I have 2 leather couches that in desperate need of upholstering.
+6
I bought them thinking they were real leather and all paperwork said just that, but that is not the case. They starting peeling a very thin layer of leather-like substance. Any suggestions?
9 answers
-
That peeling layer may be the "real leather." You have to decide if the bones are worth saving. The cost of re-upholstery can be significant, but worth it if you plan to have it a long time.
Micci S
on Oct 06, 2011
-
You could have slipcovers made if you like that look.
Lin R
on Oct 06, 2011
-
I agree with Micci, I would not reupholster a chair if it does not have great bones and history behind it.
Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmotifs
on Oct 06, 2011
-
...THANKS for the input! You all have me thinking.
Michael Swain
on Oct 07, 2011
-
I could not see the photos (they were very blurry on my computer), but if the problem is only on the cushions and not the base and back of the sofa, you could make or have made some fabric covers for the cushions for a "shabby chic" look. Be sure to salvage the zippers from the cushion covers you are replacing and re-use them! Good luck!!
Karin From B'ham
on Jul 24, 2014
-
What you have is a couch covered with 'bonded leather'. The surface of the couch is leather but it's like a veneer. When the leather wears thin, the bonded side of the cover shows. I had a couch like that. I was disappointed with myself for not picking up on it when I bought it used. But, there is a site that you can check out that shows how to paint vinyl. I'm thinking it may be possible to paint the couch. Why not?! If vinyl can be painted, why not leather? I found the site: Redoux Interiors.com.
Anny Palanzi
on Sep 24, 2014
-
We must have bought our couches from the same store. Mine did exactly the same thing. I'm not paying anyone $800 to patch a couch cushion. I bought a yard of leather in the same color. then used the damaged cushion top as a template. Cut out a replacement, leaving about an inch all the way around. I turned under the extra inch to strengthen the stitching area. Then, using a curved upholstery needle, and starting from underneath the patch, I slip-stitched the new piece directly over the old at the seam. When I finished that I turned the cushion cover inside out and cut away the old leather. I saved it for future patching jobs. (I'm pretty sure I'll need it.) It just wasn't that hard to do, and I don't know how upholsterers justify the prices they charge.
Rose McDonald
on Sep 28, 2014
-
If you bought them within the last 2 years or so, call the store's customer service and send them photos via email or message. The store will most likely be able to repair it at no cost. I had the same problem and the store came out and replaced the leather. It was actually made like a cushion cover and they just disassembled the furniture and put the new leather on. They said that once in awhile you just get some hides that are not strong. It's worth a try!
Mimi Love
on Nov 22, 2014
-
It most likely is 'bonded leather' which is leather attached to something else. In any case I would call the store and raise a stink. They may very well replace it or repair it.
Chris McGinley
on Nov 22, 2014
Sign Up to Answer
