Leather types in comparison - the 9 most popular types of leather for sofas in direct comparison

Leather is a popular material for sofas for many people. But which type of leather is best suited to which sofa and what are the care and maintenance requirements? In this article, we compare the 9 most popular types of leather for sofas and present their advantages and disadvantages.

Introduction to the different types of leather

Before we take a closer look at the individual types of leather, let's first take a look at the different types of leather. There is aniline leather, semi-aniline leather, pigmented leather, nubuck leather, suede leather, artificial leather, buffalo leather and suede leather.

The importance of leather types for sofas

Choosing the right type of leather for a sofa depends on various factors. These include the look, feel, durability and care requirements. Each type of leather has its own advantages and disadvantages and should therefore be chosen accordingly.

Types of leather and their properties

Below we present the individual types of leather and explain their properties.

Aniline leather

Aniline leather is an open leather that is not pigmented. It is characterized by its natural look and feel. The leather is very breathable and pleasant on the skin. However, it is also very sensitive to stains and scratches.

A sofa made of aniline leather should therefore only be placed in rooms that are not heavily frequented. It should also be cared for regularly to keep the leather supple.

Semi-aniline leather

Semi-aniline leather is a leather that is lightly pigmented. This makes it more resistant to stains and scratches than aniline leather. However, it retains its natural look and feel.

A sofa made of semi-aniline leather is well suited for families with children or pets, as it is more resistant than aniline leather. However, it should also be cared for regularly to keep the leather supple.

Pigmented leather

Pigmented leather is leather that is coated with a layer of pigment. This makes it very resistant to stains and scratches. However, it no longer has the natural look and feel of aniline leather or semi-aniline leather.

A sofa made of pigmented leather is well suited for rooms with heavy traffic, such as living rooms or offices. It is very easy to care for and does not require regular maintenance.

Nubuck leather

Nubuck leather is a leather that has been lightly sanded to create a velvety surface. It is very soft and pleasant on the skin. However, it is also very sensitive to stains and scratches.

A sofa made of nubuck leather should therefore only be placed in rooms that are not heavily frequented. It should also be cared for regularly to keep the leather supple.

Suede leather

Suede is a leather made from the skin of animals such as deer or wild boar. It is very soft and pleasant on the skin. However, it is also very sensitive to stains and scratches.

A suede sofa should therefore only be placed in rooms that are not heavily frequented. It should also be cared for regularly to keep the leather supple.

Imitation leather

Imitation leather is a leather substitute made from plastic. It is very resistant to stains and scratches. However, it does not have the natural look and feel of real leather.

A faux leather sofa is well suited to families with children or pets as it is more durable than real leather. It is also very easy to care for and does not require regular maintenance.

Buffalo leather

Buffalo leather is a leather made from the skin of buffalo. It is very hard-wearing and durable. However, it does not have the natural look and feel of aniline leather or semi-aniline leather.

A sofa made of buffalo leather is well suited for rooms with heavy traffic such as living rooms or offices. It is very easy to care for and does not require regular maintenance.

Suede leather

Suede is a leather that has been lightly sanded to create a velvety surface. It is very soft and pleasant on the skin. However, it is also very sensitive to stains and scratches.

A suede sofa should therefore only be placed in rooms that are not heavily frequented. It should also be cared for regularly to keep the leather supple.

Aniline leather

Aniline leather is characterized by its natural look and feel. It is a thin leather that originally received no or only a light surface treatment. This makes it particularly soft and supple. However, aniline leather is sensitive to soiling and liquids and requires regular care. Abrasion marks can also quickly become visible on aniline leather.

The leather is obtained from the hides of cattle, which usually come from Europe or South America. Aniline leather is often used for high-quality furniture, such as sofas and armchairs, due to its natural look and feel. The leather is also used in the fashion industry, for example for shoes and handbags.

The production of aniline leather is complex and requires a great deal of expertise. The leather is dyed in a drum, which makes the Color penetrates deep into the leather. This creates the natural look of the leather. As the leather only receives a light surface treatment, the natural structure of the leather is retained.

Properties of aniline leather

• Natural look and feel
• thin and soft
• sensitive to soiling and liquids
• tends to show signs of abrasion
• Breathable

The breathable leather ensures a pleasant seating climate and is therefore particularly popular in summer. However, aniline leather sofas should not be placed directly in the sun, as this can cause the leather to fade.

Advantages and disadvantages of aniline leather sofas

+ natural look and feel
+ soft and supple
+ breathable
- sensitive to soiling and liquids
- requires regular care
- tends to show signs of abrasion
- more expensive than sofas made of artificial leather or fabric

Despite the disadvantages, aniline leather sofas are very popular. They are timeless and adapt to any interior style. With the right care, you can enjoy an aniline leather sofa for a long time.

Semi-aniline leather

Semi-aniline leather is a high-quality material made from the best hides of cattle. Like aniline leather, it is left in its natural state, but has been given a light surface treatment. This makes it more resistant to dirt and liquids, but it does not lose its original look and feel. Semi-aniline leather is a good choice for people who prefer a soft and natural-looking leather, but also value durability.

The leather is produced using a special tanning process in which only natural materials are used. The surface of the leather is lightly sanded to remove irregularities. It is then coated with a thin protective layer that makes it more resistant to dirt and liquids.

Semi-aniline leather is particularly pleasant to touch and sit on. It has a soft and supple surface that is pleasant to the touch. The natural look and feel of the leather gives your sofa a unique and timeless charm.

Properties of semi-aniline leather

Semi-aniline leather has many properties that make it a popular material for high-quality sofas. The most important properties include:

• natural look and feel
• more resistant to soiling and liquids than aniline leather
• Not as sensitive to abrasion marks

These properties make semi-aniline leather a good choice for people looking for a high-quality and durable sofa.

Advantages and disadvantages of semi-aniline leather sofas

Semi-aniline leather sofas have many advantages, but also some disadvantages. Here are the main advantages and disadvantages at a glance:

Advantages

• Natural look and feel
• more resistant to soiling and liquids than aniline leather

disadvantages

• Regular care required
• not as resistant as pigmented leather

Despite some disadvantages, semi-aniline leather is a good choice for people looking for a high-quality sofa that is both durable and beautiful. With the right care, you can ensure that your semi-aniline leather sofa stays in top condition for many years to come.

Pigmented leather

Pigmented leather is one of the most popular types of leather on the market. It is treated with dyes and a top coat to achieve a uniform color surface. This makes it less natural looking than aniline and semi-aniline leather, but more resistant to soiling, liquids and abrasion. Pigmented leather is a good choice for people who prefer an easy-care and durable leather.

The treatment of pigmented leather offers many advantages. It is more resistant to stains and dirt, making it an ideal choice for families with children or pets. In addition, it is less susceptible to wear and abrasion, which means it will last longer than other types of leather.

Another advantage of pigmented leather is that it is available in many different colors. From classic colors like black and brown to vibrant colors like red and blue, there is something to suit every taste.

Properties of pigmented leather

Pigmented leather has some unique properties that set it apart from other types of leather. Here are some of the most important properties:

• Resistance to soiling, liquids and abrasion
• Less susceptible to wear and abrasion
• Available in many different colors

Advantages and disadvantages of pigmented leather sofas

If you want to buy a new sofa, pigmented leather is an excellent choice. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of pigmented leather sofas:

Advantages

• Easy to care for and resistant to stains and dirt
• Durable and resistant to wear and abrasion
• Available in many different colors

Disadvantages

• Less natural-looking than aniline and semi-aniline leather
• Less breathable than natural leathers

All in all, pigmented leather is an excellent choice for people who prefer an easy-care and durable leather. With its many benefits and wide range of colors, it is an excellent choice for any home.

Nubuck leather

Nubuck leather is a high-quality leather that is often used for the production of sofas and other furniture. It is sanded to achieve a velvety surface that gives it a unique look and feel. Compared to pigmented leather, nubuck leather is somewhat more sensitive, but retains its natural look and feel.

Nubuck leather is made from the top of the hide and is therefore naturally soft and supple. It is a good choice for people who prefer a natural look but are also looking for durability.

When buying a nubuck leather sofa, you should bear in mind that it is regular care to maintain its beauty and durability. It is more sensitive than pigmented leather and therefore requires more attention and care.

Properties of nubuck leather

Nubuck leather has a velvety surface that gives it a unique look and feel. It is naturally soft and supple and feels pleasant against the skin. Compared to pigmented leather, nubuck leather is somewhat more sensitive, but retains its natural look and feel.

Another advantage of nubuck leather is that it is breathable and can absorb and release moisture. This keeps it pleasantly cool and dry even in warm weather.

Advantages and disadvantages of nubuck leather sofas

Nubuck leather sofas have many advantages, but also some disadvantages that you should consider when deciding on a new sofa. The advantages include the natural look and feel, which is more durable than aniline leather and semi-aniline leather.

Another advantage of nubuck leather sofas is that they are breathable and can absorb and release moisture. This keeps them pleasantly cool and dry even in warm weather.

One disadvantage of nubuck leather sofas is that they require regular care to maintain their beauty and durability. They are more sensitive than pigmented leather and therefore require more attention and care. However, if you are prepared to look after your nubuck leather sofa, it will give you many years of pleasure.

Overall, nubuck leather is an excellent choice for people who prefer a natural look and are looking for durability. With the right care, your nubuck leather sofa will remain beautiful and functional for many years to come.

Our Livom modular sofas are also available in nubuck leather. Click here for our leather sofas:

Suede

Suede is made from animals such as deer or cattle. It is characterized by its velvety surface and is considered to be particularly soft and supple. However, suede is sensitive to soiling, liquids and abrasion.

Properties of suede

Suede is a natural product and therefore has its own characteristic properties. In addition to its velvety surface, it is particularly soft and supple. It adapts perfectly to the body and ensures a comfortable fit. However, suede is also more sensitive than other materials. It can quickly absorb stains and dirt and is susceptible to abrasion.

Another advantage of suede is its breathability. Unlike artificial leather or other synthetic materials, suede can absorb and release moisture. As a result, it remains pleasantly cool even in warm temperatures.

Advantages and disadvantages of suede sofas

Suede sofas have their very own charm and are a real eye-catcher in many living rooms. They radiate coziness and warmth and invite you to relax. Another advantage is their longevity if they are well cared for.

However, it is important to be aware of the disadvantages of suede sofas in advance. As already mentioned, suede is more sensitive than other materials. It can quickly absorb stains and dirt and is susceptible to abrasion. For this reason, you should take particular care not to spill any liquids on a suede sofa and clean it regularly.

Another disadvantage of suede sofas is their price. As it is a high-quality natural product, suede sofas are often more expensive than other sofas made of artificial leather or fabric.

Ultimately, the choice of sofa always comes down to individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a particularly soft and cuddly sofa and are prepared to invest a little more time and effort in the care a suede sofa can be a good choice.

Faux leather

Imitation leather is a popular material for furniture, clothing and accessories. It is made from various materials such as polyurethane or PVC and is an alternative to natural leather. It is easy to care for, hard-wearing and looks almost indistinguishable from real leather. However, there are a few differences between artificial leather and real leather that you should be aware of.

Properties of artificial leather

Imitation leather has many positive properties. It is easy to care for and resistant to stains and scratches. In contrast to real leather, it is less susceptible to moisture and can therefore be cleaned more easily. In addition, it is visually almost indistinguishable from real leather and is available in many different colors and designs.

However, artificial leather also has some disadvantages. It is less breathable than natural leather, which means that it can become sweaty more quickly. In addition, prolonged use can cause the surface of the faux leather to flake off or discolor.

Advantages and disadvantages of faux leather sofas

Faux leather sofas are a popular choice for many people. They are easy to clean and resistant to stains and scratches. They are also often cheaper than real leather sofas and still offer a similar look. However, there are some disadvantages here too.

As already mentioned, faux leather is less breathable than real leather. This means that it can get sweaty more quickly and is uncomfortable to sit on, especially in summer. The durability of faux leather sofas is also often less than that of real leather sofas. The material can wear out or discolor more quickly, which means that the sofa needs to be replaced sooner.

Ultimately, it depends on individual needs and preferences whether you opt for a faux leather or real leather sofa. Both materials have advantages and disadvantages that should be weighed up before making a decision.

Buffalo leather

Buffalo leather is a popular choice for furniture as it has a robust surface and is more resistant to abrasion than other types of leather. However, it is less soft and supple than aniline leather or semi-aniline leather.

Buffalo leather is made from the skin of water buffalo. These animals are native to Asia and Africa and are often used as work animals. The leather obtained from their hide is naturally thick and robust, making it an ideal choice for furniture that is subject to heavy use.

Buffalo leather is treated during the tanning process to increase its durability and resistance to abrasion. It is also less prone to stains and soiling than other types of leather, making it a practical choice for families with children or pets.

Features of buffalo leather

Buffalo leather has a number of properties that make it a popular choice for furniture:

• Robust surface
• More resistant to abrasion than other types of leather
• Less susceptible to stains and soiling
• Practical choice for families with children or pets

However, there are also some disadvantages of buffalo leather that should be considered before choosing furniture made from this material.

Advantages and disadvantages of buffalo leather sofas

Some advantages of buffalo leather sofas are:

• Resistant to abrasion
• Long durability
• Practical choice for families with children or pets

Some disadvantages of buffalo leather sofas are:

• Less soft and supple than aniline leather or semi-aniline leather
• Can be more expensive compared to other types of leather
• Needs regular careto maintain its durability

Ultimately, the choice of leather for furniture depends on personal preferences and needs. If you are looking for a robust and durable material that is also practical, buffalo leather could be the right choice for you.

Suede leather

Suede is a very popular material for clothing, furniture and accessories. It is characterized by a velvety surface and is considered to be particularly soft and supple. Compared to pigmented leather or buffalo leather, however, suede is more sensitive to soiling, liquids and abrasion.

The material is obtained from the underside of the animal skin, which is why it is also known as suede. It is a natural product and therefore particularly breathable and skin-friendly. Suede is often used for high-quality garments such as jackets, coats and pants, as its soft surface makes it very comfortable to wear.

Properties of suede leather

Suede has some special properties that distinguish it from other types of leather:

• Velvety surface: The characteristic velvety texture of suede is created by sanding the surface.
• Particularly soft and supple: The fine fiber structure makes suede very soft and supple.
• More sensitive to dirt, liquids and abrasion: Due to the fine fiber structure, suede leather is more sensitive to external influences such as dirt, liquids and abrasion.

Advantages and disadvantages of suede sofas

Suede sofas are a popular choice for living room furniture. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of suede sofas:

• Particularly soft and cuddly: suede sofas are very comfortable and cozy due to their soft surface.
• More sensitive to dirt, liquids and abrasion: As with all suede products, care must be taken with suede sofas to avoid dirt, liquids and abrasion.
• Elegant appearance: Suede sofas have a classy and luxurious appearance thanks to their velvety surface.
• Care requirements: Due to their sensitivity, suede sofas require regular care and cleaning.

Overall, suede is a very high-quality and pleasant material, but it does require a certain amount of care due to its sensitivity. However, with the right care and attention, suede products can give pleasure for a long time.

Conclusion and recommendations

Choosing the right type of leather for a sofa depends on various factors. If you prefer a natural look and feel and are prepared to care for the leather regularly, aniline leather or nubuck leather is a good choice. Semi-aniline leather is a good choice for people who are looking for durability but do not want to compromise on a natural look and feel. Pigmented leather is suitable for those who prefer an easy-care and hard-wearing leather. Synthetic leather is an inexpensive alternative to natural leather types. Buffalo leather and suede are suitable for people who are looking for resistance to abrasion but still want a soft surface.

The best types of leather for different requirements

• Natural look and feel: aniline leather or nubuck leather
• Resistance: semi-aniline leather, pigmented leather, buffalo leather or suede leather
• Easy care: Pigmented leather or imitation leather

Tips for the care and maintenance of leather sofas

Regardless of the type of leather chosen, a leather sofa should be cared for regularly to maintain its beauty and durability. Here are some tips:

• Only use special leather care products and not conventional household cleaners.
• Do not expose the leather sofa to direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Avoid moisture on the sofa.
• Wipe the sofa regularly with a dry cloth to remove dust and dirt.