5 Things to Know Before Buying Leather Office Sofas

Author: Elva

Dec. 16, 2024

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5 Factors to Consider When Buying Your Office Leather Sofa

Office furniture, particularly the leather sofa, plays an undeniably significant role in enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of a workspace. This isn&#;t merely about creating a visually pleasing environment, but more importantly, it&#;s about instilling a sense of comfort, boosting productivity, and reinforcing your brand identity. In this blog post, we delve into the art of carefully selecting the right leather sofa for your office.

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1. Understanding the Type of Leather

When considering purchasing a leather sofa for your office, the first step is understanding the various types of leather available in the market. Your choice of leather can significantly impact the sofa&#;s durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. Let&#;s delve into the four main types:

  1. Full-grain leather: This is the highest quality leather, made from the outermost layer of animal hide. It retains the original textures and markings of the hide, offering a unique, natural look and an incredibly resilient surface.
  2. Top-grain leather: A step below full-grain, top-grain leather is thinner and more pliable. It is partly sanded to remove imperfections, making it smoother and more uniform.
  3. Split grain leather: Derived from the lower layers of the hide, split grain is not as durable as full or top grain but is more affordable.
  4. Bonded leather: This is the most economical option, created by bonding leather scraps together. Though it lacks the durability of higher-grade leathers, it offers a cost-effective alternative.

Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision based on your office needs and budget. For instance, if durability and luxury are your top priorities and budget isn&#;t a constraint, full-grain leather could be an ideal choice. Alternatively, if you&#;re on a tighter budget, bonded leather could provide the sophisticated look of leather without the hefty price tag.

2. Considering the Size and Design

When it comes to choosing the perfect leather sofa for your office space, the size, and design are two critical factors that should not be overlooked. As a leading manufacturer and supplier of modern office furniture, Meet&Co Office Furniture understands the importance of these aspects and strives to provide a wide range of options to cater to diverse office needs.

office leather sofa
  • Understanding the Importance of Size:
  • The size of the sofa can significantly impact the functionality of the office space. An oversized sofa might eat up valuable space and hinder mobility, while a very small one might not provide enough seating capacity. Therefore, it is imperative to select a sofa that aligns with the size of your office. Before purchasing a sofa, take the time to measure the space where you plan to place it. Also, consider the layout of your office and the number of employees you have. Remember, a well-chosen sofa should offer adequate seating without interfering with the flow of the office.
  • Choosing the Right Design:
  • The design of the sofa plays a crucial role in maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the office. A sofa with a sleek, minimalist design might be an excellent choice for a modern office, while a more traditional design might suit a classic office setup.
  • Furthermore, the design also contributes to the sofa&#;s functionality. For instance, a sectional sofa can be a practical choice for a large open office space, allowing for flexible seating arrangements. On the other hand, a two-seater or three-seater sofa may be more fitting for smaller offices or private cabins.

At Meet&Co Office Furniture, we offer a variety of sofa designs to cater to the diverse needs of businesses. Our designers are adept at creating pieces that not only add visual appeal but also enhance functionality.

3. Assessing Durability and Comfort

Modern Leather Leisure Sofa

When it comes to office furniture, particularly office sofas, two important factors that cannot be overlooked are durability and comfort. These elements don&#;t just determine the lifespan of the furniture but are significant contributors to employee wellness, productivity, and satisfaction.

The durability of a leather sofa is predominantly influenced by the quality of the leather used. As highlighted in our previous section, full-grain and top-grain leathers are typically more durable than their split-grain and bonded leather counterparts. The former types can withstand the test of time and the rigors of daily use. They are less likely to tear, crack, or peel, making them a worthwhile investment.

However, the durability of a sofa is not solely dependent on the leather type. The construction and craftsmanship also play a crucial role. Sofas with a sturdy frame, typically made from kiln-dried hardwood or high-grade steel, and those reinforced with corner blocks or dowels, prove to be more robust and long-lasting.

Comfort, on the other hand, is a subjective matter but equally important. An uncomfortable sofa can lead to physical discomfort, decreased productivity, and even health issues like back pain and poor posture over time. The comfort level of a sofa depends on its design, the type of filling used, and the quality of the leather. High-resilience foam or down-filled cushions are considered the most comfortable. The leather type also matters as some leathers can be more supple and pleasant to touch.

At Meet&Co Office Furniture, we understand that a balance between durability and comfort is essential. Our office sofas are designed with high-quality materials and ergonomic principles to ensure they contribute positively to the users&#; physical well-being and the sofa&#;s longevity. Our sofas are also tested for endurance to stand up to the demands of a busy office environment, offering long-term value for money.

4. Evaluating the Color and Style

Modern Leather Office Sofa

In a professional setting, the color and style of the office furniture, particularly the leather sofa, remarkably influence the overall ambiance of the workspace. The aesthetics of the office furniture can subconsciously affect the mood, productivity, and creativity of the employees (1).

Choosing the right color for your leather sofa can make a significant difference in setting the tone of your office environment. Neutral colors like black, brown, and white are traditional choices for office furniture as they exude a sense of professionalism and can blend well with almost any office decor. However, if you wish to break free from convention and create a more lively and creative environment, a leather sofa in bold colors like red, blue, or mustard can be your pick.

As for the style, it plays a significant role in mirroring your brand identity. For instance, a sleek, modern sofa with clean lines and a minimalist design can represent innovative and forward-thinking values. On the contrary, a classic, tufted leather sofa can embody tradition and stability.

Therefore, it is crucial to choose a color and style that aligns with both, the office interior design and your brand identity. Here are a few tips:

  1. Understand Your Brand: Your office is a physical representation of your brand. Therefore, the style and color of your leather sofa should be consistent with your brand image and values.
  2. Coordinate with Existing Office Decor: The sofa should complement your existing office decor. If your office has a modern aesthetic, opt for a sofa with a contemporary design. If the decor is traditional, a classic style might be more suitable.
  3. Experiment with Colors: Do not shy away from experimenting with different colors. Even neutral colors have a vast range, and you can always choose a shade that&#;s unique yet subtle.
  4. Seek Opinions: Lastly, ask for opinions from your colleagues and employees. After all, they&#;ll be using the furniture daily, and their input can be valuable.

5. Considering the Cost and Maintenance

office leather sofa

When choosing a leather sofa for your office space, the cost and maintenance are two critical factors that must not be overlooked. While the initial cost is a significant consideration, a truly cost-effective purchase considers more than just the upfront price.

High-quality leather sofas may have a higher initial cost, but they are often more durable and require less maintenance in the long term. For instance, full-grain leather, although expensive, is resistant to wear and tear and can last for decades if properly maintained, thus offering excellent value for money.

Maintenance is another crucial aspect to factor in. Leather sofas require specific care to retain their look and feel. Regular dusting, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight, and using special leather cleaning products are some of the ways to maintain a leather sofa. Some leather types, like bonded leather, might require less maintenance but may not provide the same comfort or longevity as other types.

Understanding the cost in terms of durability and maintenance can guide you toward an office leather sofa that not only suits your immediate budget but also proves cost-efficient in the long run.

Conclusion

Investing in office furniture, particularly a leather sofa, requires careful consideration on multiple fronts. From understanding the types of leather, considering the size and design, assessing durability and comfort, to evaluating color and style, and cost and maintenance, every aspect plays a crucial role. Your choice can significantly impact the aesthetic, functionality, and ambiance of your workspace, thereby influencing productivity and satisfaction levels.

Meet&Co Office Furniture, with its decade-long expertise and customer-centered approach, offers innovative and smart office furniture solutions that cater to your unique needs. So, whether you aim for a modern, classic, or eclectic office space, trust us to offer products that will exceed your expectations in terms of quality, durability, design, and cost-effectiveness.

Visit our website or contact our team to discover our wide range of office furniture. Let&#;s work together to create a healthy, happy, and productive workspace that embodies your brand&#;s identity and vision.

Reference:

(1) Knight, C., & Haslam, S. A. (). The relative merits of lean, enriched, and empowered offices: An experimental examination of the impact of workspace management strategies on well-being and productivity. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 16(2), 158&#;172. [https://doi.org/10./a]

5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING YOUR LEATHER ...

Chesterfield 3 Seater Sofa displayed in Hand-finished Antique Red. One of the most popular upholstery coverings for our sofas, chairs, corner sofas, sofa beds, and footstools is leather. But with so many grains, coatings, and textures available, it can often become confusing as to which type would work best for your sofa.

But fear not, as we dispel much of the confusion about leathers in this comprehensive guide, helping you to choose the best leather sofa for your home.

We&#;ll cover:

&#;   What is leather?
&#;   How is upholstery leather made?
&#;   What leather types are used for your furniture?
&#;   Are leather sofas comfortable?
&#;   Are leather sofas durable?
&#;   Glossary of leather terms

What is leather?

Real leather is a natural product &#; it&#;s warm and durable, and has individual characteristics which make each hide unique. Leather will always bear the marks of its natural origin, and these qualities can show as scratches, growth marks, areas of differing fibre density, and hair pore structure. These characteristics in no way detract from the wearing qualities of the leather.

The curing of animal skins &#; a method commonly referred to as tanning &#; creates leather. The skins of cattle are known as hides, making up the majority of the leather used in the manufacture of upholstered furniture.

Many retailers classify leather by grades. This can cause some confusion with customers who are encouraged to think that the more expensive, or higher-grade leathers, are of a better quality. This is not necessarily the case as different types of leather can have their own merits.

Tanneries only produce one quality of tanned upholstery leather. It&#;s the cost of the various finishing processes applied after tanning that cause the leathers to have different prices.

As a result, when the time comes to choose a quality leather sofa, there&#;s an inevitable trade-off between appearance and ease of care.  Leather is a great choice for both modern and traditional sofas, especially classic designs like the Chesterfield sofa.

How is upholstery leather made?

Claridge 3 Seater Sofa displayed in Rustic Charcoal.

A cattle hide arrives at the tannery having been salted to preserve it. Then, it is soaked in chemicals which dissolve the hair follicles and cause it to swell to approximately 8mm in thickness. It&#;s then split through its thickness, and the upper layer with the hardwearing grain surface is separated off to be used for upholstery leather. The hide then undergoes a tanning process utilising chromium-based chemicals.

This technique is now the modern preferred method, replacing the traditional vegetable tanning process which uses plant extracts and urine.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Leather Office Sofas.

Once tanned and dried, the hide is graded by size and degree of scarring and blemish. The &#;cleaner&#; or less-scarred hides tend to be used for full-grain leathers, while hides with a degree of scarring are lightly buffed on their top surface and used to create corrected grains.

What leather types are used for your furniture?

Regent 3 Seater Sofa displayed in Essential Style Leaf

There are a few different types of leather that are used for sofas and chairs.  Pigmented leather is the most durable with a consistent surface appearance, while aniline leather is more natural looking, but less resistant to soiling. The third type, semi-aniline leather, is somewhere between on both counts. Below are more detailed descriptions of each type and their properties.

What is Pigmented Leather?

Pigmented leather is the most durable type and is used in the majority of furniture upholstery. The durability is provided by a polymer surface coating, which contains pigments. With modern technology, the coating can be finished to be embossed, printed, or plain. The surface coating allows a greater resistance to soiling, scuffing, and fading.

What is Aniline Leather?

Aniline leather is the most natural-looking leather, with the unique surface characteristics of the animal hide remaining visible. Pure aniline leather is coloured only with dye, and not with any surface coating of polymer and pigment. A light non-pigment surface coating may be applied to enhance its appearance and offer some protection against spillages and soiling.

A degree of natural marks and shade variation should be expected with aniline leather: while this type of leather can be susceptible to the effects of sunlight and it also absorbs liquids more easily. Aniline leather sofas requires special maintenance to keep it in top condition.

What is Semi-Aniline Leather?

Semi-aniline leather is more durable than aniline leather while retaining a natural appearance. The increased durability is provided by the application of a light surface coating, which contains a small amount of pigment. This ensures a more consistent colour and imparts an extra degree of protection to semi-aniline leather sofas.

Are leather sofas comfortable?

Sloane 3 Seater Sofa in Rustic Brown Tail

Quality leather sofas have the attributes to be incredibly comfortable, especially when combined with supportive frames and soft cushioning. Here at Sofas by Saxon, our team puts a lot of care and effort into making sure each one of our sofas lives up to our high standards for comfort. You can look forward to many happy hours spent relaxing on your new sofa once it has been delivered. Take a look at our guide to choosing a comfortable sofa here for detailed advice.

Historically speaking, leather furniture has been used for hundreds of years in a great variety of situations where comfort is at a premium. There is a reason they are such a big favourite among therapists and psychologists, who want to make their patients feel safe and comfortable during their sessions.

Are leather sofas durable?

Belgravia 3 Seater Sofa in Vogue Brilliant White

Yes, real leather sofas are some of the most durable around, and with the right care and treatment, they can last for a lifetime. Leather has an inherent water resistance, making it much easier to clean than fabric if you accidentally spill something. They also don&#;t accumulate much dust, so you won&#;t have to go to the effort of hoovering or dusting them as much as you would with other types of sofa upholstery.

Leather really comes into its own in its resistance against wear and tear. It is a naturally tough material that will hold up well to everyday use, but what&#;s more, any scuffs that it does pick up will add character.

Please be aware that dye from none colour fast clothing and garments can transfer onto leather/fabric and is usually more noticeable on light leather/fabric colours such as whites, creams and ivory. We also recommend to always check your labels on your clothing and garments for further information.

Glossary of leather terms

Grosvenor 3 Seater Sofa displayed in Heritage Saddle

Grain

The word grain is taken to mean the upper layer of the leather, though it is also used to describe the design of fine embossed lines which cover the surface of most finished leathers.

Full-Grain Leather

Full-grain leather &#; sometimes known as top-grain leather &#; is a type of leather where the topmost layer has been left untouched. In retaining its natural smooth surface, any natural scars or blemishes will remain as evidence of the hide&#;s origin.

Corrected Grain Leather

This is a leather where the topmost surface has received a very fine buffing to reduce the appearance of any raised scars. It&#;s quite common for such a leather to then receive a fine embossed effect after finishing, which will help further mask the appearance of any scars.

Aniline leathers tend to use full-grain hides while pigmented leathers tend to use corrected grains. Semi anilines can use either.

Splits

After a hide is chemically treated, it is then put through a splitting machine, which slices it through its thickness. The topmost section, which contains the hardwearing outer skin or grain, is then used to make upholstery leather.

The under section or &#;split&#; has no hard-wearing grain surface and has the appearance of having suede on both sides. This is used to make suede items. Some cheaper methods of leather production have been known to coat one side of a split with a heavy pigment coating to create an artificial grain surface. Whilst an acceptable appearance can sometimes result, the product will quickly fail under use and such material should be avoided.

Here at Sofas by Saxon, we do not use split leather on any of our furniture.

Our leather collection

When it comes to ordering your quality leather sofa with us, it is important that you know we use only premium materials for its upholstery. These materials can be applied to any of our furniture, including our signature leather Chesterfield sofas, chairs, corner sofas, and sofa beds.

Our team have an incredibly keen eye for quality when it comes to all things leather, and they have inspected hundreds of different kinds from around the world before selecting the ones to offer to our customers.  With a variety of pigmented, semi-aniline, and aniline leathers on offer, you&#;re bound to find the ideal type for your home.

The Sofas by Saxon leather collection contains over 70 types for you to choose from. We believe they are some of the finest and most on-trend materials on the market, with a variety of colours and textures available. Whether you&#;re looking for a black, blue, or gray Chesterfield sofa, or even something else, we will be able to create a leather piece to match your home&#;s décor.  We are confident that they will look fantastic when upholstered on your furniture. You can order swatches of our leather through our sample service, to help you order the best leather sofa for your home.

If you would like more information about how to maintain your leather furniture, you should take a look at our leather care guide, which contains helpful instructions on how to keep your leather in great shape.

If you have any questions about any of the leathers that will be used for your leather furniture, please feel free to get in touch with a member of the Sofas by Saxon team &#; we&#;re always happy to help.  Be sure to browse our sofa, chair, sectional, sleeper sofa, and ottoman ranges to find your ideal design today.

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