upholstery glossary

GLOSSARY

FABRIC FEATURES

Bleach Cleanable

These fabrics can be cleaned with a bleach solution without damaging, weakening, or fading the fabric. These fabrics are typically solution dyed, meaning color pigment is added directly into the fibers at the initial stage of production.

See our Bleach Cleanable Fabrics Here

Durable

Our durable fabrics offer a high resistance to pilling, or small lint balls on the fabric service. These fabrics are put through rigorous abrasion testing to insure their ability to retain their structure and prevent the breakdown of the fibers causing the fabric to feel rough.

View our Durable fabrics here.

Eco-Friendly

Our eco-friendly fabrics come from fabric mills that follow sustainable and environmentally friendly processes for all of their materials. These mills do not use harsh chemicals in the manufacturing of their fabric.

See our assortment of Eco-Friendly fabrics

Pet-Friendly

These fabrics are moisture-wicking and designed to supress the growth of bacteria, microbials, and mildew that our beloved pets (and sometimes family members) can bring into our homes and onto our furniture. These fabrics are perfect family-friendly solutions for any kind of household.

Find the perfect pet-friendly fabrics for your family.

Stain Resistant

Stain resistant fabrics withstand discoloration cause by typical household messes including oil and grease. These fabrics prevent liquids from being absorbed and penatrating the fabric and permanently staining the fibers.

See our Stain Resistant fabrics.

UV Resistant

The properties and construction of these fabrics are designed to delay the fading of color from UV rays. Generally, this means that the fabric is heavier and features a closed weave.

Explore our UV Resistant textiles.

CLEANING CODES

Cleaning Code "W"

Clean this fabric with the foam only of a water-based cleaning agent to remove overall soil. Apply foam with a soft brush in a circular motion. Many household cleaning solvents are harmful to the color and life of the fabric. Pretest a small area before proceeding. Cleaning by a professional furniture cleaning service is recommended. To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and grime is recommended.

Cleaning Code "S"

Clean this fabric with pure solvents (petroleum distillate-based products, Energine, Carbona, Renuzit, or similar products may be used) in a well-ventilated room. CAUTION: Use of water-based or detergent based solvent cleaners may cause excessive shrinking. Water stains may become permanent and unable to be removed with solvent cleaning agents. Avoid products containing Carbon Tetrachloride, as it is highly toxic. Pretest a small area before proceeding. Cleaning by a professional furniture cleaning service is recommended. To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and grime is recommended.

Cleaning Code "S/W"

Clean this fabric with the foam only of a water-based cleaning agent or with a pure solvent in a well-ventilated room (petroleum distillate-based products, Energine, Carbona, Renuzit, or similar products be used). Pretest a small area before proceeding. Cleaning by a professional furniture cleaning service is recommended. To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and grime is recommended.

Cleaning Code "Dry"

Dry Cleaning by a qualified professional cleaning service only. To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and grime is recommended.

LEATHER FINISH

Full Aniline

Full Aniline leather is of the highest quality, it is the most natural of all leather types. The leather is minimally processed to accentuate the hallmarks of genuine leather: fat wrinkles, growth marks, scars, and scratches. With no protective layer or coating on the surface, these leathers are able to breathe and absorb moisture. It naturally allows body heat to penetrate the leather due to the absence of a polyurethane barrier (seen in lesser quality leathers). The lack of surface treatment makes this leather more sensitive to sunlight and does require a bit more care to retain its allure.

Over time, the leather will become even more beautiful while it develops a natural patina, giving rich character. Aniline leather is perfectly imperfect and will last a lifetime as it ages gracefully.

Semi-Aniline

A semi-aniline leather is the best of both worlds. By combining durability with the beauty of natural leather, semi-aniline leather features a light layer of pigmentation. This layer provides protection to the leather making it the perfect compromise for those households with kids or pets. While not as porous as full aniline leather, semi-aniline leather's retains its soft hand and appearance over time. The light layer of pigmentation is comparable to a light layer of makeup on the skin - it creates an even tone and color while still allowing the leather to breathe.

Aniline leather is more durable and requires less maintenance than full-aniline leather.

Protected Leather

Protected leather is ideal for high-traffic areas. Named for the layer of pigmentation applied to the surface of the hide, this finish provides a uniform appearance with no natural markings. A protective lacquer is applied over the pigment, yielding a more robust resistance to scratches, scuffing, and fading. This leather is not as breathable as aniline or semi-aniline leather, it tends to be cold in the winter and hot in the summer.

Protected leather provides higher lightfastness and durability with its protective layer, but risks surface cracking over time.

PROTECTION LEVELS

Protection refers to the processing method applied to the leather hide.

Light Protection

The softest and most supple of our leathers, these exceptionally natural, full top-grain, full-aniline hides often have “character marks” on the surface, giving each its own unique look and feel. They age beautifully and develop a soft patina over time. Like many of the finer things in life, these light protection leathers require moderate attention to maintain their beauty over time.

Medium Protection

It's not too little. It’s not too much. Medium protection is just right for comfortable living. These leather hides are among the best in the world, and because of their surface coat, there’s a little more protection for all the things life throws your way.

Heavy Protection

These leathers are exceptionally versatile and offer the most protection from life’s everyday mishaps. Excellent for families with children and pets, the heavily pigmented finish coat serves as a barrier to spills, stains, and fading. We feature several options in this category, depending on your lifestyle needs and décor preferences.