There are no imitations to compare with the authenticity of a “Genuine Leather” hide!  From the outer surface area through to the under surface, this natural solid skin structure has a durability second to none and may even last a lifetime in some instances.

Genuine Leather is often the first choice when one decides to recover / cover a furniture piece of “significance”, or even an heirloom of value or sentimental importance!  Leather commands pride of place in many an interior and is therefore often elevated to main focal points and features within a room.

We hand-picked a selection of beautifully crafted Genuine Leathers with incredibly luxurious and inviting surface effects including “Leather Buffed”, a rustic, velvety and aged appearance.  “Leather Shadow”, a stunning antique, two tone, plus a traditional favourite “Leather Trunk”, a sophisticated, heavy, high sheen, smooth finish available in aptly named colours including “Strap” and “Tavern”. 

 Below is a more detailed explanation of the different leather qualities in our collection of natural hides.

Leather Buffed

Leather Buffed is a full aniline leather, enhancing its natural properties. Swatches will vary due to shade variation. Evidence of its past such as brand marks, scars & growth lines is to be expected.

Average hide size: 4.5 sq/m

Average thickness: 0.9 – 1.0 mm

Abrasion: 50’000 Martindale Rubs

Care: Professional Cleaning. Exposure to sunlight is not recommended. Avoid multi-purpose cleaning products, use only recommended leather cleaner and protector products

Colour Fastness: 4

Leather Bush

As semi-aniline leather hides are processed to omit most scratching and shade variation. The charm of each hide being unique is the beauty of a natural skin.  Leather Bush has an attractive high sheen contrast grain. Exposure to sunlight is not recommended.

Average hide size: 4.5 sq/m

Average thickness: 0.9 – 1.0 mm

Abrasion: 50’000 Martindale Rubs

Care: Professional Cleaning. Exposure to sunlight is not recommended. Avoid multi-purpose cleaning products, use only recommended leather cleaner and protector products

Colour Fastness: 4

Leather Shadow

Leather Shadow is a semi-aniline leather, processed to resist most scratching. The aesthetic appeal of Leather Shadow includes a soft and smooth touch with an attractive low sheen finish. 

Average hide size: 4.5 sq/m

Average thickness: 0.9 – 1.0 mm

Abrasion: 50’000 Martindale Rubs

Care: Professional Cleaning. Exposure to sunlight is not recommended. Avoid multi-purpose cleaning products, use only recommended leather cleaner and protector products

Colour Fastness: 4

Leather Trunk

Leather Trunk is pure aniline leather treated to attain an attractive high sheen finish. Evidence of its past such as brand marks, scars & growth lines is to be expected. Swatches may vary due to shade variation.

Average hide size: 4.5 sq/m

Average thickness: 0.9 – 1.0 mm

Abrasion: 50’000 Martindale Rubs

Care: Professional Cleaning. Exposure to sunlight is not recommended. Avoid multi-purpose cleaning products, use only recommended leather cleaner and protector products

Colour Fastness: > 3

Leather terminology:

Term Definition
Aniline Leather that is coloured all the way through with a transparent dye. The effect is applied by immersing the leather in a dye bath. Because the finish is transparent and shows the natural markings of the leather, only the best quality hides can be used.
Bonded Leather Bonded leather, otherwise known as reconstituted leather, is made from leather fibres/scraps that have been glued together to create a leather sheet.
Buffed Leather Leather from which the top surface has been removed by abrasion. Often known as suede or nubuc.
Corrected Grain Corrected grain refers to the hide having its top grain layer sanded down to minimise flaws. It is then pigmented and embossed with an artificial grain and sprayed with a sealer topcoat. 
Full Grain Leather Leather which has not been altered beyond hair removal. Full grain leather is the most genuine type of leather, as it retains all of the original texture and markings of the original hide.
Grain The grain, in terms of leather, is the outside or the skin/hide that has the pores, wrinkles, marks, etc. These make up the organic texture of the leather.
Full Aniline Also known as “full aniline”, “naked aniline” or “naked leather”, pure aniline leather is aniline dyed and receives no additional colouring or treatment.
Leatherette Leatherette is another term used to describe man-made or imitation leather.
Matte/Matt Finish A matte finish has a flat or dull appearance as opposed to a surface that is shiny or glossy.
Natural Grain The original grain on the surface that has been kept on the leather. A leather that displays its original grain.
Pull-Up A term used to describe the behaviour of leather that has been treated with oils, waxes and dyes to the point that when it is stretched, the finish becomes lighter in those stretched areas. This is considered a mark of good quality.

Describes the behaviour of leather that has been treated with oils, waxes, and dyes in such a way that when the leather is pulled or stretched (i.e. on upholstery), the finish becomes lighter in the stretched areas. Considered a mark of high quality.
Semi Aniline Used to describe leather that has been aniline dyed and then slightly pigmented. This type of leather has colour consistency as well as stain and spill resistance.

Aniline leather to which a matching pigment layer is added to even out the colour and add protection.
Sheen (High/Low) Shiny or glossy characteristic to leather. High sheen has a shiny appeal where low sheen has a matte look.
Suede Split leather that has been buffed and brushed to create a fuzzy surface feel.
Two Tone An effect created by applying layers of similar or contrasting dyes to a piece of leather in order to create a mottled or aged appearance.
Top Grain Leather whose top (outermost) layers have been left intact, in contrast to split leather.