chrome – these days anything goes.

These are all important considerations. That's why you need to spend some time on your research and sit on a variety of sofas to make sure it feels comfortable. We want you happy with your purchase for years and years.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
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