Bonded Leather

November 7, 2011 admin bonded leather

Bonded leather started hitting the market for the first time back in 2007. Manufacturers and salespeople alike were concerned about the use of the word leather to describe this new material that’s actually made from very little genuine leather. However, bonded leather furniture can cost 30% less or more than traditional leather furniture, making it a great alternative for budget conscious consumers.

What is Bonded Leather

Bonded leather is a fabric material that consists of varying amounts of real leather that’s combined with other materials to create a material that looks like leather, but costs much less. Bonded leather is used to upholster furniture, bind books, and create clothing and fashion accessories.

There are several different types of bonded leather that are created for a variety of uses. The most common type of bonded leather used to upholster furniture is a vinyl fabric that’s backed with a layer of latex that contains small pieces of recycled leather. The amount of leather used depends on the manufacturer and quality of fabric.

A stamp is applied to the vinyl surface to help give it the same texture as genuine leather. In the furniture industry there’s quite a heated debated regarding the ethics of furniture retailers describing their vinyl furniture as “bonded leather”, when there are no real regulations regarding the amount of leather being used in these products.

Benefits of Bonded Leather

The price is definitely the main benefit of bonded leather. Would you rather spend $1400 or $2000 on a new sectional that’s the same in every way except for the fabric used to upholster it? Bonded leather makes high end furniture affordable to more people.

Bonded leather has the same look and feel as genuine leather. On high quality bonded leather fabric you can hardly tell the difference. It may be more obvious on low end fabric, but like most things you get what you pay for.

Bonded leather even smells like real leather. The leather used to make the bonded leather fabric is enough to give the vinyl the smell of real leather. It’s so similar it can be hard to tell the difference.

You could even argue that bonded leather is good for the environment. Leather scraps that wouldn’t have been otherwise used are recycled to create bonded leather. Maybe you’re not saving the rain forest with this one, but it’s still a consideration.

Bonded Leather Vs Genuine Leather

Bonded leather is made from small pieces of genuine leather that have been infused into the fabric’s backing. Bonded leather looks and can even smell like genuine leather. The biggest difference between bonded leather and genuine leather is quality and durability. No bonded leather can match the durability of real leather.

Bonded leather also doesn’t age like real leather does. Genuine leather will typically get better with age, becoming more soft and “worn in”. Bonded leather on the other hand will begin to crack over time as the vinyl separates from the layer of bonded leather below. This can create deep cracks on worn areas of bonded leather.

If you’re interested in purchasing furniture that’ll be passed down to your great grand kids, bonded leather probably isn’t the best choice. If you’re looking for a great deal on great looking brand new furniture on the other hand, bonded leather may be perfect for you. Bonded leather costs significantly less than genuine leather which makes it a popular choice when money is tight.

Bonded Leather Vs Bicast Leather

Bicast leather is created by applying polyurethane to a layer of split leather. This poly coated leather is then embossed to give it a realistic leather texture. Bicast leather, also known as bycast leather, was first created for the shoe industry although it has been readily adopted by furniture manufacturers as a cheap alternative to genuine leather.

The difference between bonded leather and bicast leather is that bicast leather is created from sheets of leather, which may be created from scraps, while bonded leather uses leather particles infused into latex. Bicast leather will generally contain much more real leather than bonded leather.

Bonded Leather Furniture

There are many different types of bonded leather furniture including:

• Bonded Leather Couches / Sofas
• Bonded Leather Sectionals
• Bonded Leather Chairs
• Bonded Leather Recliners
• Bonded Leather Ottomans
• Bonded Leather Storage Benches

Bonded Leather Storage Ottoman

A bonded leather storage ottoman is a great way to store books, magazines, remotes and more in your living room. The ottoman you rest your feet on doubles as a storage container you can easily reach from your favorite chair. Bonded leather storage ottomans cost significantly less than genuine leather storage ottomans, helping you to make best use of your interior design budget.

Carlsbad Bonded Leather Storage Ottoman

The Carlsbad bonded leather storage ottoman is one of the most popular bonded leather ottomans available. It was available at Costco but has been so popular they’re having a hard time keeping them in stock. As of writing this article there are currently none available to order online.

The reviews for the Carlsbad bonded leather storage ottoman are extremely positive. People love the dark espresso color that looks almost black. It has a closing mechanism that slowly closes the top to avoid pinching little fingers that go in to get their toys. Overall the Carlsbad bonded leather storage ottoman took 5 out of 5 stars with no negative reviews to speak of.

Hayes Bonded Leather Storage Bench

The Hayes bonded leather storage bench is another popular bonded leather piece being sold by Costco. Unlike the Carlsbad bonded leather storage ottoman, you can still find the Hayes bonded leather storage bench available for sale.

The smooth curves and padded arms and cushioned seat make the Hayes bonded leather storage bench a luxurious piece of furniture without the high price tag. This storage bench is perfect for keeping at the end of your bed to store extra pillows and blankets and give you a place to sit down when you’re getting dressed or putting your shoes on in the morning.

Bonded Leather Sofa

A bonded leather sofa might also be known as a bonded leather couch. Bonded leather sofas are an inexpensive alternative to classic leather sofas. They will have a similar feel to genuine leather which makes them a great place to curl up after a long day of work.

Simmons Bonded Leather Sofa

Simmons makes some amazing bonded leather sofas including reclining sofas, sofa sleepers and traditional sofas. Owning a Simmons bonded leather sofa is a great way to get a quality piece of furniture for a fraction of the price you’d pay for a genuine leather sofa.

Bonded Leather Sectional

A bonded leather sectional will allow you to get more sectional for your money compared to a real leather sectional. Sectionals are expensive enough without the extra 30% real leather would cost you. Sectionals are perfect for parties, family get-togethers, or the big game. Sectionals can easily sit four or more people and can be made with recliners or sleepers built-in.

Dillon Bonded Leather Sectional

The Dillon bonded leather sectional is another bonded leather piece available from Costco. It basically just looks like a regular sofa with a chaise lounge at one end. The Dillion bonded leather sectional wasn’t met with very good reviews which may be why Costco has chosen to discontinue this bonded leather sectional.

Bonded Leather Chair

Bonded leather chairs give you the classic look of leather without the added cost. There are many different kinds of bonded leather chairs including:

• Bonded Leather Bar Stools
• Bonded Leather Recliners
• Bonded Leather Executive Chairs
• Bonded Leather Mid-back Chairs

Bonded Leather Recliner

A bonded leather recliner is a great place to kick back after a long day at work. Bonded leather recliners come in many different sizes and styles. Features may include rocking, swiveling or reclining 180 degrees into a full sleeping position. With the money you save on one bonded leather recliner you can buy a second one for a his and hers set.

EZ Bonded Leather Executive Chair

The EZ Bonded leather executive chair has a modern style matched with an affordable price. It comes in black or walnut to match any home or office décor. The EZ bonded leather executive chair is extremely easy to get setup, assembling completely without the use of any tools at all.

The EZ bonded leather executive chair features a plush padded head rest, luxurious contoured cushions and a waterfall seat. It has adjustable lumbar support and variable seat height that can be adjusted for maximum comfort. It’s has a classic high-end executive chair look with an affordable price tag, usually costing under $150 brand new.

Nazario Bonded Leather Executive Chair

The Nazario bonded leather executive chair provides an upscale look at a price anyone can afford. I’ve seen them available for as little as $99 new with free shipping online, which is an amazing deal for this high quality bonded leather executive chair.

It has all the bells and whistles of more expensive leather executive chairs like contoured pads, padded headrest, lumbar support and adjustable height. The bonded leather chair would look great in any home or office and is available at a price that can’t be beat. Real leather executive chairs of this quality would easily go for $200 or more.

Eaton Mid-Back Bonded Leather Chair

The Eaton mid-back bonded leather chair is another great choice for the home or office. It’s stylish, comfortable and more importantly it’s a great deal. These chairs run about $129 which is more expensive than other executive chairs we’ve mentioned, but it’s also more highly rated. It’s a popular product at OfficeDepot.com and currently has 4.5 out of 5 stars with a few very positive reviews.

The Eaton mid-back bonded leather chair features soft bonded leather over ergonomic body cushions as well as lumbar support for your lower back. The padded arm rests are a nice touch. Not all executive chairs have padded arm rests, which can lead to sore arms and elbows after a long day at the office. The only downside to the Eaton mid-back bonded leather chair is that it doesn’t feature a padded head rest for this occasional mid afternoon naps.

Carlin High-Back Bonded Leather Chair

The Carlin High-Back bonded leather chair is another popular executive chair at OfficeDepot.com for only $129. This chair is very similar to the mid-back chair we looked at above, except that it has the full high-back with padded headrest. The mid-back received better reviews overall though, so it’s really a matter of personal preference.

The soft bonded leather actually improves with age, becoming softer the more you sit in it. Features like tilt angle and tilt tension allow you more options with this chair than others. You can set exactly how hard you must lean back to begin reclining, which most chairs don’t have. This allows you to set a higher tension of only recline back a little if you choose.

Bonded Leather Repair

If you own bonded leather furniture, it’s important to know how to repair bonded leather. Over time the layer of vinyl or propylene will begin to separate from the leather and latex backing which can causes cracks in the surface of the bonded leather.

Regular leather repair kits can be used to repair bonded leather. Most leather repair kits include a felt pen that allows you to color in the cracks, making them less noticeable. If your crack has developed a “lip”, you will need to glue the fabric back together. You can lift the lip using a pin and apply glue between the lip and adjacent material. Make sure you color the material if necessary before applying the glue. Press the lip down and wipe away excess glue and allow to dry.

How to Clean Bonded Leather

Cleaning bonded leather isn’t difficult and can be done at home with a few simple items. You should wear gloves while you clean your bonded leather to keep your hands from getting wet. You can use a small drop of dish soap and a splash of vinegar mixed together in a small bucket or bowl. Dip a clean cloth or towel into the liquid and then ring out, but not completely. You need a little moisture to work with.

Using the cloth, wipe the bonded leather to clean away the dirt and debris. After you have cleaned the bonded leather, you will want to dry it with another clean towel. Now would be a good time to give your furniture a good vacuum to clean out all the cheetos and pennies that fell down in the cushions. After your bonded leather is clean and dry you can apply a tablespoon of leather condition to another cloth and wipe your bonded leather down to help condition and protect it.

To get spills off of bonded leather, blot gently with a white cloth or towel as soon as possible. Using a colored towel could actually transfer color to your bonded leather fabric. It’s important not to use harsh soaps or alcohol based products to clean your bonded leather furniture as it can dry out and damage the vinyl.

Bonded Leather FAQ

People have many questions regarding bonded leather. Here are a few answers to the most common questions we get about bonded leather.

Is Bonded Leather Durable?

Bonded leather is more durable than some fabrics, yet not as durable as genuine leather is. Bonded leather can easily last you many years, but may not be an heirloom piece passed down 10 generations in your family. Bonded leather does wear in a little and become more comfortable with use, but after some time the vinyl will begin to crack and separate from the layer of latex and leather below. When this happens you can use a leather repair kit to extend the life of your bonded leather furniture.

What Does Bonded Leather Mean?

Bonded leather is mostly a sales ploy for the uninitiated, meaning that while it is made with real leather, the leather isn’t on the outside where you will feel it. Bonded leather is like ground up scraps of recycled leather that are applied to a layer of latex and then covered with vinyl and stamped to give the appearance of real leather. Because bonded leather has leather in the fabric backing, it may actually smell like real leather too, giving the appearance of real leather.

Bonded leather is much less expensive than genuine leather which makes it a good choice for people who want the same look for less. However, like most things you get what you pay for. Bonded leather may last as long or longer than some other fabrics used to upholster furniture but it’ll never be as good as real genuine leather is for durability and comfort.

Is Bonded Leather Real Leather?

Bonded leather is MADE using real leather, but it’s not actually considered real leather. A salesman in a furniture store once told me bonded leather furniture is made using “part leather”; well the part that’s leather actually never touches your skin. Leather is incorporated into the fabric backing and is then covered by vinyl.

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