If you are thinking of redecorating your home or office, a quality cowhide rug will help to tie elements of the room together. There are many choices to be made regarding color, size and style. This diversity and choice can be found within cowhide rugs.

Cowhide rugs are made from animal skins. They have been used by man for centuries to adorn walls and floors. Since prehistoric times, animal skins have been fashioned into clothing, furniture, shelter and wall hangings. Having such possessions was seen as a status symbol even in caveman times.

Similarly in modern times, natural leather hides and animal skins are synonymous with quality and status.  The nature of animal skin and leather hides is that once is has been properly cleaned and treated at the leather tannery it will become highly durable. This means your cowhide rug will last a life time with proper care. It is for this reason that cow hide rugs are such a fantastic choice for a floor covering. It will withstand high volumes of traffic as well as being aesthetically beautiful. The animal skins used in the production of cowhide rugs are by products of the meat industry and so it is an environmental decision that you can feel at ease about. No animal has been used for its skin alone.

In addition to environmental factors and its natural strength and durability, cowhide also offers the consumer a plethora of choice regarding design. Cowhide rugs are available in traditional colors and will give any room an earthy feel. Contemporary designs such as bright colors, zebra or tiger designs will modernize any room instantly and create a bold statement. Cowhide rugs can be colored and printed by the manufacturer according to the consumer’s specifications.

Once you have decided on a color, size and design, where you place your rug will be your next decision. Be aware that the beauty of leather hides and cowhide rugs will naturally draw the eye when someone enters the room. Careful consideration of this is important. Ask yourself where you would like people to look upon entering the room? And where would you like people to naturally congregate within the room? Clever placement of your cowhide rug can help you achieve this. Keep in mind that a cowhide rug is very portable and can be moved easily; try the rug in a few different spot and see what works best for your room. 

As with many different industries these days, consumers must be vigilant in doing their research on where to buy leather prior to making their purchases. There are sellers in the market who are peddling fake and inferior animal skins. Be sure that you are dealing with a reputable leather factory or leather manufacturer before parting with your hard earned money.

Once you have purchased your quality cowhide rug, ongoing care and maintenance is required to keep your rug in tip top shape. Weekly vacuuming on a lower setting will be enough to remove surface dirt and dust. Should the cowhide rug become marked by liquid, remove as quickly as possible with a dry cloth. The market is full of leather cleaners however, be sure to read all manufacturers instructions and patch test before using. If in doubt, consult a professional leather cleaner. 

    Unless you actually see a piece of furniture being made, it is difficult to know what is hiding underneath the fabric or the upholstery leather. Once the leather hide has been upholstered to the frame, there is no way of telling what materials have been used and how the components of the frame have been joined.  

Most commonly furniture frames are constructed out of either timber or plywood. It is not unusual that combinations of both materials are used in the construction of furniture and upholstery frames. Metal and steel are less common but are occasionally used in some components of the frame.

Traditionally, solid timber or lumber was used to construct the foundations of upholstered furniture. This material was chosen as it was easily obtained, fairly inexpensive and reasonably easy for manufacturers to work with. The lumber used was durable even when worked into intricate shapes, curves and old-fashioned joinery techniques.

Plywood has been used as a substitute for solid timber particular in cheaper furniture. Plywood is manufactured and sold in large sheets which can be cut in patterns. This reduces waste and keeps costs to a minimum. Plywood sheeting can also be bought in a range of thicknesses depending on what is required.  Whilst the face of a plywood sheet is very strong, it is the edges of the plywood that is the weak link. The edges of the plywood are where nails, screws and glue are used to adhere and join plywood sheets during construction of the upholstery frames. There is no strength in these veneered edges which is the plywood’s downfall.

Traditional joinery techniques that were developed generations ago provide the strongest and longest lasting joins. Most commonly these two joins are referred to as ‘dowel joints’ and ‘mortise and tenon joints’. These joins were invented out of necessity in a time when nails and screws were rare and not affordable. Glues were newly developed and not trusted as a quality way to join timber.

Joining timber with a dowel joint requires the tradesman to drill matching holes in both pieces of lumber. A dowel is then inserted and glued into the pre-drilled holes and the two pieces of timber are joined securely together. A mortise and tenon join involves cutting alternative rectangular slots into each piece of timber. The alternative timber slots are then glued together to create a join with superior strength. Both the dowel joint and the mortise and tennon joint require high levels of precision from the craftsman and the durability of the joins depends on the quality of the glue used. These traditional techniques are done by hand and are labor intensive which is why they are found only in quality furniture frames.

In less expensive furniture, traditional wood working joins have been replaced by glue and long metal staples. This makes production of upholstery quicker and cheaper to manufacture. The benefits of such joins include the elimination of human error as machines cut and join the timber and plywood with precision. However the join relies solely on the glue for its strength. What’s known as a ‘lap joint’, can be used to provide more surface area to be glued for increased stability. Lap joints are commonly used today in cabinetry in bathrooms and kitchens.

Assessing the quality of an upholstery piece can be done in two ways. Check what materials have been used to construct the frames and also how the materials have been joined. High quality upholstery frames will use solid timber such as hardwood and be joined using age old techniques. These types of frames will provide decades of stability and strength. Plywood frames that have been joined using staples will be less expensive upfront but may have to be replaced sooner. Consider what type of treatment your furniture will receive over the coming years. It may be well worth it to invest in upholstery that is supported by solid timber frames and traditional wood working joins.

When talking about whether to upgrade your car so that it has leather seats, you should think about several things, starting with the price. If you are OK with paying a little extra for leather hide, rather than opt for vinyl or some fabric, this investment can be quite lucrative in the long run. For instance, if you plan to resell your car after some time, a car upholstered with leather hides will have a higher value than cars with fabric/vinyl interior, and thus you will get more money.

Moreover, leather is quite durable compared to fabric and vinyl that can tear easily. And when it comes to maintenance, leather beats other interior materials there as well, since all you need for it is a damp cloth and a little detergent (remember not to use any harsh detergents as they can damage leather upholstery). Moreover, leather does not soak the spilt drinks as the other materials do, which is why cars with upholstery leather seats are perfect for a family with small children or for someone who is not so careful. And if you really want your leather seats to last for a lifetime, you should use certain treatments once in a while, that will give a new look to already used leather seats. This will also stop leather from becoming too hard or crack at some places.

Another thing that goes in favor of leather is its comfort. Namely, having upholstery leather car seats, especially for people who spend quite a lot of time in their cars, can make the journey far more comfortable than any other material. Leather hide, be it a cowhide or some other type, is quite thick and supportive, which is what you need to look for in the interior materials.

And final characteristic is the look of the car. Having upholstery leather seats gives that high-end look to the car, makes it more expensive and that much luxurious. If you are one of those who appreciate a luxury, then having a car interior upholstered in leather hides is the right thing for you. All you need to do, is look up a leather hide upholsterer and choose the leather hide that you want.

Thus said, there are some drawbacks to having upholstery leather seats in the car, first of all is that it behaves differently in different weather conditions. Namely, in the places where temperatures go well below the zero, leather can become quite cold and thus your skin will fill its coldness, which is not the best feeling at the temperature below the zero. On the other hand, in the places where temperature goes well above the average, leather can heat easily and thus leave your skin feeling quite hot, another not so pleasant feeling at the 102 °F. Of course, this is valid only for the places with extreme climate. However, if you live in one of these places with the desire to have leather car interior, this problem can be quite easily fixed using built-in seat heating and air-conditioning.

All in all, upgrading the car to having leather upholstery is something worth considering, as it will increase its value, save you a lot of time on the maintenance and give you the comfort that you look for in the car.

As arguable as it may appear, the interior of the car is far more important than the exterior, as how it feels is more important than how it looks. There is now a wide range of auto interior materials, but the basic three are fabric, upholstery leather and vinyl.

The appeal of the fabric lies in that that it comes in different colors and it is highly resistant to UV rays. Although the most famous fabric used in expensive cars is velour, there are some upholsters who do not favor it because of the difficulty of replacing it. Namely, with velour upholsters will have to replace bigger pieces even if the torn is small.

On the other hand, people with smaller income can opt for the vinyl, a poor man’s velour. It is made in variety of colors and textures to satisfy everyone’s taste and it is the best option for the convertible tops as it can be cleaned quite easily, repaired quite easily and it costs far less than fabric. On the other hand, disadvantages of the vinyl lie in that that it can be very hot when it sits in the sun for a few hours, and there are people who just do not feel comfortable when vinyl is touching their skin; they don’t like the feeling of it.

The last, but certainly not the least, choice is upholstery leather. With the leather price going down these days, upholstery leather has become more accessible and many people would rather opt for it. It’s not only the cost that is important to the buyers of the upholstery leather but the feeling, the smell and the easy maintenance of it as well. If you want your car to have that classic look then it is leather that you want, whether to trim some parts of the car or to cover the interior completely. Leather has been a favorite choice of so many classic cars throughout the years and one of the suppliers that prides themselves in quite a diverse choice in leather hide patterns and types is certainly Barbarossa Leather.

As the most expensive version for the car interior, upholstery leather is well worth its price as it adds that luxurious look to the car and makes it stand out. As the times progress so does the technology and design patterns in the upholstery leather industry. The newest upholstery leather includes ‘pull-up’ leather hide, that lightens when it is stretched and gives an antique and natural look and “smoothie look” leather hide that looks a bit retro with aniline-dyed leather. If this is not to your liking, there is also a variety of other leather patterns, such as naked, printed, embossed, antique etc. In addition, the array of types of leather hides is numerous as well, starting with the ordinary cow leather hides, through crocodile leather hides all the way to ostrich leather hides. It seems that leather manufacturers have done everything possible to satisfy everyone’s taste.

However, most people choose rather classic looking patterns and colors, starting with the earth tones, whereas the ones who are blessed with hot rods trim their cars with embossed baby crocodile or with pearlized leather, which has an iridescent look. Upholstery leather can come in different patterns and there are quite a lot of people who would use it only to trim the dashboards. This is the cheaper version of having upholstery leather in the car, but it will satisfy the needs of leather hide fans that are conscious of their budget.

When it comes to maintenance the best and the easiest is with the leather hides, as they require only a damp cloth and a little light detergent. This will be enough to keep your car dirt-free. If you have a fabric as an interior avoid harsh detergents. Moreover, if your convertible top is made of fabric it is best not to use carwashes, as it will damage the fabric. The best advice that can be given about the maintenance whether of leather hides, fabric or vinyl is to make a rule never to bring food and drinks in the car. This will certainly relieve you of any headaches, as there won’t be any spills to clean. And when it comes to maintaining the headliners, keep it in mind that their inside is made of sponge and that it will absorb any harsh detergents that you might be using and consequently it will destroy the headliners. A damp cloth will do the job just fine.

When it comes to upselling the cars, you have to understand the needs of your customers first. Even though they already have a certain idea of how their car should look like, customers are often open to new suggestions, for example installing new custom headliners. Different shapes as well as colors can be embossed in the headliners for a more unique appearance. Another innovation comes in the form of spray-on seat cover that protects from bacteria, water and dirt.

The most important thing for you as an upseller is to be well acquainted with the habits of the future driver so that you can help him choose the right interior for himself. You should ask a lot of question, starting with the ones that will tell you how much wear and tear the car will endure, the number of pets and whether they will be transported in the car, etc. Moreover, you should talk about the maintenance habits of the driver, whether he/she will keep the car in the garage or not, whether they are going to wash it on regular basis, etc.

On the other hand, there are those upsellers who have the power of anticipating what the customers would want. For instance, there are people that cannot tolerate the smell of interior adhesives, and it is up to you to inform them of the possibility of using the spray that does not smell.

A good piece of advice is to avoid cheap upholstery leather whenever you can. As it is quite thin, it will break down easily. This is sure to result in an unsatisfied customer that will lead in your getting a bad reputation for sure.
The bottom line is that you have to keep your customers happy by providing excellent quality and service. A little trip into the world of new upholstery leather products and upsells, will make your work that much fun and we highly recommend it.

Leather may not be the material that first pops into your mind when considering new flooring for your home. But why shouldn’t it? Leather is naturally beautiful and luxurious as well as being durable. Leather tiles can also be colored and dyed according to individual taste, or to suit your existing interiors. 

Leather tiles are made using wholesale leather hides cut to size which are then stuck to wood, this process has made leather flooring less labor intensive to install. Once the tiles are laid, they are coated in a wax sealant which acts similarly to ceramic tile grout in filling any spaces, and making the leather tiles easy to keep clean. 

Leather tiles can be swept and vacuumed the same as most other flooring types and spills can be mopped up with a damp cloth. It is important that leather tiles are refinished each year however, depending on the amount of traffic as well as personal preference it can be left longer. Like upholstery leather used in furniture, natural leather hide looks better with age. If a well worn floor with a rich patina is what you are looking for, refinishing your leather tiles may be less of a priority. If the desired look is to keep the tiles in mint condition, they will need to be re-waxed more regularly. 

The enemy of a beautiful leather floor is direct sunlight and moisture. These factors can cause the leather to buckle and bubble, reducing both its appeal and durability. For these reasons, leather tiles should not be installed in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Leather tiles are much better suited to bedrooms, living rooms and offices. Leather tiles can also be used on walls and ceilings; this is particularly popular in theatre rooms as the leather will naturally absorb sound, lessening echo and enhancing sound quality. 

Leather tiles can be self installed however some important factors will contribute to either the success or failure of the job. It is imperative that the leather tiles are unpacked and stored for at least two weeks in the room where you intend to install them. Remember that leather is a natural material that breathes, and letting the tiles adjust to their new environment is essential. Preparing your existing floor is also important because any uneven surfaces can potentially show through once the tiles are laid. After making sure the existing floor is smooth and clean, read the instructions before you start. Leather should be considered as an investment, and correct installation will ensure you capitalize on that investment. 

An ethical choice for consumers is also available when it comes to leather flooring. Leather needn’t come directly from the leather tannery as tiles made from recycled leather can be purchased. These tiles are made from old furniture, breathing new life into old upholstery leather. Tiles made from wholesale leather hides are sort after for their durability and beauty, and this distinctive flooring type is sure to be the talking point of your home. 

Amazing pictures of embossed leather from our marketing team photo session.

The damage caused by incorrectly cleaning your leather upholstery can result in a lifetime of regret, as well as having to fork out your hard earned cash for a replacement or professional repairs. Follow the tips below to give yourself the best chance of successfully cleaning your upholstery leather. 

#1 – Know your leather

Get acquainted with your furniture and establish exactly what type of upholstery leather you’re dealing with. Furniture manufacturers should label the furniture with a code that is specific to the type of materials used in its production. These codes are usually tagged on the furniture in an inconspicuous spot, so look carefully. Here are a few of the more common leather codes:

“A” stands for Analine which is raw, unfinished leather. Analine is very delicate, prone to abrasions and should be kept away from direct sunlight.

“P” stands for Protected leather and refers to leather that has been colored and treated with a clear protective coating. These leathers will be more resistant to abrasions and is the most widely used leather type for upholstery because it is hard wearing and durable. 

“N” stands for NuBuck Leather but is also know as Suede. It is similar to Analine leather however the surface of NuBuck leather has been brushed to mimic the feel of velvet. Just like Analine, NuBuck leather is extremely delicate and can be quite pricey. 

#2 – Not all cleaning products are created equal

Some products are marketed as ‘multi-purpose’ cleaners and conditioners, and understandably consumers can become overwhelmed. It is imperative that you get specific, the more specific the better. If you need to clean leather car interiors, purchase automotive leather cleaner. If you want to clean your furniture, purchase upholstery leather cleaner. Furthermore, patch test the cleaning product in a hidden place such as the underside of your sofa prior to attacking a stain or surface dirt with gusto. Patch testing will only take a few minutes, and could possible save you immense heart ache. 

#3 – Avoid excessive liquids

Liquid cleaners can be turned into foam by using a regular household foamer. Using a clean dry cloth, apply your cleaning foam to the required area. Do not use a harsh rubbing motion, small circles work best. Using a new clean dry cloth, remove the cleaner using a blotting motion. Allow the area to dry completely before working a cream conditioner into the upholstery leather. 

**Special considerations for NuBuck Leather 

If the leather hide is not particularly dirty and you only intend to remove surface dirt and dust, using a specialized NuBuck cleaning cloth should suffice. For more serious marks or surface dirt be sure to massage the cleaning foam into the nap of the leather. Once you have blotted the area clean, use a hair dyer on low setting to dry the area while using a soft bristled brush to restore the natural nap. 

#4 – Professional Care

Cleaning leather can be tricky so if you have any doubts or concerns enlist the help of a professional. The techniques used in the production of wholesale leather hides at a traditional leather tannery are wide and varied. A reputable professional will be knowledgeable in all grades of upholstery leather and can take the stress out of maintaining your leather furniture.

Leather may not be the material that first pops into your mind when considering new flooring for your home. But why shouldn’t it? Leather is naturally beautiful and luxurious as well as being durable. Leather tiles can also be colored and dyed according to individual taste, or to suit your existing interiors. 

Leather tiles are made using leather cut to size which are then stuck to wood, this process has made leather flooring less labor intensive to install. Once the tiles are laid, they are coated in a wax sealant which acts similarly to ceramic tile grout in filling any spaces, and making the leather tiles easy to keep clean. 

Leather tiles can be swept and vacuumed the same as most other flooring types and spills can be mopped up with a damp cloth. It is important that leather tiles are refinished each year however, depending on the amount of traffic as well as personal preference it can be left longer. Like upholstery leather used in furniture, natural leather hide looks better with age. If a well worn floor with a rich patina is what you are looking for, refinishing your leather tiles may be less of a priority. If the desired look is to keep the tiles in mint condition, they will need to be re-waxed more regularly. 

The enemy of a beautiful leather floor is direct sunlight and moisture. These factors can cause the leather to buckle and bubble, reducing both its appeal and durability. For these reasons, leather tiles should not be installed in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Leather tiles are much better suited to bedrooms, living rooms and offices. Leather tiles can also be used on walls and ceilings; this is particularly popular in theatre rooms as the leather will naturally absorb sound, lessening echo and enhancing sound quality. 

Leather tiles can be self installed however some important factors will contribute to either the success or failure of the job. It is imperative that the leather tiles are unpacked and stored for at least two weeks in the room where you intend to install them. Remember that leather is a natural material that breathes, and letting the tiles adjust to their new environment is essential. Preparing your existing floor is also important because any uneven surfaces can potentially show through once the tiles are laid. After making sure the existing floor is smooth and clean, read the instructions before you start. Leather should be considered as an investment, and correct installation will ensure you capitalize on that investment. 

An ethical choice for consumers is also available when it comes to leather flooring. Leather needn’t come directly from the leather tannery as tiles made from recycled leather can be purchased. These tiles are made from old furniture, breathing new life into old upholstery leather. Tiles made from wholesale leather hides are sort after for their durability and beauty, and this distinctive flooring type is sure to be the talking point of your home. 

What you need to know before purchasing Leather Furniture

Aside from the house itself, purchasing leather furniture can be one of the biggest investments you make for your home. It’s for that reason that you should spend some time researching and educating yourself before handing over your hard earned cash. Prepare yourself with knowledge so that you can make an informed decision as opposed to being swayed by a clever salesperson.

Leather Grades

Wholesale leather hides are evaluated before they even leave the leather tannery and are then graded according to their quality. Full grain leather is the most highly regarded, lusted over for its natural beauty, supple feel and durability. When full grain leather is dyed, it penetrates right through so in the event that the leather is scratched it will be less noticeable. It is the most expensive type of upholstery leather available but should be considered a sound investment given its ability to age gracefully and withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. 

Top grain leather is also a popular choice although it is thinner than full grain leather. This can make it more susceptible to perforation and fading. Top grain leather is less expensive initially, although may require more maintenance in the long run. 

Leather Finishes

Understanding how leather is tanned and finished is imperative prior to purchasing. Aniline leather has a naturally wrinkly appearance as it is not treated with any dyes or finishes. Alternatively, other leathers are coated with protective finishes to prevent wear and tear which can increase the rigidity of the leather. Be aware that manufacturers are able to produce materials that mimic the look and feel of authentic leather. These synthetic materials are commonly referred to as artificial leather.

Texture and Feel

The feel of the upholstery leather will largely depend on the grade. More expensive leathers will be more supple and flexible whereas cheaper leathers tend to be more rigid. Consider how much your sofa will be utilized. Will your sofa be well used and loved or will it be admired from afar in a formal sitting room? If your lounge will be subject to high volumes of use you should consider outlaying more for a higher quality of leather. 

Set your Price

And stick to it! It can be easy to get caught up in the desirability of leather furniture. If you can’t afford the quality leather you crave, consider waiting until you can. Purchasing a leather sofa or club chair is a long term investment and should be treated as such. 

After Care

You’ve done your research, saved your pennies and finally your new leather furniture is in your home. Although leather is relatively low maintenance and hard wearing, caring for your leather correctly is important. Be wary of dousing your new purchase with over the counter cleaners and conditioners. Remove surface dust with a soft cloth and leave more serious cleaning jobs to a leather care professional.

Enjoy!

From the leather tannery to your home, furniture made from wholesale leather hides will provide years of enjoyment. So relax, knowing that you have made an educated and smart purchase in comfort and quality.