The Leather Bed
Club Leather Bed in Black Newhouse Leather Bed in Cocoa
Everything You Need to know about Leather Beds
www.charlesprogers.com
Leather beds are a relatively new addition to the world of bed design. Long used as the premium material for luxury seating, it first saw use early in the 20th century on daybeds from designers such as Eileen Gray and Mies van der Rohe. Today, leather has quickly evolved into a popular genre which encompasses many of the most popular bed styles traditionally made of wood or leather. The excellent inherent characteristics of leather which made it so useful in chairs and sofas has made its use in beds an inevitable and natural transition. Fine leather gets better with age. From it's beautiful fragrance and strength to it's supple surface, top grain leather gathers character and charm with time. The surface becomes softened and polished with use, giving it a remarkably and unique patina. A fine leather bed will have more than one lifetime of use.
The first thing to understand when dealing with fine leather is that it is not a perfect surface. Unlike a man-made fabric or synthetic material, leather is a product of nature; and like wood, it bears the marks of its heritage. Variations in grain patterns,pore size, small scars or even subtle changes in texture are all factors that occur in true top grain leather. There are many synthetic leather substitues that have perfect uniform surfaces, but true top grain leather will always have some irregularities as proof of its authenticity. To be sure your bed will wear beautifully always look for select top grain leathers such as the leathers used on beds from Charles P. Rogers.
Of course, underneath the leather covering is a frame and padding to provide comfort and durability. While techniques or materials in uphostery may have changed over time; for instance horsehair is rarely used these days, the fundemental qualities are still true today. You must begin with a well designed and solidly constructed frame. While frame components may be made entirely of solid wood, plywoods or a combination of both, the actual design and structure are the most important aspect of insuring a quality product.
Using the correct padding is the next step to insuring comfort and durability. High quality foams are built up in layers to provide proper support and maintain the overall look of the design. The final qualities to look for are in the execution of the details. Sewing, whether decorative or structural, should have continous and clean stitching and decorative tacks or welting should be uniform and well done. In conclusion, buying a quality leather bed may appear more difficult than a wood or metal bed which may seem more familiar, but with proper research and asking the right questions from a trusted source, you can open up a new possibilities for your bedroom decor.
