Skip to Main NavigationSkip to ContentSkip To FooterSkip To Accessibility Policy
Our Story
  • American Heritage

    Our legacy of craftsmanship and style spans more than 115 years. Made with pride since day one.

    About Us
    Quality
Your Store & Login
 
Bassett Home Furnishings
Sterling
21315 Windmill Parc Drive
Sterling, VA, 20166, US
Mon - Sat10AM - 6PMSun12PM - 5PM
Free Design Help

Meet with one of our local designers and get started on your next design project.

Book An Appointment
 

Leather Definitions

Leather  Characteristics

COLOR


Aniline

Leather that has been dyed with a transparent dye which penetrates all the way through the top and back surfaces, allowing all the natural characteristics of the hide to be highlighted.


Semi-aniline

Top-grain leather that is aniline dyed, and has pigment and/or other topical finishes added for enhanced effects or a more even coloration.

GRAIN



Top Grain, top layer
Splits, bottom two layers


Full Grain


Embossed Grain, more uniform texture

Top Grain

The outermost layer of the leather hide, which produces the highest quality leather.

Full Grain

Top grain leather that has not been altered and retains its original, natural grain.

Grain

The distinctive pore and wrinkle pattern of a hide; may be either natural or embossed.

Splits

Underlying layers of the leather hide, not top grain. Used for suede, and may be embossed to simulate top grain.

Bonded

A reconstituted leather product created by grinding leather scraps and mixing them with bonding agents to create a sheet of material, then embossed with a grain pattern. Often used on leather book covers.


TREATMENT



Corrected


Uncorrected


Buffed

Corrected

Leather's natural surface texture has been altered to make it more uniform.

Uncorrected

Leather's natural surface texture has not been altered in any way; original grain pattern and markings intact.

Embossed

Texture is added to alter or enhance the surface, resulting in uniform grain or unique patterns.

Buffed

The top surface of the hide is sanded to give the leather a soft, velvety feel.

Top Coat

A clear protective coating to help resist spills and soiling, making it easier to maintain the appearance of the leather.


ENHANCEMENTS



Sauvage


Pull up effect


Crackle effect

Bonded, leather product

Patina

The desirable change in appearance of leather due to normal use and time, affecting its color, texture and luster.

Sauvage

A two-tone or marbled effect created by applying dyes or pigments to create highs and lows in coloration.

Oil-protected

During the tanning process, oils are infused into the surface to create a soft, pliable feel. As the leather is pulled, the oils separate, creating variation in color.

Pull Up

Leather that shows bursts of color when pulled, often a lighter color. When upholstered, these lighter areas appear where the leather is stretched, such as arms, corners and backs. Creates a naturally aged appearance.

Wax-protected

Leather that has been finished with wax for a smooth feel and burnished luster. Often, the wax will contribute to an aged, crackled look.

Crackle

The finish is applied and milled in such a way that the top layer appears to "crack" revealing the color underneath, and creating an aged look. Often achieved by the use of wax finish.

 
Copyright © 2003-2023 Bassett Furniture Industries. All Rights Reserved. Website Development by Beacon Technologies