|
While the frame defines style and the fillings comfort, it is the final cover of
the suite that makes it yours. We have extensive choices in both fabric and leather,
and you’ll also find ranges which mix the two, to stunning effect. Here’s a brief
guide to your cover options:
Leather (hide): One of the oldest natural materials known to man,
leather is synonymous with quality and the finer things in life. Only leather upholstery
can claim to improve with time, developing a character all of its own. Leather wears
in, fabric wears out.
Improved processing methods and increased demand for leather products means leather
is no longer an expensive option. Furniture Village offers some top quality suites
at extraordinarily low prices. We were one of the first retailers to offer sofas
in some of the more unusual leathers.
Each hide is unique and there are several methods of leather production process
to create different looks. We have trained leather specialists in every store who
will explain the different finishes:
Corrected grain: Most commonly used in upholstery, the top layer
of the hide is buffed off to reduce imperfections. Colour is applied to the surface,
and a roller embosses a grain-like pattern on top of it. Suites in corrected grain
leather are easy to recognise because of their even colour and matt finish. Particularly
durable, this hide is easy to care for, and excellent for a family environment.
Semi-analine: The production process for this leather often involves
more than one colour. The hides have been through-dyed. The resulting leather is
very soft to handle. It is not unusual to have a sheen or gloss to it, and customers
should be aware there will be some shade variations between the panels used to make
an item of furniture. Semi-analine can bring a real sumptuous feel to your furniture.
Analine: This is leather in its most natural state with little
or no surface-coating to hide the natural features of the hide. You see all of the
unique characteristics that are the hallmarks of this natural product. It is very
soft to the touch.
Natural leathers: These include Nubuck suede, oiled and waxed finishes.
We also offer a range of hand finished hides which look aged or distressed to create
a fashionably casual appearance.
Natural characteristics such as scars, shade variations and blemishes
are what makes real leather a unique, natural and discerning option.
Fabrics: Fabrics enhance the look and feel of your sofa. There
are 2 types of fabric suite: loose cover and fixed cover.
Loose cover: These are removable covers which can be either machine
washed at low temperatures or professionally cleaned. Loose cover sofas are often
more casual in style. Choose covers held in place by Velcro stitched on to the calico
frame cover if you want a more tailored look.
Fabrics used for removable covers are often made from natural fibres such as 100%
cotton. Always have all the covers of your suite cleaned together as it is quite
normal for some colour to be lost during the washing process. It is always worth
considering an extra set of covers too: choose a different colour and you have in
effect two suites!
Fixed cover: If you cannot take the fabric off the frame of your
furniture, it is fixed cover. Even cushions of fixed cover suites should not be
washed. See our
Upholstery Care Guide
for advice on cleaning them.
Fixed cover allows the fabrics to be pulled tight to the frame. Arms are tailored
for a contemporary look, or pleated for a more traditional style. The choice of
fabrics is much greater than for loose cover. You can choose between formal velvets,
soft chenilles, hard wearing microfibres, faux suedes and woven designs. Our in
store specialists will happy to show you all your options.
|