Leather
Sitdesign uses genuine leather only: no faux leather and no bonded leather. Every piece is upholstered to order, in the leather you choose, in our own workshop in Istanbul.
The photographs below are of the hides themselves. Every colour has a code, and it is the same code we use in production.
Leather types
Upholstery leathers differ mainly in how the surface is finished. The less finish, the more natural the look and the more care it asks for.
| Type | Surface | Look | Durability | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aniline | No coating, or a thin coat without pigment | Natural grain fully visible, shade varies | Absorbs a water drop; scratches and fades most easily | High |
| Semi-aniline | Thin coat with a little pigment | Grain still visible, colour more even | Moderate protection | Medium |
| Pigmented | Pigmented finish covers the grain | Uniform colour | Least absorbent, most scratch-resistant | Low |
| Nubuck | Grain side lightly buffed to a velvety nap | Matt, soft, shade varies | Marks readily | High |
| Suede | Lower layer of the hide, raised nap | Matt, napped | Delicate | High |
By cut. Full-grain leather keeps the whole grain with no correction. Corrected-grain leather has the grain partly buffed away and re-finished. A split is the lower layer of the hide. Bonded leather is a board made of at least 50% leather fibres; it is not leather. Upholstery leather is usually between 0.9 and 1.4 mm thick.
Technical values
EN 13336 is the European standard for upholstery leather. Its minimum requirements show how the three main types compare.
| Property | Aniline / nubuck | Semi-aniline | Pigmented |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry rub fastness | 50 cycles | 500 cycles | 500 cycles |
| Wet rub fastness | 20 cycles | 80 cycles | 250 cycles |
| Light fastness (blue scale 1-8) | at least 3 | at least 4 | at least 5 |
| Tear strength | over 20 N | over 20 N | over 20 N |
In short: pigmented leather stands up best to sunlight and rubbing; aniline is the most natural and the most sensitive. These are the standard's minimums, not the test results of a particular leather.
Natural marks are not defects
Healed scars, the odd insect bite, neck and belly wrinkles, veins and shade variation are signs that the leather came from an animal. They do not affect durability. They show most on aniline leather, because nothing covers the grain. Aniline leather also darkens with light and use and develops a patina.
Care
- Dust once a week with a dry, soft cloth or the brush head of a vacuum cleaner.
- Blot spills at once with a dry cloth. Do not rub, let it dry on its own, and do not use a hairdryer.
- At least twice a year, clean with a cleaner made for leather to remove body oils and perspiration.
- Keep at least 30 cm away from radiators and air vents. Prolonged heat dries leather out and cracks it.
- Keep out of direct sunlight. Aniline, nubuck and suede fade fastest.
- Nubuck: no cream. Vacuum, brush the nap, and dab a stain without rubbing.
Never use: solvents, alcohol, bleach, household cleaners, spray polish or saddle soap.
Which leather for which home?
| Situation | Our suggestion |
|---|---|
| Small children, pets, heavy daily use | Pigmented |
| Natural look with reasonable upkeep | Semi-aniline |
| The most natural surface and patina, and you accept the care | Aniline |
| A room with strong sun | Pigmented; avoid light aniline shades and nubuck |
Frequently asked questions
Does real leather crack?
It can, if it dries out from heat or neglect. Leather kept away from heat sources and cleaned regularly stays supple.
Does leather peel?
Peeling is a problem typical of bonded and faux leather. We use neither.
Is a leather sofa a good idea with pets?
Pigmented leather resists best, but no leather is scratch-proof. Aniline scratches most easily.
Will leather fade?
In direct sunlight, yes. The minimum light fastness is 3 for aniline and 5 for pigmented leather, so the choice of type matters in a sunny room.
What is the difference between aniline and semi-aniline?
Aniline has no pigment: it is the most natural and the most vulnerable. Semi-aniline carries a light pigmented coat, so the colour is more even and it is easier to keep.
Is the colour on screen the real colour?
Not exactly. Every screen renders colour differently, and leather is a natural material. For a precise match, write to us with the colour code.