What is aniline leather?
, by Ruth Wilbur, 6 min reading time
It’s unique, durable, and wonderfully soft on sofas…but what is aniline and semi-aniline leather, exactly? We deep-dive into this premium natural material.
Soft, supple, and made from the highest quality hides, aniline leather is one of the most popular leather types for sofas and chairs – and for good reason. Not only does it look and feel superb, it offers so many practical benefits that make it long lasting, perfect for furniture you and your family use day in, day out.
But exactly what is aniline leather? And how can you tell it apart from other variations to know you’re investing in the very best? Here, we answer the most-asked questions about this natural material, from cleaning techniques to how to identify aniline leather in a sofa.
What is aniline leather?
Made from the finest hides, aniline leather is a premium type of leather that’s dyed exclusively with soluble dyes. These transparent dyes allow the natural grain and markings of the hide to show through, without covering the surface with a topcoat or pigment. The result? A beautiful, natural appearance that showcases the leather's unique characteristics.
Is aniline leather good quality?
From its durability to its luxury hand feel, aniline is oh-so-fine. Let us count the ways we love it…
- Aniline leather is naturally beautiful. With the absence of a topcoat, aniline leather retains the hide's natural texture and markings, giving each sofa or chair a one-of-a-kind look.
- Aniline leather is incredibly soft. Since they’re made from top-quality hides, aniline leather sofas are luxuriously supple to the touch and gorgeously comfortable to lay on.
- Aniline leather gets better over time. Talking of comfort, each hide develops a rich patina over time, looking even more lovely and resisting wear and tear (with regular maintenance) for maximum durability.
- Aniline leather is great for every season. You want a sofa that adapts to you all year round. Without a surface coating, aniline leather is breathable and versatile, making it ideal in both hot and cold weather.
Is aniline leather real leather?
Yes, aniline leather is real leather. In fact, it’s considered one of the highest-quality leathers due to the premium hide and special dyeing process used to craft it and enhance its natural beauty. With its lack of a topcoat, the leather develops a rich patina over time, enhancing its character even further for a truly authentic statement sofa.
How do I know if my sofa is aniline leather?
You can tell an aniline leather sofa by its distinctive, natural look, with visible grain, markings, and maybe some slight colour variations. When you touch it, it should feel noticeably soft and supple. If in doubt, check with your manufacturer or retailer for specific leather details.
So, what is semi-aniline leather?
Semi-aniline leather, like aniline leather, is made from full-grain or top-grain leather. It’s treated with a semi-aniline dye and has a lighter protective topcoat than full aniline leather. While full aniline leather is superior in terms of its natural look and luxurious feel, the treatment of semi-aniline leather can help its resistance to stains and fading.
Does semi-aniline leather peel?
Quality semi-aniline leather should never peel. With all leathers, regular care and maintenance is essential to prevent any damage and extend its life, mitigating the chances of any wrinkles or cracking. To protect all leather sofas from fading, keep them away from direct light and heat sources. And to keep them supple, regularly ‘feed’ sofas with specialist leather conditioners – we stock Staingard leather care kits for this, and all our leather sofas come with a complimentary kit.
Can you clean aniline leather?
Yes, you can clean aniline leather, but it requires special care. We always advise avoiding the use of bleach, chemical cleaners, or other harsh substances, which can damage the natural finish of aniline leather or semi-aniline leather. And, before you test any leather cleaner for the first time, be sure to pick a spot on the sofa that can’t be seen to ensure it doesn’t cause damage or discolouration.
How to clean aniline leather
Firstly, if you don’t have policy cover, we recommend checking your sofa for specific aniline leather care information. If you do have a policy cover for your leather sofa, check your guarantee – some can be invalidated if specific chemicals are used on your leather – or call the company you bought the sofa from.
Our customer service team will always help guide you through care for our sofas, and we also provide a complimentary leather care kit with any of our leather variations. Since it’s a natural, breathable material, both semi-aniline and aniline leather need a good drink or they’ll start to crack – just like our own skin.
Is aniline leather worth it?
Good question, and the answer is absolutely. Aniline leather sofas offer unmatched beauty and comfort, making them a worthwhile investment that will remain well-loved (and well-lived) by your family for many years to come.
When choosing your aniline leather sofa, always ask yourself: do I love it? Will it last? Is it practical? To meet our high standards, those are the questions we ask, so you can rest assured we’ve already done the hard work for you. Explore our full leather sofa collection or visit our gorgeous Yorkshire showroom to experience the luxurious feel of aniline leather in person.
