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Leather chairs and sofas.

(66 Posts)
Lovetopaint037 Sat 02-Dec-17 17:14:39

Please can you give me your views on leather suites. We recently had to replace a single armchair with something that coordinated with rest of suite. We chose. Parker Knoll in safari rust leather. It looks lovely. In fact it showed our old multi York up to such an extent that we are contemplating replacing the rest. I like the idea of not having to dry clean or wash covers but wonder what happens if anything gets spilt on the leather. There is just the two of us now and we are pretty careful but we have occasional dog visitors and wonder if the leather is easily scratched or damaged. Should I be concerned as it is going to be a big outlay. I just want something that will last as long as our multi York which will “see us out” and stay looking respectable. Would welcome your opinions.

Sheilasue Sun 03-Dec-17 20:52:00

We have two leather chairs and a sofa. We also have a cat so we put throws over them which are quite thick but Oscar has sharp little claws and though we clip them he has scratched our sofa and the chairs. We have a leather cleaner that helps to protect it though.

justwokeup Sun 03-Dec-17 21:13:40

We had a leather specialist to see our suite when the leather started to peel. Apparently 'head patches' can be due to medication reacting with the leather through the skin or hair. So if you are on medication (pacemaker meds particularly suspect) think about it. Ours are now covered in throws, which of course slip off and it defeats the object somewhat! Also, you should just clean them regularly with a clean damp cloth and don't use proprietary cleaner any more than you have to as it is very harsh. Fabric one for us next time sad

MamaCaz Sun 03-Dec-17 21:36:43

The only time i regret having leather sofas is in hot weather, because if I wear shorts or teeshirt, I sweat terribly where my bare skin rests on the leather!

Nelliemoser Sun 03-Dec-17 22:45:35

Leather seats get hot and I always feel am likely to slide off. Restaurants go in for them. No thank you.

Auntieflo Mon 04-Dec-17 09:41:09

Like Daisyboots, I needed the seats on our sofas to be higher, to make getting up easier. So I ordered foam cushions, fabric and zips, and made 4 booster cushions. They have been a big success, and we didn't have the expense of buying new. The suite is getting old now, 16 years, but is so comfortable and well made. I did want a charcoal grey jumbo cord, but couldn't get it. This alternative has worked well for us.

Lovetopaint037 Mon 04-Dec-17 10:40:04

Auntieflo that is a clever idea. You must be very accomplished with a needle and it looks good.

Auntieflo Mon 04-Dec-17 12:16:57

Thank you. I enjoyed doing it.

Lovetopaint037 Sat 06-Jan-18 23:23:40

Just an update. After ordering the settee and chair to match the one we had I emailed Parker Knoll to ask about after care. I received a reply which told me to definitely not use any creams of any kind, no leather feed or protector. I must keep the leather dusted but once a quarter use a “pure soap agent” preferably just the foam and gently clean it with circular motions. My elderly aunt told me that she was told 25 years ago by World of Leather to not use any creams just dust, wipe down with plain water and buff up with a soft towel. She tells me that her suite still looks like new. However, the salesman produced a leather kit and looked surprised that Parker Knoll had given me that advice. However, the email was adamant “no creams whatsoever”or I would spoil the leather. The leather is semi-analine. Perhaps the different leathers need different care.

Auntieflo Sun 07-Jan-18 08:35:19

No creams etc here. I was told " you don't feed a dead animal" !! Blunt and to the point.

NannyTee Sun 07-Jan-18 11:07:21

Yesterday whilst taking our porch lights down a strange cat snook in. We chased it out but it had stood on my brown leather sofa and clawed the back where our head goes. Does anyone think brown shoe polish will do it.? It's not a new sofa but I've looked after it and it had no marks on at all. sad

Christinefrance Sun 07-Jan-18 12:18:42

I had leather sofas and my dogs ruined them. I would not choose leather again. I now have wipable microfibre material. My dogs are banned from the sofas.

Artyfarty Mon 08-Jan-18 16:02:17

We sold our leather suite when we moved house and I would not have leather again. Too hot and sticky in Summer and too cold in Winter. Also any throws I put on just slid all over the place and looked untidy. Our suite was black and I think it darkened the room by swallowing the light hmm

varian Mon 08-Jan-18 16:18:24

I'm not sure why but I don't like leather sofas (they seem a bit sleazy), although I think leather chairs can be OK.

Lovetopaint037 Tue 09-Jan-18 09:20:38

Nannytee, so sorry about your mishap. I wonder if shoe dye would work. It might be more permanent than polish. Other than that I feel sure I have seen products to replace colour on leather upholstery.

NannyTee Tue 09-Jan-18 11:52:33

Thanks Lovetopaint. I will give it a try.