Putting Your Hide on Leather Hide

Who doesn’t like the sound as they sit down on a piece of outdoor furniture and are surrounded by such a luxurious material? The gentle crackling sound also may take you back to the Wild West as cowboys saddle up for a long ride. Few pieces create a country or lodge look so easily as rustic leather living room furniture. 

While you may not have heard of it before, there is such a thing as rustic leather furniture. Toss out your images of the Hollywood-style leather furniture in unnatural colors and shapes. Instead, picture leather and wood pieces that have the country colors that will match your rustic décor and give you a comfortable place to rest at the end of the day.

Imagine for a moment that you’ve just ended a day of grand adventure outdoors. You and your buddy are kicking back in a pair of rustic leather chairs in front of the fireplace, your feet resting on a leather ottoman. You’re comparing fishing stories about the big one that got away. Pretty nice way to end the day, isn’t it?

While you may like the idea of leather furniture, for those who have never owned it, there may be a lot of concerns and questions. What do I need to know about leather? How do you care for it? Here are the answers you’re looking for.

When you are considering  rustic leather furniture, you’ll inevitably notice a higher price tag than regular fabric furniture. But that price tag comes with benefits. Quality leather, the more expensive stuff, will look better and last longer in your home than fabric.

You may also spot a wrinkle or crease in the leather furniture; that’s natural. Keep in mind this is made of animal hide, much like our skin, there are bound to be a few wrinkles and creases. Also, like our skin, it will stretch and mold to its use over time. It can also fade if left in the sunlight.

Care of leather furniture is simple. Generally, you only need to dust it. Periodically, go over it with a damp cloth and some mild soap to give it a full cleaning.