What Leather Labels Really Mean: Your Sofa Buying Guide
A practical guide to decoding industry terms and making confident, lasting choices.
A well-crafted leather sofa offers more than comfort. It anchors your living space, withstands the rhythms of daily life and adds long-term value to your home. But with a wide array of industry terms—genuine leather, top-grain, PU leather—the path to selecting the right piece can be less than straightforward.
At Adore, we believe in making informed choices simple. This guide helps you navigate the most common leather terms in the market today, so you can find a sofa that matches not only your aesthetic preferences but also your expectations around durability, care and everyday performance.
Why Leather Labels Deserve a Second Look
The phrase "100% leather" might appear straightforward, but it rarely tells the full story. Many sofas use a combination of leather grades or blend natural leather with synthetic materials to balance cost and visual appeal.
Understanding what you're buying—and where different materials are placed—helps you choose a piece that aligns with how you live whether you're furnishing a quiet reading corner or the heart of a busy family room, clarity matters.
100% Leather / Real Leather / Full Leather / All Leather
It sounds like: Premium leather all over.
In reality: It’s entirely real leather, but not necessarily the same grade throughout.
This label often means top-grain leather is used on areas you touch most (Like seats and armrests), while split leather is used on the sides and back. This keeps costs down without compromising on comfort where it matters.
Como Full Leather Recliner Lounge Suite
What to ask:
• What kind of leather is used throughout the sofa?
• Are the sides and back made from the same leather as the seats?
Genuine Leather
It sounds like: Premium, high-end leather.
In reality: The term genuine leather can refer to a range of qualities—including high-end— but is often used to describe split leather, which is real leather yet less durable and more prone to wear.
Genuine leather may look good at first, but it’s typically less breathable and wears faster. This term is often used to offer a lower price point, not necessarily a better value.
Note: At Adore, we only use split leather on the back and sides of sofas in non-contact areas, ensuring better value for our customers without compromising on quality where it matters most. We never sell lounges made entirely from this lower-grade leather.
What to ask:
• Is it full-grain, top-grain, or split leather?
• Is the same material used on every surface?
Leather / Leather Where It Matters
It sounds like: Mostly leather, smartly applied.
In reality: Real leather on high-touch areas, with synthetic materials elsewhere.
This approach uses top-grain leather on seats, headrests and armrests, paired with PU (synthetic leather) on the sides and back. It’s a clever way to enjoy the feel of leather while keeping things cost-effective.
What to ask:
• Which parts are real leather and what type?
• What’s used on the sides and back?
Full Top-Grain Leather
It sounds like: Premium quality throughout.
In reality: It is! Top-grain leather covers every external surface—seats, sides, back and all.
This is a consistent, high-end option with an elegant feel and long-term durability. A great choice if you want a lounge that looks and feels exceptional from every angle.
Huxley Full Leather Theatre Lounge
What to ask:
• Is it all top-grain leather, or are any parts split or bonded?
• Are the back and sides made from the same leather as the front?
Vegan Leather / PU Leather / Nappa Leather / Leathaire / Eco-Leather / Plant-Based Leather
It sounds like: Eco-conscious and animal-friendly.
In reality: These are synthetic or plant-based materials—some excellent, some not.
High-quality vegan leathers can be soft, durable, and easy to clean, making them ideal for busy households or pet owners. But beware—cheaper options may crack, peel or wear quickly.
Glimmer Dining Chair & Bar Stool
What to ask:
• Is this PU, EPU or a plant-based material?
• How well does it wear over time?
Smart Questions to Ask Before You Buy
To feel confident in your purchase, ask:
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What type of leather is it—full-grain, top-grain, split or synthetic?
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Is leather used all around or just in key areas?
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What covers the back and sides?
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How does it age with regular use?
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What kind of care does it require?
Why Choose Adore?
At Adore, we believe you should never have to guess what you’re buying. Whether it’s full leather, a clever hybrid or a high-performance vegan alternative, we tell you exactly what’s in every piece.
No jargon. No surprises. Just timeless design, honest materials and options to suit every home and lifestyle.
Because you’re not just choosing a sofa. You’re creating a space you love coming home to.
Explore our full range of leather lounges.
Or visit your local showroom—we’d be delighted to help you find your perfect match.
Questions? We’re here for you. Call 1300 000 887 or email info@adorehomeliving.com.au