Leather is a natural material that is often a popular choice for upholstery and pieces of furniture. What some people don't realize however is that leather is now being used for flooring and even wall coverings. If you haven’t given leather much thought, it may be time to learn about the benefits that come along with it.

A quality rug can add taste and texture to a room, warm up floors that are cold to the touch and absorb echoes in a sparse living space. Leather rugs are no different, but they can be a sizable investment in comparison to wool or cotton rugs, so buyers would be wise to take great care of them at all times. With proper cleaning, a leather rug can be a centerpiece for your room and a valuable heirloom.

A leather rug may come in many textures, forms and finishes, its manufacture using natural or synthetic products. It offers natural qualities, durability and comfort. It is normally intended for interior home use or low-traffic areas. On Archi Expo, these rugs are arranged by properties such as style or motif.

Technologies

The type of tanning process, finish and leather have a significant effect on the rug's durability and maintenance requirements. An aniline finish, dyed but without a protective coating, may be preferred for its natural imperfections. However, it stains more easily and is harder to clean than a pigmented leather finish, which is protected by a polymer coating. Pigmented leather can be wiped clean and comes in a wider variety of colors, but has a less natural appearance and may crack over time.

How to choose

Ensure that rug texture, color and appearance work well with the surrounding decor and furniture. Avoid versions requiring significant care in high-traffic areas and situations where they may be soiled or damaged easily. Certain colors and textures tend to conceal damage and dirt, and can affect maintenance needs. Consider ease of care and cleaning, and how well the rug will age

Types of Leather

In selecting the best types of leather for any application, or buying ready made leather products, it is important to understand the various leather types produced today and their processes. This leather terminology and glossary defines in general terms the various types of grains and their process. We encourage customers to ask questions first and become familiar with these terms before making any buying decisions. As most leather product re sellers today have never themselves tanned hides, you cannot expect them to know the difference either. Buckskin Leather Company offers only those types we believe in ourselves which are not misleading the customer into believing the look is something it is not. We are available for free advise whether you are buying our product or otherwise.

1. Full Grain or Top Grain Leather

This is the upper layer of a hide which is split into layers by a splitting machine to various thickness. This outer layer will show natural scars and hair cell patterns if left as uncorrected natural grain. The thickness can vary depending on the gauge set at the time of splitting and the application. Thereafter the hides can be colored & given various protective finishes. Whether produced for Upholstery, Garment, Shoe or Saddlery, these are the best types of leather as they are the strongest and most durable and valuable layer of hide.

2. Corrected or Embossed Grain

Hides which have an excessive amount of scratches or scars are further processed by “correcting” the natural grain of a Full Grain skin. After splitting to the required thickness, this natural grain is buffed or sanded and replaced with an embossed grain and finish to simulate various hair cell patterns. The resulting effect will look flawless with no natural scars showing, but this is no longer the real or natural grain. The original feel or hand of the natural skin and durability is also reduced with a synthetic grain and finish. Many applications for shoe and handbag leather are embossed with unique exotic prints to simulate the look as well. This process is utilized in many Garments and Upholstery while still represented as “full grain leather” which technically it is that layer.

3. Split Suede

The second layer or lower layer of the skin left after removing the Full Grain layer is the Split Suede and will be suede on both sides. These types of leathers also will come in various thickness depending on application. As this is a byproduct of hide tanning it is less costly and therefore utilized in products where Full Grain is not required such as tool pouches, moccasins, suede garments etc.. This layer of the skin can also be further processed by the application of a synthetic finish and hair cell to one side of the suede to create an artificial look of Full Grain leather, known as “finished split” hide. This is used extensively in lower cost furniture and garments and represented as “Genuine Leather” which technically it still is although it may look like something it is not.

4. Nubuck Sueded Grain

This Full Grain layer of the skin is given a suede effect by lightly sanding the natural grain to open the hair cell and results in a velvety suede feel. This is also correcting imperfections in the natural grain and although soft to the touch, it is a sensitive effect. Care must be taken against soiling or staining as it is very difficult if not impossible to clean afterward. This effect is utilized in many garments and Upholstery products.

5. Reconstituted, Bonded or Fibre Leather

Here leather remnants and scraps from garment and shoe factories are ground up and recycled. In these types of leather the fiber particles are bonded with adhesive into a fabric followed by the application of a synthetic grain, hair-cell pattern and finish. This material will have a suede back and looks of smooth Full Grain leather , while it is essentially Particle board leather. As it is comprised of at least 51% leather fiber, it is represented as “Genuine leather” and utilized in many low priced garment and upholstery finished products.

Leather, and Faux Leather have longevity

While there are many durable fabrics out there, such as cotton and wool, leather is still going to outlast it. Some ideal features about leather are that it doesn't tear, it ages well and it remains hardy against sun and heat. Newer, more modern leather doesn't crack or peel and also retains its shape after stretching. And, unlike many fabrics out there, leather becomes more supple with age, making it a wise investment.

Low-Maintenance

Leather is a wonderful fabric for those with busy lifestyles. Where many fabrics require costly procedures or special solvents to keep them clean, leather doesn't. Although leather conditioners are available, often times, all that is required is a simple wipe with a clean cloth to clean up dust and spills.

They are Extremely Comfortable

Not only is leather supple, it adjusts to your body temperature, making it the perfect choice for couches and chairs. You could say that leather is like skin because of its pores and ability to breathe.

Leather and Faux Lather are Versatile

As mentioned earlier, leather is being used in different capacities these days. Today, you can find leather used in flooring and wall coverings. Leather can also be used to cover things like tabletops and headboards. This versatility makes it easy to find ways to incorporate leather into just about any decor style.

Value, or Perceived Value

If you have even been car shopping, you know that cars with leather interiors have bigger price tags. It’s really no different when it comes to items in your home. Whatever is covered in leather will have more value than something.

Ways to Add Leather (Real or Faux) to Your Home

Often times, people equate leather with masculinity. True, leather can have add a masculine feel to a space, but only if you let it. If you're unsure how to add leather into your home without it taking over the space, here are some tips that may help:

• Pale accents such as cream or white accent pillows, throw blankets, rugs and accessories can soften the look of dark leather.
• Get balance by way of textiles and paint on walls and furniture. Color is a great way to make the space look more cozy and comfortable.
• Go for something small rather than not at all. In other words, if a sofa is too much leather for you, get a leather ottoman or accent chair instead.
• Consider having the leather dyed to something that suits your taste and decor more.

When you are looking for a fabric store you can definitely visit therugmall.com for great deals on discount designer fabrics. You will find something for every home interior project from gorgeous drapery fabrics to light weight cotton fabrics and luxurious Dupioni silk fabrics.

Leather Shag Rug Cleaning in the DFW Area

Leather shag rugs are versatile and stylish additions to almost any home or office. They come in multiple colors from natural to neon and bring a luxurious texture that is complementary to any decor. Rug Cleaning recommends professionally cleaning your leather rugs at least once a year to maintain your investment and keep your rugs in great condition.

Contact us today to find out how to keep your leather area rugs looking and feeling new. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is standing by to answer all of your rug care questions.

Leather Shag Rug Dusting and Vacuuming

While Leather rugs do require professional cleaning every 12-18 months to properly maintain them, they're relatively simple to keep clean and dust free at home between professional cleanings.  To maintain leather rugs between professional cleanings, simply shake them out on a weekly basis to remove dust particles and small fragments lodged within the pile. This will prevent grit and debris from settling deep within the pile and from scratching the leather of your rug.

Leather Rug Maintenance

• Use the upholstery attachment of a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris.
• Do not use the roller or beater bar of a vacuum to vacuum your rug as this will pull and damage the fringe.
• Keep your leather rug out of high-traffic areas.
• Rotate your leather shag rug for even wear.
• Do not place heavy furniture on your area rug.
• Avoid discoloration and fading by keeping rug out of direct sunlight.
• Have your leather area rugs cleaned professionally for tough stains and every 12-18 months for deep cleaning.

Leather Rug Spot Cleaning Tips

Rug Cleaning recommends having your leather rugs professionally cleaned, especially when you have a tricky stain. Natural leather can easily discolor or stain if it comes in contact with chemical cleaners so we do not recommend using harsh chemicals and detergents at home. For tough stain removal from food, beverage or pet stains, contact Rug Cleaning and our expert rug technicians will professionally clean your rug with care.

However, if you prefer to try to spot cleaning your leather rug at home, read the manufacturer’s directions and follow the leather rug spot cleaning tips below. If you attempt to clean your rug at home, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. If the manufacturer advises against washing your leather rug with soap and water, then foam leather cleaners can be used with caution according to the bottle's directions. Do not clean your leather rugs on an indoor surface such carpet or wood flooring as the dyes used in leather can cause color bleeds that will stain on contact.

1. Use a clean, white cotton towel and dip it in the soapy solution or the foam cleanser.
2. Gently blot the stain with the towel. Do not over saturate as color bleeds and rug abrasions can occur.
3. Use a clean damp towel to gently wipe and remove any remaining soap or foam residue. Repeat until you are satisfied that no residue remains.
4. Soak up any remaining moisture by blotting the rug with a clean, dry white cotton towel.
5. Finally, air dry your leather rugs, but be careful of direct sunlight as it may fade your rug. Do not step on the rug until it is completely dry.
6. Take your rug outdoors and shake it out, this is a quick way to get rid of loose dust particles that gathered on it due to foot traffic or miscellaneous loose dust in the room. Once you've done that, bring the rug inside.
7. Mix water and a mild, natural soap into a bowl or a bucket, depending on the size of your rug. If the manufacturer of the leather doesn't recommend cleaning with soap and water, use a foam-based leather cleaner.
8. Dip a rag into the cleaning mixture and wipe softly in a circular pattern.
9. Wipe away any residue from the soap or foam with a second rag dipped in clean water and wrung for excess moisture.
10. Blot the rug dry using soft towels weighed down with heavy objects. A book will do the job nicely. This will reduce the possibility of scratching or color damage from any cleaner you haven't completely wiped away. If the rug is still moist after you've blotted it, allow it to air dry.