Fabric Application

Interior fabrics can be used throughout six major applications: seating (or upholstery). window covering, wall covering, panel systems, floor covering, and fiber based art. Seating is an application that may occupy a smaller area of space than window coverings or wall- or floor coverings but it is the main statement spot for interiors. Today, there are millions of fabrics that are available for seating, but Leather is a material that is flexible in its use and color and has remained one of the most common staple fabrics in the design world.

Leather is a durable and flexible material created by the tanning of animal rawhide and skin. It can be produced through different processes ranging from cottage industry to heavy industry. The leather manufacturing process is divided into three sub-processes: preparatory stages, tanning, and crusting. All true leathers will undergo these sub-processes. Since many types of leather exists, it is difficult to create a list of operations that all leathers must undergo. These processes transform the rawhide into a variety of leathers such as vegetable tanned, chrome tanned, aldehyde-tanned, synthetic tanned.

Leather is beautiful, pleasant to the touch and has remained one of the most sought after materials in decorating. It stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter giving extra comfort to the home. Over years of use, leather softens and becomes supple. Factors such as durability, strength, quality, and color-fade resistance put leather furniture in a class of their own.

Because leather is made from cowhides and no two hides are exactly the same, every hide has its own unique character. The strength of leather cannot be compared to any other natural fabric and it is important to note that valuable leather furniture is created from material that would otherwise go to waste.

In an interior, leather adds sophistication and elegance and can make any room look luxurious. Not to mention its easy maintenance. Leather furniture just needs a regular wipe down with a clean cloth and this is why the leather sofa in the picture was applied successfully in the interior. It is in the Human Sciences building where college students are roaming in and out throughout the day. There is a risk of food or drinks spilling because of the fast pace that students move at so a fabric that is easy to clean is ideal. Leather has proven to withstand the test of time as a precious commodity.