Leather tub chairs are regarded as being the best you can get. The price is often very expensive, and this reflects the quality of the hide used to make them. Many of the examples you will find in the retail chain furniture stores are of a poorer standard and use inferior processing techniques to treat the leather. The following information will help you find the right chair at the right price.
Top grade leather has many intricate patterns and unique details in it. It is these small defects that bring out the character and charm that people seem to love. Natural oils are contained within the hide and these are what provide the supple, soft feel associated with the finest examples. The smell is also very noticeable and recognisable to all. These oils prevent cracks and splits appearing after hard use. In fact real leather tub chairs get better with age, as the leather conforms and stretches, and the hide becomes even softer to the touch.
Cheap leather is very different to the real thing. The oils are removed during the processing as it is a cheaper method, and makes the material go further. Because of this they are more susceptible to drying out and splitting. If possible try to avoid placing your tub chair next to a fire, as the heat will speed up the drying over time. Faux leather is also an imitation. The finish is usually very shiny and without any defects. These chairs are much cheaper because they are made to look faultless as the consumers like this look. The natural graining and patterns are removed, and they do lack any sort of character and charm because of it.
Cleaning leather is pretty straight forward. Just wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any stains. Avoid cleaning products as they can attack the oils present within and cause degradation. A simple way to find out the origin of the leather on your chair is to take a look underneath. Here you will find the label, which should include all the relevant information about the chair, including the grade of the hide used to produce the leather.
