When facing the choice of leather for your furniture, it can be a challenge to determine which type best suits your needs. Essentially, there are primarily two types of leather to consider: Aniline leather and Classic leather, also known as semi-aniline leather. But which of these leather types is best for you, and what are the pros and cons? That's what we'll try to clarify below.
It is crucial to consider your needs and preferences regarding the leather's development. If you have children, you might prefer leather that can resist stains and wear while being easy to maintain. Alternatively, if you appreciate leather developing a beautiful patina over time and don't mind providing the necessary care, aniline leather may align more with your preferences.


What is Classic leather?

Classic leather, also known as semi-aniline leather, is a combination of pigmented and aniline leather with a light surface treatment, making the leather resistant and easy to maintain and clean.


Classic leather has been treated with a minimal amount of dye and a protective finish, making it ideal for furniture exposed to wear and stains. The surface treatment helps protect the leather from damage and stains. At the same time, Classic leather retains its softness and pleasant feel, preserving some of the natural structures and details of the hide. This makes it popular for those who want leather with the right touch but is easy to maintain and can withstand everyday use.


Advantages of Classic leather


Good durability: Classic leather has a surface treatment that makes it resistant to wear and stains, and the surface treatment also prevents the leather from fading in color.
Easy to Clean: The surface treatment provides some protection, giving you more time to remove spills before they penetrate the leather. If you spill on it, you can easily wipe it off with a damp cloth to avoid stains.


Disadvantages of Classic leather


Minimal patina: Classic leather develops only a minimal patina over time and can be slightly less comfortable than aniline leather since the leather is more closed on the surface and doesn't breathe as well as aniline leather.


Maintenance of Classic leather


Classic leather only needs light maintenance; if you spill on it, you can simply wipe the leather with a damp cloth to clean it. We recommend treating Classic leather with Leather Balm 1-2 times a year to clean it and keep the leather soft, but this is not a requirement.


What is Aniline leather


Aniline leather is a natural leather that appears without surface treatment, meaning the leather will develop a beautiful patina over time as it takes on stains and natural marks from use. The leather is incredibly soft and comfortable and comes with signs from nature, such as stretch marks and insect bites, giving aniline leather a more raw and natural appearance.


Advantages of Aniline leather

Natural Feel: Closest to the natural look and feel of raw leather.

Supple and Comfortable: Extremely soft and comfortable to sit on.

No Surface Coating: No artificial surface treatment, showcasing the true natural characteristics of the leather, and the leather will develop a beautiful patina over time.


Disadvantages of Aniline leather

Vulnerability: More susceptible to stains and spills, as there's no protective coating. Since the leather has no surface treatment, the color can also fade over time.

Requires Treatment: The leather requires treatment 2-3 times a year with

Visible Aging: Develops a rich patina over time, especially in areas exposed to heavy use.


Maintenance of Aniline Leather


The leather should be treated with leather balm approximately 2-3 times a year to maintain its softness and prevent it from drying out and cracking. Leather balm also provides a light protection to the surface of the leather.


Conclusion: Choosing the right Leather for your needs


If you want leather that is easy to maintain and resistant to stains, Classic leather is the optimal choice. If, on the other hand, you prefer leather that develops over time and acquires a beautiful patina, Aniline leather is the best choice for you.
To illustrate the development of the two leather types, a picture below shows how Classic leather and Aniline leather will look after approximately 10 years of use. As you can see, Classic leather has retained its color, appears without stains, and shows minimal patina. The Aniline leather, on the other hand, has developed a distinct patina with some stains and scratches.