By Cindy from TX
Leather will last longer than most other things. We tried to save money and had a matching vinyl covering added to the backs and sides of our couch and chair (where you don't see) and wish I had kept it all leather. They put vinyl on the sides of the seats and it is cracking at the seams. It would have been worth it to me to go ahead and spend the money but for sure, get all leather around the seats.
I love our leather couches! We have 2 dogs and a cat and the leather is great with pets. Our couches have a distressed finish so it doesn't show any marks when the dogs run and jump on the couch. It's perfect! I keep an old knitting project folded up on one of the arms and our cat think it's his personal space. He goes right to it every time and doesn't bother with the rest of the couch at all.
Cats scratched the sides of my son's leather sofa and chairs:-( It's more noticeable on leather, too.
I have leather furniture and 3 cats. My cats don't claw the furniture, but if they are running and jump on it (just playing around) they can scratch it some.
Don't know about the cat question although I would suspect they would, as they can do any furniture. As to the allergy question, I can say it helped me. We live where it's quite dusty (farm land) and I could smack the arm of my fabric couch and see dust fly even right after cleaning. With the leather I just keep it wiped down (sometimes with leather cleaner and sometimes with a damp cloth) and this eliminates the dust and helps my allergies.
I am having to make furniture buying decisions in the next few weeks. I have always loved leather, however I am not sure about the durability. When I poll my friends about their furniture woes and joys. I hear over and over, buy the best you can afford. I understand that many of the cushions and armrests break down and the "extended warranties" that you can purchase are virtually worthless. What do you think?
We are a small family, one dog. We live in the country and bring a lot of dirt in the house. The dog is not allowed on the furniture. If I buy a cream or beige leather will it clean up well? Does the super soft leather absorb dirt and oil worse than the shiny finish type? What happens if you spill red wine on beige leather? What happens if a small hole happens? Is this fixable? Does anyone regret buying leather? Why? Any recommendations? Thank you a bunch.
Kelly from Anchorage, AK
We purchased extra protection for any rips or hole that might happen to it. Once there was a cigarette burn that they had to come and repair. If you looked close you could see where the repair was, but you had to be looking for it. They also sell repair liquid for car interiors and such that if you want you can repair it yourself. The only thing I would recommend is to get all leather, some of the furniture is leather only where you touch it like the seat and arms then it's sewn on an imitation leather. This does not hold up and will rip at the seams over time. We have raised 4 boys and 3 dogs. I have had couches ruined from play dough, spills you name it. But the leather one has been a blessing in our home. Good luck and enjoy your new furniture. (06/18/2007)
By Linda
By michawnpita
By jojo
As far as some scratching and wear and tear some people say it gives leather its distinct look. I worked in a furniture store for four years and when we had a leather piece that had a scuff we would take a hair dryer and turn it to the lowest setting and blow it on the scuff for a few seconds then rub a clean cloth over it. Works like a charm on minor scuffs. Good luck. (06/19/2007)
By T. Thompson
By Melissa
But buying fabric or "micro-fabric" or whatever they are calling fabric these days is a total waste of money. (06/19/2007)
By TR
By Amity
I have never had a problem with it being sticky in the summer and cold in the winter. Rather it is so soft it feels like I have sunk into a marshmallow. Maybe it's because we bought the most expensive grade of leather. We have one tiny area on the arm of the chair that looks like a tiny crack starting. I think of that as giving the chair character. If you can afford leather buy the best your pocketbook will allow. Occasionally I will take a cotton dustcloth that is lightly dampened with water and lightly wash it. Good luck and if you go through with your purchase I hope you enjoy your set as much as I do mine. (06/19/2007)
By joesgirl
By Coreen
My suite is all genuine leather, but I discovered that some of the cheaper leather suites only have actual leather on the arm rests and seating cushions. The sides, back, etc. are PCV or another leather substitute.
I know that my leather suite cost me alot of money around $2500, but if I clean it and oil it regularly then it will last me for many years. (06/20/2007)
By Karon
By Diane
By Beth
Leather Types: mobileleatherservice.com
mobileleatherservice.com (08/13/2007)
By Leather Guy
By Diane
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