There's nothing like the feeling of sinking into a plush leather sofa or kicking up your feet on a leather recliner.
Once you experience the rich color and luxurious texture of real leather furniture, it's tough to go back to anything else.
And with good reason: Leather is the strongest upholstery material known to man, and its natural strength makes it much more difficult to tear, puncture, burn or melt than fabrics or vinyls.
Leather also constantly adjusts to its environment, so it won't become hot and sticky in the summer or cold in the winter.
This natural product also breathes and ventilates, wicking away body heat, and ages gracefully.
But before you start planning on giving your home the posh, natural look of leather, think carefully as you select your furniture.
Whether you're dreaming of a sectional grouping or just a chair, leather furniture is an investment that requires you to give it the proper treatment it deserves.
So before you splurge, consider these basic tips.
1.
Think Second Best When you're shopping for leather furniture, it's easy to think that the highest-grade, most expensive leather equates to the best option.
But this rule isn't accurate.
For many consumers, the middle grade is the option of choice, as it can better withstand normal wear and tear while looking attractive.
2.
Don't Expect Perfection Oh, those scars, those veins, those stretch marks! Just like humans aren't all airbrushed perfection, neither are the cows used for leather furniture.
But these characteristics aren't flaws, but rather are the qualities that give leather furniture its distinctive, natural appeal.
If you look very closely, there's a slight chance you might even spot a brand, which is usually hidden in an out-of-the-way place.
3.
Order Big Those characteristics and differences in texture can be an issue if you're planning on purchasing more than one piece.
Since leather is a natural product, it's difficult to predict whether your furniture's color and texture will match perfectly if you order several items over a longer period of time instead of all at once.
This is especially important to consider with sectional pieces or matching ottomans.
It can be a little easier on the pocketbook to build your leather furniture collection one piece at a time, but understand that this method might affect the overall look of a room.
4.
Avoid Cat Scratch Fever If anyone should think carefully about their decision to purchase leather furniture, it would be pet owners.
Pets do a number on leather furniture with their claws, so keep this in mind when deciding where your furniture will be safest in your home.
Warranties on leather furniture don't cover animal damage.
And manufacturers actually do extensive testing on materials, so forget about pulling one over on them by passing off Fluffy's scratches as a mysterious defect.
5.
Sun Protection is a Factor Just like you, leather furniture doesn't age well if it's exposed to the sun.
So while you're mentally arranging a room around that leather sofa, look at whether it will be soaking up direct sunlight for extended periods.
If so, search for alternate places to put it before you even bring it home, or consider another type of furniture.
6.
Maintenance Matters As you look at different leather options, imagine how much time you ideally want to spend on upkeep.
Most varieties on the market only require frequent light dusting and the occasional wiping with a warm and slightly damp clean cloth.
Take note if you find nubuck appealing, however: This higher-grade variety requires you to use a suede brush.
Now that you're enlightened about nature's most beautiful material, get ready to live the leather lifestyle.
With these simple tips, you'll be lounging on luxurious, long-lasting leather in no time.