Buying a leather sofa means meeting a vocabulary that is rarely explained: full grain, top grain, aniline, bonded, pocket sprung, kiln dried, chaise, recliner and many more. This glossary sets out the terms you are most likely to see in product descriptions, grouped by leather, construction, comfort and style, so you can compare sofas with confidence and know exactly what you are getting.
Whether you are looking at a compact armchair or a large corner design, understanding these terms helps you judge quality and suitability. You can apply them directly as you browse our modern leather sofas UK, or across our wider range of sofas UK sale if you are comparing leather with other upholstery.
Leather taken from the outermost layer of the hide, with the natural grain left intact. It shows natural markings such as scars, creases and variations in texture. Full grain is the strongest and most durable grade and develops a rich patina over time.
Also from the outer layer of the hide, but lightly sanded or buffed to remove surface imperfections. It is slightly thinner and more uniform than full grain, while still strong and comfortable. Many quality sofas use top grain on seating areas.
The lower layer of the hide, left once the top grain has been separated. It is less strong and usually given an embossed or coated surface to imitate grain. Sometimes used on the outer backs and sides of sofas.
Leather that has been sanded and then given an artificial grain pattern and protective coating. It is uniform in appearance and resistant to stains.
Made from leather fibres bonded together with a polyurethane coating. It looks similar to leather but is generally less durable and can peel over time.
A synthetic material, often polyurethane or PVC, designed to look like leather. Also called leatherette or vegan leather.
Leather dyed throughout with soluble dyes and given no surface coating. It feels very soft and natural and shows every characteristic of the hide. It is also the most likely to absorb spills and fade in sunlight.
Aniline dyed leather with a light protective coating. It keeps much of the natural look and feel while offering more resistance to marks.
Leather with a pigmented surface coating that gives an even colour and good resistance to stains, fading and wear. It is a practical choice for busy homes, children and pets.
Top grain leather that has been lightly sanded on the outer side to create a soft, velvety nap. It feels luxurious but needs careful care.
Leather treated with oils or waxes that lighten in colour when stretched or pressed, creating a distressed, lived in look over time.
The soft sheen and gentle colour change that develops on leather with use, light and handling. Valued as a sign of good quality natural leather.
Hardwood dried in a kiln to remove moisture, reducing the risk of warping or cracking. A good indicator of a sturdy frame.
Timber products such as plywood or board made by bonding layers or fibres. Quality engineered wood can be strong and stable when used correctly.
Joints reinforced with wooden pegs and glue rather than relying on staples alone. A sign of careful construction.
Small blocks of wood fitted inside frame corners to add strength and stop joints loosening over time.
A solid base that sits flat on the floor, with no visible legs. Gives a grounded, contemporary look.
Small wheels fitted to the feet, usually at the back, to make moving the sofa easier.
Individual coil springs, each sewn into its own fabric pocket. They respond to pressure independently, giving even support and good shape retention.
Also called sinuous or zigzag springs. Lengths of S shaped wire running across the seat frame. A common and reliable seat base.
Strong elastic or woven straps stretched across the frame to support cushions. Often used in contemporary low profile sofas.
Foam with a greater mass per volume, which holds its shape and resists flattening better than lower density foam.
Foam that softens with body heat and moulds to your shape before slowly recovering. Occasionally used in sofa seats for a sink in feel.
Cushions filled with polyester fibre for a soft, relaxed feel. They need regular plumping.
Foam cushions wrapped in a layer of feather or feather and fibre blend, combining support with a softer, more luxurious surface.
The distance from the front edge of the seat to the back cushion. Deeper seats suit lounging and taller people.
The distance from the floor to the top of the seat cushion. Higher seats are easier to get in and out of.
A single seat with arms on both sides. Our 1 seater leather sofas UK are often bought alongside a larger sofa to complete a room.
Sofas designed to seat two or three people. Lengths vary considerably between designs, so always check dimensions.
An L shaped sofa designed to fit into a corner, available in left hand or right hand facing versions.
Describes which side the chaise or corner section sits on when you stand facing the sofa. Terms vary between retailers, so always check the diagram.
An extended seat section that lets you stretch out your legs. Can be part of a corner sofa or stand on its own.
A sofa made from separate units that can be arranged in different shapes.
A matching combination, often a three seater with a two seater or armchair. Our leather sofa sets UK sale are designed to coordinate across pieces.
A sofa or chair whose back tilts and footrest rises, either manually with a lever or electrically with a button.
A recliner mechanism that needs only a small gap behind it, as the seat slides forward when reclining.
A recliner operated by a lever, handle or by pushing back against the seat. Simple, reliable and does not need a power supply.
A recliner operated by a motor, controlled with buttons on the arm or inside the seat. It can stop at any angle between upright and fully reclined.
A separately motorised headrest that tilts forward and back, useful for watching television while reclined.
Adjustable support for the lower back, sometimes motorised, that helps keep posture comfortable over longer periods.
A reclining chair that can also rock gently when upright.
A base that lets a chair rotate, often combined with reclining or rocking functions.
A classic British design with deep buttoned tufting and rolled arms the same height as the back.
Buttons pulled through the upholstery to create a quilted, dimpled surface.
Parallel lines of stitching that create raised sections, often vertical on backs.
A fabric or leather cord sewn into seams to define edges.
Stitching in a colour that stands out from the leather, highlighting seams.
A straight, squared arm with clean lines, common in contemporary designs.
An arm that curves outward, typical of traditional sofas.
A fixed back has cushions attached to the frame. A scatter back uses loose cushions you can rearrange.
A product that nourishes leather and keeps it supple, applied every few months.
Dye moving from clothing, especially new denim, onto pale leather.
Dryness that causes the surface to split, usually from heat or lack of conditioning.
When comparing sofas, focus on three things: the leather grade and finish, the frame construction and the seat build. Together they tell you most of what you need to know about comfort and longevity. Style terms then help you find a look that suits your home.
If you are also considering an L shaped design, our guide to buying a corner sofa set online in the UK shows how to apply these terms when comparing product listings.
You can browse leather sofas in every shape and finish at Furniture in Fashion.
Full grain leather is generally the most durable, followed by top grain. Protected or pigmented finishes add resistance to stains and fading.
Bonded leather contains leather fibres but is made by bonding them with a synthetic coating. It is not the same as solid hide and tends to be less durable.
It usually describes the side the chaise or corner sits on when you face the sofa. Retailers define this differently, so always check the product diagram.
Protected or pigmented leather resists scratches, spills and fading better than aniline finishes, making it a practical choice for busy homes.
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