Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
Our current couch was a hand-me-down from my grandparents, and after 10 years of us owning it, it has about had it! I'm considering buying a new couch in the not so distant future. My aunt had a beautiful leather couch, and I loved it, so I'd be interested in buying one. But, I do have a 2 year old son.
Leather sofas and 2 year olds are a veeeery bad combination.
Get a sofa with cloth upholstery that is very patterned and rugged. Or vinyl if you don't mind sticking to it in the summer.
After the child moves out of the house and before you have grandchildren is the time for leather.
Suggest you pop into a furniture store and check out all the lovely patterns they have.
Lazy-Boy is where we got our sofa set. You select the style of furniture and the cloth and it's delivered in 6 weeks. This way you have a lot of options.
I disagreee wth the post that it's a bad idea. I have a five year old and also 2 indoor dogs (both since they were puppies). I wouldn't have anything other than a leather sofa. As long as you can take care of it, i.e. wiping it down if there are any spills on it, cleaning it with leather cleaner/preserver once in a while, it will last for YEARS.Leather is the only thing that will withstand my very lively dogs and daughter.
I would definately clean it and preserve it more often. We have two kids and two dogs and had to get rid of our leather couch. It was too stained and too expensive to have it re-taned.
As long as you take care of it, it will last. Couches with fabric tend to rip ~ especially with dogs' sharp claws and kids' shoes.
We have three children (the oldest 5) and have had our leather couches since the first was born. We love them and would definately recommend them to you. They are expensive. However they do withstand alot! They do require a little extra maintenance but they are worth it. Spills are easily wiped up and with spit-up etc.. they don't retain the smell after the clean up like material covered couches.
I just purchased leather furniture literally two days ago and already have scratches all over it!!!! I had no idea that the leather would be so easily scratched. It is a very dark rich color and I have three dogs that all lay on the furniture. They are all under thirty pounds and don't run all over it. They just jump up and sit down, but it is already scratched to pieces.
I think leather couches are the best, regardless of with kids or dogs! I have two kids that are 5 and 3 years old and I also have two dogs a 80 lbs. golden-retriever-mix and a 45 lbs. beagle, they all are all over it and it is so easy to keep clean ! and with the leather shampoo you can even get crayon marks off!
I found this sight with some great leather furniture tips types and other info
mobileleatherservice.com/
Leather couches ARE kid friendly. We bought one 1 year ago, and it still looks new. Although our family doesn't eat or drink anywhere but our kitchen, IF a child spilled on a leather couch, it'd clean up a lot easier.
I have to say I am looking for a leather couch now because I have two lads - 5 & 2 as I have a supposedly washable cloth (cream & brown) couch which has been ruined by dogs, brat's and too many parties. I guess it's about how well you look after something, but I have heard from everyone with kids and leather that they are a perfect combination & they'd never go back! Only problem is trying to buy a couch that looks worn in and isn't already ruined....if you managed to find something please let me know!
"I have 4 children and am totally happy with my leather sofas.With 2 infants, a 4 yr old, and 11 yr old this was the best choice ever!!!! It is so easy to wipe a spill compared to my non-leather couches that I had before.
If you want leather and expect to get real heavy use from kids and dogs. You really should consider a heavily finished leather or pigmented... In other words... You may not want to get a more natural or naked finish leather... A fully colored finished leather will withstand a lot of abuse...
For more on leather types visit this sight.. There is much to read and many awsome links.
mobileleatherservice.com/
I am searching for a leather couch because I have three dogs. For those of you that have leather couches that have resisted dogs scratches, can you tell me the type of leather you have. I know there are different types and I would like to make the right selection.
Not from my experience!! I can tell you that I am very dissapointed with the leather set I bought 7 years ago. I purchased a Natuzzi leather set that I understood would stand the test of time and durable enough for a household with young children. I have 2 young boys and with the constant sitting, laying and jumping, etc. the leather became cracked, what an ugly site! Honestly, I wished our sales person told us about conditioning the leather every few months. Maybe it would not have gotten so bad, I'll never know. After refubishing the seats which was a costly mistake, it became worse with each passing day. We are now looking to buy new furniture. We will probably purchase a set with a tight woven chenille fabric. So far, all of my friends with kids who have this fabric are very happy and their sofas are still in great shape.
Yes Leather Couches are Kid- & Dog- Friendly!
You just have to get the right kind of leather. On some leather you will spill water and it will change color and look like it's absorbed water. I'm 100% that those who complained about scratches on the 2nd day or that it's not a good idea with a 2 year old, have the worst kinds of leather, they just don't know about it. Not all leather scratches easily. I've had my leather furniture for over 10 years, and the leather still looks new. The only problem is that it's not as comfy anymore, but that's what's happening to all furniture after 10 years of sitting in it. No it doesn't feel cold and no I never stick to it. It's easy to wipe and it doesn't scratch as easily. If you want to buy leather couches get TOP GRAIN leather.
Dear Lisa,
Yes some leather furniture is kid friendly up to a degree. Don't leave them alone in a room with crayons,ink or paint. If they are diaper training, don't sit them on the furniture. Don't allow them to drink or eat while sitting on the leather piece. If they are sick with a stomach bug, keep them in bed. I can go on with all types of issues with leather, because I have to clean up most of the problems left behind from children.
I have a client who was talked into buying Nubuck Leather from a sales person, and what a mistake that was. She has a small football team of boys and they have caused more problems than they can handle. After giving her a price to restore the furniture she thought to herself what did I get myself into and how can she correct the issue of messy kids. So unless your children are well behaived, start off with leather you can afford not to lose.
Sincerely Mark
Supreme Care Leather Services
www.supremecareleatherservice.com
Leather is fantastic. I have two 70 lb dogs that ARE my kids and are all over my couch. I find it is so much easier to clean than my microfiber couch was and no more nasty dog smell. I just wipe the leather clean with a damp cloth and its perfect. There are a few things you must know. Real, genuine leather is a must, anything bonded will eventually crack and rip no matter how much you treat it plus bonded leather color is sprayed on so fading is almost a guarantee with heavy use.
Next, your real leather needs to be treated. You should always maintain it regularly with leather oil. Follow the directions. If you go with a soft leather, expect scratches, you can oil these or even heat them while buffing them out. I also recommend genuine pre-distressed leather or lazyboys performance leather. Good luck and enjoy!
I've got two Chesterfields. They are still like new. Got them in 1978. You can order leather dye to refurbish leather. Very easy to do. Office chair is also tufted leather and I've added the dye; made it like new. Just don't let cats on leather. I had one that suddenly decided to sharpen her claws in the leather and it made holes in the leather. It was my X's chair. He got the chair; I kept the cat.
