Italian leather sofas symbolize a timeless sophistication that can add charm and elegance to any living space. However, it can be difficult for a buyer to know what exactly makes a luxury sofa stand out, or why they should even consider paying more when they can get a mass-produced piece cheaper. Whether looking for something big or small, a traditional style or something more modern, or that classic full-grain leather look or a comfy suede, several factors go into considering which type of Italian leather sofa to choose. Read on to learn more about the most important characteristics of high-quality, well-crafted leather sofas.
Durability
Unlike mass-produced furniture from overstock or outlet stores, luxury Italian furniture will not break down just by regular use or when accidents happen. Whether you have a household with young children, a few rambunctious pets that love to climb up on couches, or you have friends you love to entertain, leather sofas can withstand pretty much anything. All sofas created by Michaelangelo Designs are handcrafted by our expert artisans using the finest leather, wood, and upholstery materials, ensuring that it lasts a lifetime.
Of course, maintaining the high quality of leather requires proper care, like ensuring that you wipe up any spills quickly to avoid staining and to keep it out of direct sunlight. Even a quick dusting with a wet cloth every week or so can do wonders to help improve the longevity of your leather sofa. When you consider your Italian leather sofa and other furniture as an investment and take care of it like one, you save thousands of dollars and have something you can pass down for generations to come.
Quality of Leather
In addition to considering the color of the leather, you must consider the quality of the leather when choosing the best type of sofa for your needs and lifestyle. Not all leather is the same, and not all sofas that use leather use the same quality or type. Pure Italian leather sofas use leather from well-cared-for cattle, often cows but also goats and sheep. Leather from well-treated animals ends up more pliable, stronger, and ultimately more durable, so it is important to consider the price of the sofa you intend to purchase. The more expensive, the more high-quality the leather.
Grain, or the appearance of leather, is another important consideration for leather quality. Cowhides can create four types of grain: full grain, top grain, corrected grain, and suede. Although Italian furniture uses all four grains, the popular choice most people looking to buy top-end Italian leather sofas choose tends to use either full grain or top grain because of their durability as well as their distinct appearance. Full grain, for example, uses the entire cowhide, making it more durable and naturally water-resistant, but it also means it might contain imperfections. Alternatively, corrected grain buffs or sands out imperfections. Suede, while incredibly soft, can be more difficult to keep clean. Fortunately, leather can also have special treatments that make them more odor-resistant, spill-resistant, and able to resist tears and fading that come with regular use. Considering your wants and how well you can realistically care for your leather will help you decide which type of leather to choose.
Range of Styles and Designs
Throw out any assumptions you might have about what a luxury Italian leather sofa looks like; leather sofas come in various colors, sizes, and styles. Looking for something classic and comfortable? Consider designs with traditional-style elements, such as plush seats, tall backrests, and intricately-carved designs on the sofa’s frame. A Chesterfield-style sofa, an English roll-arm sofa, or a Queen Anne chair all fit perfectly into a traditional-themed living space. If a modern style suits you more, consider elements like low-level seats, legless appearances, and types of sofas that emphasize sleek angles, modest silhouettes, and neutral tones like black, grey, and dark blue.
Other considerations when choosing an Italian leather sofa includes the type of sofa and how many people you wish to seat in your living space. For close-quarter seating with a luxurious feel, consider a plush, comfortable loveseat paired with a few leather chairs. A sectional-style sofa pairs perfectly with large gatherings and people who love their space. Do you have relatives or friends that always seem to snooze whenever they come over? Recliners, futons, or the aptly-named sleeper sofa are all reliable choices that are guaranteed to both impress and give your sleepy guests a comfortable nap during their next visit.
Regardless of your preferences, it is important to keep your desired dimensions and budget in mind when considering which type of sofa to get. Not only will it help you narrow down your choices, but it will also save you a lot of headaches when it comes time to get the furniture into your space.
Why Michelangelo Designs
Michelangelo Design understands that choosing to invest in an Italian leather sofa is a major decision – and can be a daunting one. Driven by our love of Italian trends and a passion for elegance and harmony, we strive every day to be “ the cure for the common” and elevate every space with luxury furniture. Since 1985, our expert artisans have brought comfort, style, and sophistication to every space, from bedrooms and living rooms to libraries, offices, and restaurants. We cater to clients domestically in the United States via our warehouse in Passaic, New Jersey, as well as international clients via our Italy warehouse. Our United States showroom of over 40,000 square feet hosts an extensive collection of over 2,000 pieces ranging in styles across three centuries. All of our furniture is made of the finest materials, ranging from microfiber and leather to hand-carved wooden frames and hand-welded metal.
Contact us today to arrange an appointment and to see our beautiful collection in person. Find out today why we’re the number one source for Italian furniture in the USA.
