How to Choose Upholstery

A luxury sofa, armchair or ottoman is not only an investment in your décor but also in the comfort and ambience of your home. As a result, it’s important to find upholstery that will continue to complement your furnishings and provide lasting comfort for its entire lifespan. Here are some key things to consider when choosing the perfect upholstery:

What colour will complement my room? Whether you’re wanting to make a statement or looking for something more subtle, it’s important to think about the complete look you want to achieve when selecting your upholstery. Don’t forget, you can accent neutral upholstery with statement cushions for a versatile aesthetic.

Which texture is right for me? Texture plays an extremely important role in any room so don’t be afraid to mix textures by experimenting with your upholstery and soft furnishings to create inspiring combinations. Soften leather upholstery with a cashmere throw, or pair natural linen upholstery with chunky knitted cushions.

How much wear and tear will my upholstery endure? If your furniture is going to be used in a high-traffic room, make sure you select upholstery that is durable enough to keep up. A fabric’s Martindale rub-count will help determine this.

Aniline Leather: One of the most luxurious forms of leather, aniline leather is renowned for its soft texture and natural finish. Dyed using a water-soluble dye to ensure the leather’s grain remains visible, this leather doesn't have any colour coating on its surface for a natural, refined finish.

Corrected Grain: If a full-grain leather displays scratches or scarring, it is further processed in a process called correcting. This process simulates a natural grain pattern for a flawless finish.

Full-Grain: Full-grain leather is taken from the upper layer of animal hide and displays natural marking when left uncorrected. This is one of the hardiest and most durable forms of leather.

Natural Grain: When leather is described as having a natural grain, this means that the hide's original blemishes, follicles and scarring have not been corrected and can be seen on the leather. This lends the leather a truly authentic finish and texture.

Pigmented Leather: Pigmented leather is one of the most durable forms of leather. It is achieved by buffing the leather to remove natural blemishes and creating a new top surface using a coloured polymer coating which is then embossed to create an appearance of a grain.