Material Science

Each sofa is unique

Leather is a natural material, grown, a piec of nature. Every single skin reflects the life of a cow. Leather comes in different shapes and sizes like an individual surface with many of nature's typical features such as structure and color which change as the animal grows or as the result of injuries which have healed over - each life leaves its own tracks. And you can see them in the leather..

Natural features

That explains the many characteristics that are determining factors for the use properties and optical appearance. Natural features are natural components of this leather. Actually the naturally created features are what make the leathers such a unique material. They are quality inidcators which demonstrate the authenticity of the material. Each hide is different. They permit us to take a piece of "lived" nature home with us. And they give every single piece of furniture its very own, individual look and feel.

Differences in color and structure

Color and structure differences are included in natural features. Due to the natural material within a single piece of furniture or within a complete group, differences in color for leather are possible and permissible. However, we guarantee careful sorting of colors and selection for the required amount of leather per consigment.

Visibility of natural features

How visible the natural features appear on the finished piece of leather depends on the quality of the leather. With natural leathers (aniline leather), the surface of the hide is neither changed nor hidden. This means that all natural features remain completely visible. With partial covered qualities (semianiline leather) or completely covered leather, an additional pigment coating is applied to the surface. Natural features and characteristics underneath this coat are not as noticeable but not completely lost.

Processing of natural features

Natural features are a natural part of the leather. They have no effect whatsoever on the quality of the leather. This also means that their processing is not a reason for a complaint or claim. However, when cutting the leather, we do try to make sure that the natural features are spread attractively over the finished product. What counts is the harmonious overall look of the piece of furniture. We do not process natural features unless we are sure that the look will not be compromised. Real fault, however, which could affect the quality of the leather, already cut out when cutting the leather.

Quality standards of processing leather

Natural features are processed based on specified standards for the cut. Specific information about how a certain leather quality is processed can be found on the cover sheet of the sample hanger in your furniture store and as part of our leather presentation in the section Collection.

Regardless of the piece of sofa and the visibility   With certain leathers (especially aniline leathers) and to emphazise the individuality of the specific material we intentionally process all natural and growth marks regardless of the particular piece of covering or the character of the feature. Even tiny open spots are possible to occur in the finished covering with these qualities. 

Depending on the piece of sofa and the visibility    
With other leathers natural features are processed depending on the piece of sofa. Differentiation is made between A pieces (so-called visible parts such as the seats, backs or armrests) and B pieces (body, stretched parts, front floor, and so on). Only a few features are processed in A pieces. Also the specification of the natural feature affects how it is processed. Leather frequently exhibits similar things – however sometimes more obvious and sometimes less. Some natural features are only processed as B parts. With others, how obvious the features are is what counts when we decide whether to process parts in the A or B class.

Use of materials

The leather cutting is done by leather cutter. First the required reference parts are optimally distributed on the individual hides. Many, opposing factors must be considered.Through the special features of the material there are actually on an average of around 20% of a leather hide which can't be used.

Breathability

There is the prejudice that leather is cold generally. A prejudice because only a certain type of leather feels cold by first touch. This means the pigmented leather. The surface is finished with additional color pigments. This ensures a uniform appearance and makes the leather more resistant. This, however, also close the single pores. The most easily way compare this to the application of makeup. The breathability decreases. The air exchange with the environment is more difficult. Therefore the temperature changes takes longer, e.g., if you touch the leather. In contrast a pure aniline leather with fully open pores gets immediately warm.