1. How Does Body Oil Affect Leather Furniture?

One of the most common problems with leather furniture is the absorption of body oils. Over time, oils from skin and hair transfer to high-touch areas such as armrests, headrests, and seat cushions. This can lead to darkening, discolouration, and weakened leather fibres.

Peter explains that leather relies on a balance of fat and moisture. When leather dries out, it begins absorbing oils from the body to compensate, which accelerates wear and surface damage.

Solution: Regular cleaning and conditioning help maintain moisture balance. Once oils are absorbed, complete removal is unlikely, but professional recolouring may reduce visible damage. Prevention is far more effective than repair in this case.

2. Why Does Leather Furniture Fade Over Time?

Leather fading is most often caused by sunlight exposure and heat sources. UV rays break down leather pigments, while fireplaces, vents, and radiators dry the material and speed up colour loss.

According to Peter, pigmented leather can sometimes be recoloured, but aniline leather is more difficult to restore without compromising its natural appearance. If fading affects a large portion of the piece, repairs may not deliver uniform results.

Solution: Keep leather furniture out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Rotate cushions regularly and consider window coverings in bright rooms. Minor fading may be repairable, but extensive fading is often permanent.

3. What Causes Leather to Crack?

Cracking occurs when leather becomes excessively dry and loses its flexibility. Fluctuating humidity, lack of conditioning, and prolonged exposure to heat all contribute to this issue. Once leather stiffens, everyday use causes the surface to split.

Peter compares cracked leather to severely dry skin. Once cracks form, the leather’s structural integrity is compromised, particularly in seating areas that support body weight.

Solution: Conditioning helps prevent cracking, but cannot reverse it. Small cracks may be filled and recoloured on pigmented leather, while extensive cracking often signals that reupholstery or replacement is the most practical option.

4. Why Is Leather Furniture Peeling?

Peeling is typically linked to lower-quality leather or heavy surface processing rather than normal wear. When the top layer separates from the base material, the damage is irreversible.

Peter notes that high-quality, full-grain leather rarely peels. Peeling is far more common with corrected, bonded, or faux leather materials.

Solution: Peeling cannot be repaired. Reupholstery or replacement is the only long-term solution once peeling begins.

5. Why Does Leather Furniture Smell?

Leather furniture has a distinct smell due to the tanning process. While many people enjoy the natural leather scent, unpleasant odours can occur when leather is poorly tanned, improperly stored, or exposed to moisture.

Peter explains that strong or sour smells often indicate lower-quality tanning agents or residual chemicals. In rare cases, moisture exposure can cause mildew-like odours within the leather fibres.

Solution: Allowing leather furniture to air out in a well-ventilated space can reduce odours over time. High-quality leather typically neutralizes naturally. Persistent smells may indicate a material-quality issue that cannot be fully corrected.

6. Why Is My Leather Furniture Wrinkled?

Wrinkling and “puddling” occur as leather stretches and cushions soften with use. This is a natural part of leather aging and is often seen in seating areas that receive frequent use.

Peter emphasizes that some wrinkling is expected and even valued by leather enthusiasts as a sign of authenticity. However, excessive wrinkling may affect appearance.

Solution: Restuffing cushions can improve shape and support. Applying heat is not recommended, as it can permanently distort leather. Reupholstery may be considered if appearance becomes a concern.

What's Next?

So there you have it: the good, the bad, and the ugly of leather furniture! You are now aware of the most common problems that occur in leather furniture, as well as how to fix leather furniture before irreversible damage happens.

If you haven’t been scared off, there are some things to keep in mind as you move forward in your hunt for the perfect piece of leather furniture. When considering leather furniture, it is important to know how to maintain its luxurious feel. To learn more about leather maintenance, such as cleaning and how to recondition leather furniture, take a look at this article.

It is also important to know what type or grade of leather is being used. This will affect features like price, durability, flexibility, breathability, and comfort. To get a better idea of the leather selections available at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

We would be happy to answer any of your questions regarding our leather products at any one of our La-Z-Boy locations in the Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston areas.

We also provide complimentary design services to help ensure that your new luxurious leather sofa or chair fits seamlessly into your home decor.

Related Links:

How Much Does La-Z-Boy Leather Furniture Cost?

Repair vs. Replace Damaged Furniture: How to Decide

How Much Does it Cost to Reupholster a La-Z-Boy Recliner?