Hello leather lovers! Today, let’s plunge into the fascinating world of leather match furniture. Have you ever wondered what is leather match exactly when looking for the perfect sofa or chair? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to talk about this intriguing upholstery choice!
Contents
- 1 What is leather match?
- 2 Main Characteristics of Leather Match
- 3 Pros and cons of Leather Match
- 4 Real-life examples of leather match furniture in various settings
- 5 Faux Leather vs. Leather Match
- 6 How to care for a leather match?
- 7 Testimonials from consumers who have purchased and used leather match furniture
- 8 FAQs
- 9 Conclusion
What is leather match?
So, what is this mysterious term “leather match” that is often thrown around in the furniture upholstery industry? In reality, this seemingly mysterious phrase has a straightforward explanation. This is just a successful combination of genuine leather and synthetic materials. All this is done to save money where possible, but at the same time, maintain the durability of the furniture and leave it looking luxurious.
How leather match is made?
As you know, for genuine leather to be durable and preserved, it is tanned. Synthetic materials, in turn, are bonded together and covered with various types of plastic to improve their appearance. Next, pieces of leather match are stamped to make them look like real leather.
Well, typically, the areas that receive the most wear and tear, such as the seats, armrests, and backrests, are crafted from genuine leather. This ensures that you get to experience the plush comfort and timeless elegance of leather where it matters most.
On the flip side, the less visible parts of the furniture, like the sides and back, are often fashioned from synthetic materials. Not only does this maintain the overall aesthetic integrity of the piece, but it also enhances its longevity by offering added resilience against everyday wear and tear.
However, it is important to pay attention to the markings on such furniture. Such a combination is marked as leather seating or L/M.
The manufacture of such furniture must be carried out by professionals because then even experts will not find any difference from genuine leather.
Main Characteristics of Leather Match
To make leather furniture, they most often use high-grain, full-grain, natural, and split leather, but production also requires vinyl, PU/PVC, suede, and microfiber, i.e. leather match.
How much leather match is used in furniture can never be said for sure. It all depends on the design and size of the furniture. But most often, genuine leather for furniture is not used more than 3 by 6 feet. This is due to the animal’s size, from whose skin the furniture is created. Everything else is leather match. As you can see, there are no limitations on the use of artificial leather.
By the way, artificial leather is not always carefully hidden. Sometimes it is even highlighted in contrast. For well-known manufacturers, showcasing artificial leather may be seen as a unique design choice, adding a touch of seasonal fashion to their furniture creations without significantly affecting the price.
Read also: How to darken leather?
Pros and cons of Leather Match
The advantages and disadvantages of using leather match cannot always be clearly understood, so I would like to show those that I highlighted when considering different furniture options. I will also tell you why my father thinks this kind of leather is good and why not.
Pros
- Using a leather match makes furniture more affordable for the average buyer who wants to buy a beautiful and high-quality item, but not too expensive an option compared to all-leather furniture.
- If leather match is well processed, it is quite durable, which makes the expensive purchase of leather furniture pay off over years of use.
- Since leather match is often used in less visible areas, the furniture maintains an attractive and expensive appearance.
- In this type of “leather” you can find a variety of colors and textures, which may not be the case when choosing genuine leather.
Cons
- The real leather portions may wear differently from the leather match, leading to inconsistent aging.
- Quality can vary.
- Requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and longevity.
- Leather match may be susceptible to peeling or cracking in extreme temperatures or humidity levels.
Real-life examples of leather match furniture in various settings
- Living Room. I think that a modern leather match sofa set in a contemporary living room, complements the sleek design and provides a luxurious feel.
- Office. Leather match executive chairs in a corporate office setting, offering both comfort and professional aesthetics.
- Home Theater. Leather match recliners in a home theater room, provide durability and easy maintenance for frequent use.
- Restaurant. Leather match booths in a restaurant, add a touch of elegance while also being easy to clean and maintain.
Faux Leather vs. Leather Match
To make a more informed decision, I would like you to study the table where I compare Leather Match vs Faux Leather. You must understand that leather match typically involves a combination of genuine leather and synthetic material, not exclusively genuine leather.
Now I want to compare the composition, appearance, comfort and feel, durability, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness of 2 important types step-by-step.
| Leather Match | Faux Leather | My personal Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Combines genuine leather with synthetic materials. | Synthetic, mimicking real leather, affordable, and easy to clean. | Faux leather is a more budget-friendly option, but genuine leather offers higher quality and durability. Leather match offers a compromise between the two. |
| Uniform appearance with leather on touch areas, matching synthetic material elsewhere. | Often resembles genuine leather but may lack the richness and texture of genuine leather. | Genuine leather typically offers a more authentic appearance and texture. Leather match can provide a consistent look while reducing costs. Faux leather can vary in quality, so higher-end options may offer a closer match to real leather. |
| If this is a high-quality option, then very often I cannot even distinguish it from genuine leather, and believe me, I have enough experience. It’s gorgeous. | It also depends on the quality and experience of the master. But most often it can be distinguished from genuine leather. | I believe that a leather match combines comfort and economy, when it is very difficult to identify differences with natural leather, but in comparison leather vs. faux leather a specialist can find the differences. |
| Excellent wear resistance due to the fact that it is often used in areas with little use. | Not very durable. Prone to cracking. | As a specialist, I still prefer leather match. |
| Requires similar care to genuine leather, occasional conditioning and cleaning. | Generally easier to clean and maintain than genuine leather, usually wipes clean with a damp cloth. | Having extensive experience in caring for leather of any type, I can say that, both materials are relatively easy to maintain, with faux leather often being easier to wipe clean. Genuine leather may require occasional conditioning to prevent drying and cracking. |
| Typically more expensive than faux leather due to the use of genuine leather. | Generally more budget-friendly compared to genuine leather, which can cost $10 or more per 1 sq ft, faux leather typically costs around $1.3 per 1 sq ft. | Leather match provides a compromise between the cost of faux leather and the quality of genuine leather. Consider your budget and desired quality when making a decision. |
How to care for a leather match?
So, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that there are differences in the care of exclusively leather furniture and furniture with Leather match. What are they:
- Leather match only needs a damp cloth to wipe regularly. No additional care products are necessary.
- However, natural leather requires special cleaners and conditioners for proper care.
- Leather match parts are not so prone to retaining stains, but on natural leather stains remain very often and must be removed as quickly as possible.
To maintain mixed leather furniture, I recommend regular vacuuming and dirt removal. Additionally, using protective covers can help prevent stains and scratches on the upholstery.
Testimonials from consumers who have purchased and used leather match furniture
When my father started selling such combined furniture and I started writing an article about it, I wanted to know if he had any reviews about such furniture. And I want to show you a few reviews so that you understand that this product is quite popular now and have no doubts if you see a leather match sofa or other furniture in a store.
- “I bought a leather match sectional for my family room, and it’s been amazing. It looks just like real leather but is much easier to clean, perfect for my kids and pets!” – Sarah M.
- “I was hesitant about buying leather match at first, but after using my leather match recliner for a year, I’m impressed. It’s held up so well and still looks brand new!” – John D.
- “Our office decided to go with leather match chairs, and it was the best decision. They’re comfortable for long hours of work and have maintained their appearance despite heavy use.” – Emily P.
FAQs
What kind of leather is leather match?
Leather match refers to furniture upholstery that combines genuine leather on the parts of the furniture that come into contact with the body, such as the seats, with a synthetic material, typically vinyl or faux leather, on the non-contact areas like the back and sides.
What should I choose leather match vs. faux leather?
Leather match and faux leather both have their own merits, so it really depends on what you prioritize in your furniture. Leather match combines genuine leather with synthetic material, providing a luxurious feel where it matters most while keeping costs down. On the other hand, faux leather can be more budget-friendly and easier to maintain.
What does “lazy boy leather match” mean?
“Lazy Boy leather match” refers to furniture upholstery, which typically combines genuine leather in key areas such as the seats with a synthetic material like vinyl or faux leather on non-contact areas such as the back and sides.
How long do leather match sofas last?
The lifespan of leather match sofas can vary depending on several factors such as the quality of materials, construction, usage, and maintenance. Generally, a well-made leather match sofa with proper care and maintenance can last anywhere from 10 to 18 years or even longer
How long can I use leather match?
Here, my friend, I cannot give you an exact answer. After all, everything depends on the quality of materials, activity of use, and methods of care. Do you have children? What about cats that like to scratch furniture? It would be best if you understood that even in non-contact areas, synthetic material may be less durable than real leather
Conclusion
Leather match combines the best of both worlds: the luxury of genuine leather where it matters most, like the seats, and the affordability of synthetic materials on non-contact areas. It’s a smart choice for those seeking style and comfort without breaking the bank. Just remember, with a little TLC, your leather match furniture can last for years to come.