Genuine Vs. Bonded Vs. Faux Leather: Everything You Need to Know
When shopping for furniture, we usually look at a variety of possibilities. We consider every conceivable alternative, narrow it down to a few, compare them, and then balance the benefits and drawbacks before making a final selection. With various producers, this pool of alternatives is only growing over time. Choosing one from this vast array of possibilities is a difficult task. This is where we start to restrict our search filter and hunt for furniture depending on the materials utilized, such as leather.
However, with many types of leather now being utilized to make furniture, it is impossible to focus on a single final product. Genuine leather, Faux leather, Bonded leather, are the three main forms of leather used in the production of furniture. Choosing the most delicate item manufactured from either of these leathers is once again complicated and difficult. However, it really helps if you have extensive knowledge about all three sorts of leathers the next time you go shopping for leather things.
In this article, we will go through genuine, faux, and bonded leather in depth. We will illustrate every detail that will assist you in making the best decision.
The Use Of Leather In Chairs Over History
Leather items and upholstery date all the way back to 2200 BCE. Historically, our forefathers and mothers utilized leather to defend themselves from the weather. People in the stone age hunted wild animals for sustenance and then used their skins to make clothes and footwear. Since then, leather has been utilized to create armor and tents by nomadic cultures. The industrial revolution resulted in an increase in commerce between Europe and Asia. America's discovery resulted in the introduction of new hides to Europe, which was then shipped to Asian markets.
The earliest leather chair was made in Egypt during the early dynasty period (3100–2686 BC) with frames and upholstered in leather. As time passed, individuals discovered that leather was far simpler to clean than cotton. The leather got more strong as it aged. By capitalizing on these features, leather workmanship grew and evolved into a luxury item reserved for the wealthy, wealthy, and elite members of society.
By the nineteenth century, new technologies had elevated leather to prominence as a fundamental component of furniture. The leather sofa gradually became associated with comfort. By the early twentieth century, the leather had become a necessary component of upholstery, often in the shape of a man's easy chair. Previously, leather sofas were the focal point of the living area. Without a couch in the living room, a family was regarded unfit for society.
What Is Genuine Leather?
Genuine leather is sometimes referred to as full-grain leather, which is the finest grade of leather available. Full grain leather is the outermost layer of animal skin that has inherent flaws. Due to its thickness, genuine leather might be difficult to work with but is the most durable.
Pros and Cons of Genuine Leather
Pros of Genuine Leather
Genuine leather will soften and grow richer in look over time. The tanning procedure employed determines how soon or how effectively it acquires a patina.
Because genuine leather is hypoallergenic, it is the greatest option for persons with sensitive skin. It is also resistant to allergens such as pet dander and dust mites.
Genuine leather is a byproduct of the livestock industry, transforming waste into lovely items. Because it is organic, it decomposes considerably faster than its synthetic competitors. Once dissolved, it will nourish plants that will be consumed by animals, creating a natural closed-loop system.
True animal leather office chairs appear opulent and trendy.
Genuine leather chairs may outlast bonded and fake leather seats several times over with appropriate care and upkeep. It does not rip or puncture readily due to its strength.
Because this material is porous by nature, it is far more breathable than imitation and bonded leather.
Cons of Genuine Leather
Because most leather office chairs are made of chrome-tanned leather, the manufacturing process might pollute the environment.
Because it is created from animal hide, many people equate real leather with animal cruelty.
Genuine leather is significantly more expensive than imitation and bonded leather.
Genuine leather, unlike synthetic leather, is inherently absorbent, making it more prone to stains.
Authentic leather needs extra care to keep stains and fractures at bay.
What Is Bonded Leather?
Bonded leather is created by combining leftovers and fibers from the production of real leather with a polyurethane binder. These pieces are then rolled onto a paper backdrop using adhesives to hold the fibers together. A polyurethane coating and embossing may be added to simulate the texture of genuine leather. The majority of bonded leather comprises just 10% to 20% genuine leather.
Pros and Cons of Bonded Leather
Pros of Bonded Leather
Bonded leather is typically less expensive than genuine leather, making it an excellent choice for those on a tight budget.
This leather is also created with varied surface textures, so you may obtain parts that feel like genuine leather or pieces that don't if that's not what you're looking for or you're allergic to how natural leather feels. You may even find pieces with a design on them.
Bonded leather is available in a wide range of hues, allowing you to get exactly what you're looking for in a color that complements your own style. Banded leather may be found in a variety of goods and products, so you may be able to locate what you're searching for in Bonded leather rather than genuine leather.
Bonded leather is typically manufactured in huge sheets that are ideal for large-area applications such as furniture. If you want to make your own furniture or brighten up an old piece, you may simply purchase a sheet of Bonded leather large enough to cover it.
Bonded leather may not have the same feel as genuine leather, but it does look and smell like it, so you can obtain the appearance you desire for less money.
Bonded leather is also quite easy to care for and does not take a lot of effort to keep it looking beautiful. Despite all of its advantages, bonded leather has certain drawbacks that you should be aware of.
Cons of Bonded Leather
Unfortunately, even when properly cared for, bonded leather has low longevity and is prone to flaking. This leather only lasts up to two years before the quality of the product begins to deteriorate, indicating that it does not age well.
Bonded leather is rigid and thin, which means it is easily torn and punctured. Because this material is not breathable, if you sit on it or use the item for an extended period of time, you will get hot and uncomfortable as you sweat because the perspiration has nowhere to escape.
What Is Faux Leather?
Faux leather is frequently referred to as PU leather or polyurethane leather. It is a thermoplastic polymer-based synthetic leather. 100% PU leather will be totally vegan, in contrast to some varieties of imitation leather, referred to as bicast leather, which include genuine leather. Bicast leather utilizes the fibrous portion of cowhide that is left over after creating genuine leather and coats it with polyurethane.
Pros and Cons of Faux Leather
Pros of Faux Leather
When compared to the expense of genuine leather, faux leather is a fairly inexpensive material. Because this material does not include any animal skin, it is considered a cruelty-free product that vegans may use.
Because faux leather is constructed of synthetic materials, it is resistant to peeling, cracking, and fading from UV light exposure, and it may endure for more than two years if properly cared for. Fortunately, this material is quite simple to clean and maintain.
This material may also be polished to achieve different aesthetics, such as a gloss or a matte finish, depending on what you want.
Cons of Faux Leather
Faux leather still has certain drawbacks; for example, even though the leather has been significantly refined over the years to be more durable, this material still cracks and tears readily when compared to genuine leather.
Faux leather also has a tiny synthetic odor, which may put some people off. Because this cloth is not breathable, you may become sweaty and unpleasant after prolonged use.
Because it is constructed of man-made materials, it is not biodegradable and may cause some environmental damage over time.
What Are the Difference Between Genuine, Bonded, and Faux Leather?
When searching for leather items, it might be difficult to discern the difference between the many varieties of leathers on the market. You will need to understand the variances depending on the sort of leather you are looking for or the features you need in your leather items.
Cost
When comparing these three varieties of leather, one of the most significant distinctions will be the price. Actual leather will be the most expensive since it is made of real leather, which is difficult to produce. Faux leather is less expensive than actual leather, yet somewhat more expensive than bonded leather. Faux leather is less difficult to produce than real leather. Bonded leather is the least expensive of all leathers since it is the thinnest. It is manufactured of scrap leather and attached to a thin paper backing.
Durability
Genuine leather will last a long time since it will not break or peel. Real leather will acquire a patina on its natural surface rather than wear off. Faux leather, often known as PU leather, is not as durable as real leather, although it is more durable than bonded leather. PU leather is not breathable and can easily be punctured and cracked over time. Unlike bonded leather, PU leather is stain-resistant and fade-resistant. Bonded leather is similar to paper in that it is constructed of scrap leather and polyurethane combined together and attached to a paper backing. It may easily scratch, peel, or flake off with time. Bonded leather has a limited lifespan and the color may fade in direct sunlight.
Appearances & Texture
Genuine leather has the most realistic appearance, but it comes in fewer color variations and has an unpredictable feel. Unlike synthetic leathers, real leather has smooth, velvety touch. Although PU leather has a continuous texture, it may occasionally appear phony and synthetic. PU leather will be the most similar to real leather in appearance and may even seem and feel like real leather in some cases. Bonded leather is the simplest to identify since it seems synthetic and is thinner than most imitation and real leathers. Bonded and PU leather may be found in a variety of colors and designs, although real leather does not.
Sustainability
Because it is not a vegan material, genuine leather may put off certain customers. Real leather is more difficult to produce and more expensive to produce. Although PU leather requires less resources to manufacture, the polymers do not degrade and are thus not environmentally benign. If you're seeking for a vegan leather, 100 percent PU leather is an excellent choice. Bonded leather may be considered sustainable since it employs scraps and fibers left over from the production of actual leather, but it can leak some of the chemicals used during the manufacturing process over time. Bonded leather is not a vegan product since it may include up to 20% actual leather.
Care & Cleaning
Because it is inherently absorbent, real leather may quickly absorb fluids, making it stain-prone and difficult to clean. To keep real leather supple and prevent it from drying out, it should be treated twice a year. When care for genuine leather, avoid using abrasive cleaners. Because it does not absorb liquids, PU leather will be the simplest to clean. You will get more usage out of your PU leather if you take excellent care of it. Bonded leather will be tough to clean. Because the surface of bonded leather can wear away, fracture, and peel, it should not be cleaned with abrasive cleansers or rags.
Smell
Although scent is subjective, many individuals dislike the odor of synthetic leathers. PU leather will have a noticeable plastic or chemical odor. Bonded leather, on the other hand, can have an artificial fragrance as well, but with the addition of leather, it may smell more like real leather. Real leather has a natural odor that does not smell manufactured.
How to Differentiate Genuine Leather from Bonder and Faux Leather - Nobody Should Buy "Leather" Furniture Unless They Understand the Difference.
When buying leather office chairs, you should be well-informed so you know precisely what you're receiving.
There are various ways to tell whether your office chair is real leather, faux leather, or bonded leather.
1, The price is the clearest indicator. Genuine leather is far more costly than fake leather.
2, Examine the reverse of the material. It's faux leather if it has a woven fabric backing.
3, Examine the pores carefully. Faux leather has pores that are uniformly patterned, but genuine rawhide leather has pores that are randomly arranged.
4, Genuine leather has a unique smell that PU leather cannot match. If you're familiar with this distinctive odor, sniffing the office chair you're considering purchasing can help you distinguish genuine leather from cheaper imitations.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to comparing these three various types of leather, it all comes down to personal choice. As long as you aren't seeking a vegan product, real leather is the greatest alternative. If you want a vegan leather alternative, PU/faux leather is the best choice because it lasts longer than bonded leather. PU leather is also less expensive than real leather, although it may not last as long. Bonded leather is the least expensive of the three alternatives and maybe something you want to avoid if durability is your primary priority.
When buying leather furniture, keep in mind the numerous variances between the various varieties of leather. Determine which aspects of leather are most important to you.
Note: Meet&Co provides the best quality leather office chair with the most competitive prices, if you need customized or a bulk order of leather office chairs, feel free to contact us!