Here are some useful guidelines, which will help you choose a good leather sofa.

Usage
When investing in a leather sofa, you must keep in mind that its usage does affect the longevity of the leather. So do take the environment of your home into consideration. If your place is teeming with energy and activity with either children and pets or regular parties, durability becomes your primary criteria. But it comes with high price.

If your place is reasonably calm and low impact, then you may opt for the lesser-priced varieties as well.

Placement
The place you intend to keep your sofa is very important. A leather sofa should not be exposed to much light. Placing it in sunlight will ruin it, thanks to the UV rays. These rays will expedite the discoloration of leather. Ensure that the glasses in the rooms are UV tinted.

Coloring type
You must also check the coloring type. Depending on the type of coloring, leather sofas are of the following types:

• Aniline: Aniline is the name of the dye used to color leather. Leather dyed only with this is called unfinished leather and is of the finest quality. Here a translucent dye is used that increases the natural beauty of the leather, but no protective coating is given.
• Semi-aniline: In this case as well, the leather is dyed with aniline, but an extra protective coat is applied to it.
• Pigmented: An opaque pigment or color is applied on the surface of the leather. Further, a clear coat is also applied, which gives it a matte finish. This lends durability and also conceals any visible flaws.

Durability
The durability of a leather sofa is highly dependent on the type of leather used. The following types of leather are used to make sofas:

• Full-grain: The leather is extracted as it is with the removal of hair. It holds on to all the original imprints and the entire hide is used. Like wine, it just gets better with time. Of the lot, it is the most expensive.
• Top grain: This is the second best quality and very durable. It is extracted from the outer layers of the hide and is very tough. But it feels smooth and supple. It is also called corrected grain and is quite costly.
• Split grain: This is the part of the hide you get after the removal of the outer layer or the top grain. This is less durable and gets damaged easily.
• Nubuck: This is the rawhide leather of the cattle. It is buffed considerably and has a velvety appearance. However, it is very delicate and requires a great deal of maintenance.
• Bonded leather: Leather sofas are made of bonded leather contain only 17% leather. The only good thing about it is it’s durable and is suitable for people having leather allergies.
• Faux leather: True to its name, it is not leather at all. It is made of either plastic or rubber-coated fabric. Nonetheless, it is quite durable.

Sofa frame
A good leather sofa should also have a strong frame for it to have good vigor and see life. There is no point in carefully choosing the exterior when the interior or the base is made of cheap and flimsy material.