Ask anyone and you will find that most everyone loves the look, feel, and even smell of leather furniture. Leather furniture comes in many variations of material to suit every need and budget. Each type of leather material comes with its own pros and cons, though, so it’s wise to do your research before diving into a brand new leather furniture set. Here are a few of the common types of leather material generally used in furniture today, from most expensive to least:
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FURNITURE LEATHER
Wed Apr 01 2026
- Furniture Trends
- Materials & Care
- Interior Design
Full Grain Leather
This is the most authentic and expensive type of furniture leather you can buy. Other than hair removal, followed by soaking it in a natural dye, there is no additional treatment of the leather. Full grain leather retains the look and texture of the actual animal hide. The texture of full grain leather is tough at first but softens up with use. It’s the only furniture material that actually gets better with age!
Top Grain Leather
Top grain leather is very similar to full grain leather in its purity but goes through a buffing process which makes it softer than full grain while keeping the same durability and longevity. It’s often sanded for extra pliability and then coated with a protective finish. Top grain leather makes a great choice for furniture in game rooms and playrooms because it’s easy to wipe clean and resists staining. If you want a softer look and feel, go for top grain instead of the more rugged full grain leather.
Bonded Leather
If you want to have that high-quality leather look at a lower cost, consider furniture made from bonded leather. Bonded leather is made from leather scraps that are blended together with an adhesive and pressed into a large sheet. Because the leather is heated during the production process, it’s easy for manufacturers to add embossed patterns or unique textures. Bonded leather is thinner so it isn’t as durable as top grain or full grain leathers, but it manages to provide that real-leather look and smell at a more affordable price point.
Nubuck Leather
This type of furniture leather is made using only the rawhide from cattle, which is then sanded to give it a suede-like, soft appearance. Nubuck leather is known for its fragility and requires waterproofing treatment if consumers intend to keep it for a long time.
Faux Leather
Faux leather is man-made leather made from synthetic materials such as plastic and rubber-coated fabric. Technology has not yet made it possible for man-made leather to quite reach the quality of its real counterpart, but it has improved enough that faux leather furniture is durable and looks great. It’s also the cheapest type of leather for furniture. A great choice for animal lovers or people on a budget.
If you’re in the market for new leather furniture, come to Michael’s Fine Furniture! As a locally family-owned company serving the Portland Metro and Southwest Washington area, we work very hard to provide our customers with the widest selection of quality furniture at the guaranteed lowest prices. Come see us today!
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