The Difference Between Bonded Leather & Genuine Leather

Have you ever walked into someone’s house and saw their leather living room set cracked or peeling? Chances are it is because they purchased bonded leather thinking it was the genuine product. Sneaky furniture salespeople can advertise bonded leather to be real. However, there is a very significant difference between “real” and “100% genuine” leather. Although they may look similar on the surface, their quality is very different.

At Supernova Furniture, we want to clarify the difference so that you can make informed decisions when shopping for leather furniture.

What is Bonded Leather?

If you have strolled the aisles of a furniture store or browsed online, you may have seen a particular sofa that is much less expensive than other leather pieces. The description of this piece may contain the phrase bonded leather or reconstituted leather.

Bonded leather is an engineered material that consists of many layers sandwiched together. The base is comprised of scraps of genuine leftover leather from other projects. The genuine leather is then shredded or mulched and glued together. A layer of polyurethane seals the material, where it is then stamped with a texture to make it look natural.

While most of these products smell and look like a genuine leather piece, they only contain approximately 20 percent. Over time, the layers of the material dry out and begin cracking and peeling apart, causing even the most well-cared-for pieces to have a shorter lifespan than 100% genuine leather pieces. If the description or tags do not specify the type of leather, ask a salesperson or research the brand and collection online to ensure you are purchasing 100% genuine leather furniture rather than bonded.

Benefits of a Genuine Leather Sofa

If you are considering making a genuine leather sofa purchase, you may be concerned by the luxury price. However, several benefits make it a better buy than bonded leather pieces.

• Durability - Over time, genuine leather gains a soft suppleness that makes it more beautiful than when it was new. It resists heat and sun damage, and when dyed, the color is absorbed into the material so that it doesn’t fade; keeping its vibrant, luxurious color. These factors enable it to have a long and useable lifespan.

• Hypoallergenic – As genuine leather is of thick and high-quality, dander, dust mites, and other common allergens cannot flourish within it. This makes it a better furniture material for allergy sufferers as the tiny critters bounce right off its surface.

• Appearance – Whether you prefer a traditional look or contemporary style, it can be found in genuine leather. Adding sophistication to the room, appearing sleeker than fabric-covered pieces, genuine leather is a great choice for any household.

• Feel and Care - Leather is very easy to clean. When cared for correctly, the furniture pieces can last for years on end. In addition, to nourish the material, the use of a conditioner is only needed once a year.

Leather is an ideal choice for a living room, family room, or den, for everyone from active families, those with pets, and those wanting to add timeless style and grace to their home.

Stop by or Browse Online Today

If your bonded leather sofa, loveseat, and chairs are cracking or peeling, take a picture and visit a SuperNova Furniture location today. Regardless of the condition and no matter where you bought it, we will give you a trade in value for a new 100% leather living room set. Come into our store and explore our selection of top selling furniture or browse our inventory online!