Top grain leather is the second highest grade of leather and has the outermost layer of hide removed, making it thinner and more workable. Since the natural grain is sanded away, there are no blemishes, creating a more uniform look to a top grain leather sofa.
The finishing coat used on top grain leather reduces its breathability and prevents the development of a natural patina over time. Conversely, full grain leather — the highest grade of leather — is made from the top layer of a hide and will develop a one-of-a-kind patina as it burnishes and beautifies over the years.
Meanwhile, bonded leather sofas only actually contain a small amount of leather in the material, which is made up of a polyurethane outer layer and a thin inner layer of fabric with bits of leather scraps fused onto it, making it less durable than true leather. Although leather sofas are a little pricier than their average fabric counterparts, they’re definitely a worthwhile investment!
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