subject: Three Factors To Consider For Leather Couch [print this page] Three Factors To Consider For Leather Couch
Leather couches are one of the hallmarks of a modern home. The robustness of leather couch design has always given it a niche in many different styles, whether modern, contemporary or even exotic. These couches are a very attractive option especially for those of us who are concerned with their budget.
Comfort
Leather is one of the most comfortable materials to sit down in. It has a very supple touch, ensuring that it's neither too tough nor too soft for comfort. It is also an extremely smooth surface. This makes for less chance of wounds resulting from sharp edges and punctures. Leather as a material has an advantage in cold climates, being able to provide a warming surface for people. This effect is heightened when the couch is near a fireplace. Don't place it too near, of course, or it will catch fire. This is particularly true for synthetic leather.
Natural leather, on the other hand, has the ability to "breathe" during warmer conditions. This makes for a more comfortable covering for your seat, since it is not too warm. This is due to the pores inherent in natural leather, it being made of animal skin. Synthetic leather does not have this quality and is more unforgiving in tropical conditions. It has the advantage of being tougher and more resistant to punctures, but is less flexible when compared to synthetic leather.
Style
Leather is a very stylish material. Its versatility is unmatched particularly for modern interior designs. Most designs today follow sleek patterns and flows without much ornamentation and details. Stark and bold colors are also in style today, since it gives the much-needed punch for today's homes. Earth colors, white, and black are the most common colors for natural leather pieces. Synthetic leather pieces, on the other hand, take on bolder colors like, pink, red or violet.
Natural leather is said to have more texture than synthetic leather, which has a smoother, more "suede-like" finish, although some synthetic leather are made to resemble natural leather pieces. You can differentiate natural from synthetic by looking at how similar it is to plastic. Synthetic leather is made from plastic, and will have similar properties and attributes to plastic. It is easier to make it shiny and bright.
Function
Leather is wear-resistant and very easy to clean. Both leathers need only periodic maintenance and are able to tolerate a large variety of conditions. It just needs to be protected from sun, salt and water. Thus, leather is most suited to indoor furniture, particularly couches and sofas. It could, however, be used outdoors for smaller applications, like under the porch and the like. This is not applicable if your porch faces the sea. The salt will crack the leather up and will make it unsightly.
Synthetic leather, on the other hand, has none of these restrictions. It could even be used in the pool, for inflatable sofas or mats. Synthetic leather, however, tends to be less strong and more brittle than its natural counterpart, so a natural leather sofa recliner will generally last longer than a synthetic one. However, synthetic leather can hold its color better than natural ones, while the natural leather sofas tend to mellow and discolor with age. This means you have to choose a color which will age well for natural leather couches.
