A Lesson in Choosing Quality Leather: Expert Advice from Milola

A Lesson in Choosing Quality Leather from Milola

There’s a reason that so many of our most popular products here at Milola are available in leather. Supple, soft, durable and stylish, leather is one of the oldest and most beloved fabrics in the interiors world, and its low maintenance, high-quality properties make it an incredibly versatile material across sofas, lounge chairs and beds alike.

Through working with renowned furniture brands like Artisan and SITS, and the furniture maintenance specialists at Guardian, we’ve had the privilege of accessing their expert knowledge of leather and sharing it with our own customers – inviting them to understand the benefits and the properties of leather in their own purchasing decisions.

Whether you’re comparing aniline leather to pigmented leather or choosing the right leather colour for your beautiful new piece of furniture, our essential guide to the wonderful world of leather can help.

What is Aniline Leather?

Aniline Leather is the most natural form of leather, with the hide being penetrated by aniline dyes that don’t leave a coating on the surface. This lightweight approach to dyeing allows the leather to retain its organically soft and supple texture, without being weighed down by chemical residues or heavy topcoats.

Often considered the most prestigious choice when it comes to upholstery selection, the aniline leathers also maintain their original natural markings, with scars, colour variations and pores still visible on the surface. This can be a popular feature for those looking to bring depth, warmth, and a rustic, organic feel to their spaces. In standout pieces such as the MELA High Lounge Chair or the BILL Lounge Chair, this can be particularly appealing.

Additionally, the final colours created by the aniline dyes can help to transform the fabric after the initial tanning to a rich blend of translucent colours that will bring vibrance, substance and richness to your furniture.

BILL Armchair in Latte Leather - Sits | Milola

ISA-Relax Chair-Footstool-Living-Sits | Milola

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Aniline leather can be prone to fading in direct sunlight
The material is less protected against moisture, oils and stains
It can require regular maintenance to retain the initial quality of the fabric. Specialist products, such as Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner, are required to protect and maintain the leather, and need to be applied between 4-6 times a year for the best results.
It can also be a more expensive fabric due to the delicate dyeing and preparation process

What is Pigmented Leather (Regular Leather)?

In contrast to Aniline leather, regular leather - also known as Pigmented Leather - comes with a protective topcoat, usually made up of pigment, varnish or polymer. This topcoat helps to keep the leather underneath shielded from everyday stains, spills and scratches, allowing your furniture to stay looking high quality for as long as possible.

The topcoat also affects how the hide looks, covering the natural variations to create a uniform finish that can be appealing in sets of furniture, such as dining chairs or bar stools like the NEVA LIGHT or the FLAIR.

Pigmented leather can even offer more variety when it comes to furniture placement and versatility, as the protective top layer ensures that your pieces can be placed in well-lit or bright sunlit rooms without the worry of fading or colour degradation.

What are the benefits of Pigmented Leather?

One of the key benefits of choosing Pigmented Leather for your furniture is its durability and natural resistance against scratches, stains and spills. However, when it comes to texture and physical feel, Aniline Leather is often described as being softer and more luxurious to touch.

Advantages

Pigmented leather is perfect for families, as it can sustain the everyday mess and wear and tear of pets, children and a busy household.
The leather will appear more uniform overall, creating a seamless and cohesive feel in sets of furniture
A protective topcoat can keep the leather looking high-quality for longer
This leather requires little maintenance and is perfect for those with little time for upkeep of everyday furniture

Disadvantages

Pigmented or regular leather does not have the same soft texture as Aniline leather, and can feel less natural to touch
The fabric is also less breathable and might feel sticky in warmer temperatures

How do I care for my leather furniture pieces at home?

As with many precious, personal or impactful furniture pieces, quality care and maintenance is important to keep our favourite leather pieces looking and feeling luxurious for longer.

Leather is essentially like a skin and should be cared for just like we care for the skin on our bodies. So, when taking care of it, we recommend using the Guardian Leather Care Kit to clean the leather and remove any dirt, stains, grime or surface layer oils, as well as the Ink & Lipstick remover for those stubborn marks. Then apply the Guardian Conditioner to help keep the leather from drying out. The conditioner acts as a moisturiser, stopping the material from cracking or fading during the cleaning process.

Finally, use the Guardian Leather Protector - a protection spray that puts an invisible layer on the leather to help stop spills soaking in and staining, without altering the texture and feel of the material.

Which leather is right for my home?

Leather is a beautiful, popular, and aesthetically pleasing choice for any piece of furniture in the home – from classic lounge chairs to cosy sofas. Practical, stylish, and useful in almost every room of the house, this durable fabric can truly transform your space.

If you’re struggling to choose the right leather for your next piece, or want some advice on leather maintenance and upkeep, you can book an appointment at our Blonay showroom or call our team for more information. If you’d like to see any of our leathers in your own home, you can also use our free swatch ordering tool and get 4 leathers of your choice, delivered straight to your door.