A LIVING MATERIAL
Every piece of leather is a testament to natural beauty and individuality. Just as no two hides are identical, each leather product boasts its own unique variations, creating a singular piece of furniture. These distinctive characteristics include natural markings such as subtle scars, insect bites, neck wrinkles, and stretch marks—all authentic hallmarks of genuine leather. These aren't imperfections; rather, they are the unique fingerprint of the hide, telling a story of its origin and journey. Coco Republic celebrates these natural nuances as they enhance the leather's genuine allure and ensure your furniture is truly one-of-a-kind.
Beyond its initial beauty, leather is a living material that gracefully transforms and improves with age, much like our own skin. With time and use, it develops a rich, lustrous patina that deepens in colour and softens in feel. This process is intensely personal; as you live with your leather furniture, it moulds to your touch, absorbing the oils from your hands and the light from your home, subtly changing and becoming more intimately yours. This evolution enhances its character, adding layers of history and comfort that are unique to your space and experiences. Your leather piece won't just be furniture; it will be a cherished companion, its evolving appearance a testament to a life well-lived.
TYPES OF LEATHER
Always dyed by hand for a luxurious appeal, our premium leathers are available in two finishes: aniline or semi-aniline.
ANILINE LEATHER
— Dyed without pigment, aniline leather has a natural look and feel as the dye doesn’t mask the organic characteristics of the hide. It retains the natural texture, grain and markings, such as scars and variations in colour, making each piece unique.
— This soft, supple leather develops a beautiful patina over time but requires more careful maintenance since it has no protective coating.
— Aniline leather’s natural appearance makes it perfect for high-end furniture intended to be the centrepiece of a formal living space.
SEMI-ANILINE LEATHER
— Dyed with a light pigment, semi-aniline leather undergoes a similar dyeing process as aniline leather, but with a thin protective coating that enhances its durability.
— It still maintains much of the natural look and feel of the hide, but the thin protective coating gives it a more uniform finish, making the grain and texture of the leather less visible.
— Although it’s not as soft or luxurious as aniline leather, it is easier to maintain. Semi-aniline leather is more resistant to stains, dirt and fading but still requires proper care.
— Semi-aniline leather is commonly used in family homes and commercial spaces where both beauty and durability are needed.
LEATHER'S NATURAL VARIATIONS
Leather is an organic material, shaped by nature. From scars and blemishes to variations in colour and texture, each full-grain hide has its own unique characteristics, making no two pieces alike. A sought-after material for quality goods, these distinctive variations give leather its unique personality and charm.
HAND-TIPPED GRAPHITE
Colour – our leather may have subtle colour variation, which is often a result of natural pigmentation or marks on the hide.
HAND-TIPPED TAUPE
Grain – from smooth to more pronounced grain patterns, leather’s texture can vary. Full-grain leather has more noticeable natural grain, while top-grain leather is generally smoother and more refined.
HAND-TIPPED CAMEL
Marks and imperfections – since it has not been sanded or buffed to remove any marks, full-grain leather tells a story. Scars, insect bites and stretch marks are part of its natural beauty and are visible on many hides.
HAND-TIPPED CHOCOLATE
Over time, full-grain leather develops a rich patina as it’s exposed to light, air and oils from the skin. A hallmark of high-end, premium leather, this natural ageing process adds to the piece’s charm and beauty.
HOW TO CARE FOR LEATHER FURNITURE
Leather is a natural material that grows in character over time, developing a rich patina that tells a story. With the right care, it will age gracefully and last for many years – just follow these simple steps.
LEATHER CARE TIPS
— Try to keep leather furniture out of direct sunlight to help preserve its colour and texture.
— Avoid placing leather furniture near heating vents or fireplaces, as this can dry out the leather and cause it to crack over time.
— Regularly dust the surface using a soft cloth or microfibre duster to prevent dirt from settling into the leather. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently clean the crevices, seams and cushions.
— If a spill occurs, immediately blot (don’t rub) the area with a clean, dry cloth. More stubborn stains? Use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap and water.
To avoid cracking and discolouration, you may want to use a leather conditioner. Apply every 3-6 months to help maintain the leather’s natural softness and lustre.
