Leather is among the highest-quality materials for producing leather home goods, adding a soft, luxurious touch to your home. In this article, I will discuss the benefits of leather home goods and tips for choosing them.
Leather home goods are accessories and furniture made with tanned animal hides or other natural or synthetic materials. Manufacturing leather home goods dates back over 7,000 years, improving over time. Various leather home goods range from drawer pulls and handles to upholstery and beds.
Are you looking for just the right gift for a friend or loved one but don’t want to choose something ordinary? Are you looking for something useful around the house that is durable and beautiful? Learning the pros, cons, characteristics, tips, and care of leather home goods will help you get started.
What Are Leather Home Goods
Leather home goods are accessories, décor, furniture, and other products made with tanned animal hides or other natural or synthetic leather materials. Genuine leather home goods are consumer products made from animal skins that have been treated and preserved.
Leather home goods vary in quality and size, from luxury furniture to book covers. Leather home goods can be made from various animal hides, including
- Pig
- Cow
- Sheep
- Crocodile or alligator
- Other animal skins
History of Leather Home Goods
The use of leather home goods dates back to around 5,000 BC when people created carpets, waterbags, and clothing from animal skins that were sun-dried and softened by pounding with fat, then preserved with smoke and salt.
Leather makers in Egypt invented vegetable tanning around 400 BC. The Middle Ages saw the leather goods industry further improve processes for creating high-quality leather. In the 1800s, machines were created to automate and further simplify making leather and leather goods.
Types/Styles of Leather Home Goods
Leather Bed
Your bedroom is your haven and sanctuary. And you can make it even more comfortable and dreamy with a leather bed frame and headboard. The leather is soft, supple, and cushioned for the ultimate comfort and luxury. Styles vary from standard wood or metal frame with leather headboard to leather-wrapped wood or metal frame.
Leather Drawer Pulls
Leather drawer pulls can create a unique look in a kitchen or bedroom. These add beautiful and durable character to any aesthetic. Leather drawer pulls stand up to daily use and can have many different designs. From leather loops to tooled handles to label drawer contents, leather drawer pulls are cool and distinctive.
Want a better look? Check out this helpful video on how to make your own leather drawer pulls.
Leather Punching Bag
A leather punching bag is a great way to build power and strength. It’s extremely durable, with a natural feeling to punch, which also helps build your endurance. Leather punching bags are considered the best material for hard-hitting workouts and growing arm and leg power.
Leather Handle
Leather handles are another one-of-a-kind design touch for a kitchen or bathroom. Many different options for leather handles are available, from modern to custom. These durable pieces will withstand wear and tear much longer than standard handles.
Leather Upholstery
Leather upholstery has many practical home applications, from chairs and sofas to wall hangings and rugs. It’s tanned and treated for rich, beautiful colors and finishes that look great in any interior room. Leather upholstery is durable, easy to clean, and adds a touch of luxury anywhere.
Leather Art
Leather art is a unique touch added to any home — from wall art to carvings and leather tooled and painted or stained. There is leather art to catch the eye of anyone — from detailed feathers on a single wing to your favorite pet or animal. Leather art is stunning and genuinely exquisite.
Leather Knife Roll
A leather knife roll is an extraordinary way to carry and store your knives. Whether they’re your kitchen knives or throwing knives, this roll is compact and handy for easy storage and transport. These come in several sizes and carrying capacities, with some custom options available. A leather knife roll is a great gift for anyone with unique tastes.
Pros and Cons of Using Leather Home Goods
Pros of Leather Home Goods
Leather home goods are higher quality and more durable than standard materials like wood and plastic. Leather home goods age better than other materials and can be passed down to others. They’re versatile, luxurious, attractive, and comfortable.
As long as leather home goods are cleaned, maintained, and stored appropriately, they can last for at least 20–30 years.
Cons of Leather Home Goods
Leather home goods tend to react to temperature fluctuations, leading to fading and cracking in some cases. Direct sunlight over time also can affect leather’s color and feel. Some leather home goods will start on the stiff side, but usage and time help increase flexibility. Leather home goods tend to cost more but last much longer than other materials.
Characteristics of Leather Home Goods
Material
Leather home goods are made from various animal hides and are treated and tanned to be beautiful and durable. In some cases, faux leather can be used, which is just as attractive and sometimes more durable. Some leather home goods are comprised of leather and wood, fabric, metal, and others, depending on the leather item.
Sizes
Sizes of leather home goods vary greatly depending on the category. From couches and loveseats to book covers and coasters, many different sizes of leather home goods are available.
Variations
Many variations of leather home goods are available, including:
- Leather-wrapped traveler mugs
- Leather tool holders
- Pet accessories
- Leather aprons
- Frames
- Furniture
How Leather Home Goods Are Made
Natural leather home goods are made from tanned and processed animal hides. The tanning process is complex and removes the hair and preserves the leather, contributing to its durability. According to authors Teshome, Ahmed, Tesfaye, Getachew, Wodag, and Bitew, tanning is accomplished with chromium salts or vegetable tanning agents.
Processing removes defects, trims the material, and prepares for additional tanning and inspection. The leather is tanned again, stretched, and ironed at high temperatures to create the sheen. Then, the leather is cut into the shapes for leather home goods, stitched, and manufactured to be ready for sale to consumers.
Costs of Leather Home Goods
The cost of leather home goods depends on their size, leather quality, and brand. Genuine leather is the highest quality and most expensive, while faux leather is lower quality but just as durable — and cheaper. The more leather is used, the more costly the home goods will be. Some examples include:
- A leather mouse pad from Temu costs about $4, while Leatherology costs $40.
- A set of leather coasters from SouthHarborGoods costs about $8, and Mercari will charge you $500 for a set from Pottery Barn.
- A faux leather bed frame and headboard are about $150, while a genuine leather bed frame and headboard can exceed $7,000.
Tips for Choosing Leather Home Goods
Choosing leather home goods doesn’t have to be difficult, and leather isn’t cheap. Here are some tips for helping you make the best decision for your taste and wallet:
- The highest quality comes from genuine leather products. It’s the most expensive but will last the longest.
- Look for uniform colors and finishes. This means high-quality production was used.
- Consider softer leathers for sitting and handling (couches and book covers), and firmer leathers for high-use goods (coasters, drink holders, etc.)
The Most Popular Leather Home Goods
I asked friends and family what kinds of leather home goods they have in their homes. Here is a table representing the percentages of their responses and what I learned from the poll.
| Leather Home Good | Times Selected |
| Leather couch | 19% |
| Leather saddle | 6% |
| Leather bridle | 13% |
| Leather headboard | 12% |
| Leather coasters | 19% |
| Leather lampshades | 13% |
| Leather frame | 6% |
| Leather tray | 6% |
| Leather drums | 6% |
Leather Home Goods Care and Maintenance
How to Clean Leather Home Goods
There are multiple ways to clean leather home goods, including leather cleaners. The simplest way is by dry brushing with a soft brush or cloth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you choose commercial leather cleaners, and test any product you choose in an inconspicuous spot to ensure colorfastness and prevent any damage.
How to Maintain Leather Home Goods
Maintenance of leather home goods depends on proper use, cleaning, and storage. Leather home goods should be protected from moisture, direct sunlight, and any potentially staining substances to increase their longevity. Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains and water damage. Condition the leather home goods after cleaning and at least every six months to keep the leather looking great.
How to Store Leather Home Goods
Leather home goods should be stored in a cool and dry space and protected from dust and sunlight. Avoid storing in any place that experiences temperature shifts to prevent cracking and drying of the leather. Take the leather home goods out of storage periodically to clean and condition the leather.
Related Insights
How long do leather home goods last?
As long as leather home goods are cleaned, maintained, and stored appropriately, they can last for at least 20–30 years.
Are leather home goods easy to maintain?
Yes, maintaining leather home goods is simple if they are stored in a cool, dry place when not in use, regularly conditioned, and cleaned with proper leather products.
Final Thoughts
Leather probably wasn’t first on your mind when you thought about home goods, but now you’re probably thinking about what you could add to your home collection. From everyday-use items to truly unique pieces, leather home goods are available for anyone. And don’t forget-faux leather is an option as well! Which leather home goods will you consider buying first?
Other Resources:
- Guide to Choosing a Leather Bed for Style and Comfort
- Leather Drawer Pulls – Types and Options for a Stylish Touch
- Leather Handle – Strong and Stylish Options for Quality Goods
- Leather Upholstery – Choosing Classic Style and Durability
- Leather Knife Roll – A Guide to Buying this Chef’s Essential
- Cowhide Rug – Keys to Choosing a Rustic and Unique Style