Creasing & Pooling In Your Leather Sofa

Any style aficionado will confirm that a leather sofa is, without a doubt, the epitome of luxury. Sophisticated, elegant and synonymous with exceptional quality, they offer a unique aesthetic that is sure to elevate any discerning home.

However, as leather is a natural material with certain characteristics that set it apart from others, people often worry whether it will change in look and feel over time. So to set your minds at ease, our expert team has put together this guide on how to manage creasing and pooling in your leather sofa.

Why Leather Sofas Are a Great Investment

A long-standing status symbol in the world of fine interior design, these sought-after seating solutions are a cut above the rest. Here’s why.

• They are well known for their extraordinary durability, making them an excellent long-term investment.
• Timeless and refined, they never go out of style and will fit in with a wide range of interior design trends.
• Compared to other materials, leather sofas are relatively simple to maintain and have the additional benefit of being spill and stain resistant.
• They age gracefully, developing a lovely patina that adds to their charm and character as time progresses.
• Leather sofas respond to your body temperature, allowing you to stay warm in winter and cool in summer and creating a comfortable, relaxing seating experience.
• Hypoallergenic and dust-resistant, they are the perfect solution for those suffering from respiratory sensitivities.
• They retain their worth over time, making them an excellent long-term investment.
• Sustainably sourced and recyclable, leather is environmentally friendly, allowing you to reduce your carbon footprint and maintain an eco-friendly home.
• Leather sofas are designed to last for decades and often become much-loved family heirlooms.

Leather Pooling, Creasing & Folds

If you’re ready to hit the shops and find yourself a gorgeous addition to your living room, our first recommendation is to choose a luxury leather sofa. Our article on choosing the best grain will help you make an informed choice.

Because leather is a natural material made from animal hide, you will notice that it bears marks and characteristics that have accumulated over the animal’s lifetime. Professional interior designers will tell you that they add to the uniqueness of your particular sofa and should be appreciated and enjoyed for what they are.

However, with day-to-day wear, leather does stretch and there are other elements that could change its overall aesthetic, one of the most common causes of concern being the appearance of wrinkles. So, if this has occurred in your brand-new purchase, we're here to tell you that there’s no need to panic!

Your leather sofa will, in fact, fold, crease and pool from day one, making the material over the seats look slightly stretched or loose. It's important to understand that this is not a fault but a normal trait that will occur to some degree in almost every leather sofa, including high-end pieces.

Often referred to as “comfort wrinkles”, these phenomena usually only escape sofas that are constructed from extremely dense foam and very thick hide. And these options, typically designed for durability over comfort, are most commonly found in commercial or high-traffic spaces.

These tougher sofas are designed for durability over comfort and tend to be more unforgiving. So, if you want that luxurious feeling of sinking into a soft-as-butter cocoon, be assured that pooling, creasing and folds in your leather sofa are par for the course.

Caring For Your Leather Sofa

Although you can't prevent wear and tear, there are some techniques you can employ to minimise their effects, although it's important to remember that you will always experience some degree of pooling creasing and pooling.

Dress Your Sofa

Sofa dressing is the art of smoothing the leather and plumping up and rotating the seats on a regular basis. The following method works particularly well:

• Using clean, dry hands, start by gently pressing your cushions from the centre to the outside following a horizontal then vertical line.
• Start again at the centre and repeat the process, this time smoothing the cushions diagonally out to each corner.
• Make sure you do this right to the edges of the seats and tuck down the sides and back.
• Don't overdo it - once along each line is enough.

Avoid UV Rays

UV rays are not friendly to leather - they can dry it out and potentially cause cracks. The best solution is to place your leather sofa away from direct sunlight and any form of heat. There are also UV protectants on the market that claim to help with this.

Gentle Cleaning

Here is the best way to clean your leather sofa:

• Start by using a dry microfibre cloth to dust off any lint. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment for hard-to-reach places.
• Once done, gently wipe the sofa with a cloth dampened with distilled water, making sure not to soak it.
• Ensure it has properly air-dried before you sit on it.
• Make sure you never use detergents or you will damage the leather.

DISCLAIMER: FCI London does not advocate the use of any cleaning products or UV protectants on your leather sofa and will not be able to assist with any faults that may arise from the use of these products on any of our leather offerings.

3 Fabulous Leather Sofas for Modern Homes

If you are passionate about high-end furnishings and are looking to infuse your spaces with a touch of class, you’re definitely in need of a leather sofa. To get the ball rolling, here are 3 that our professional interior designers are mad about.

1. The Denny Sofa

Looking for something modular? Then Gamma & Dandy’s Denny sofa is the perfect choice. A gorgeous balance between vintage charm and contemporary casualness, it gives you the ultimate in comfort and distinction while adhering to the brand’s strict quality protocols. We particularly love its state-of-the-art mechanised headrest that can be flipped into place, giving you full lumbar support whenever needed. And you can have it customised in an array of colours and configurations to suit your aesthetics.

2. The Kansas Sofa

For smaller spaces, the Kansas sofa by Frato is made in the round style and features ample, plump cushioning that will keep you cosy for hours. Styled like a loveseat, it provides a different take on traditional offerings and is ideal in a reading nook or intimate seating area in a well-considered bedroom. Perfect upholstering techniques complete each ensemble, allowing for a choice of contrasting fabrics and piping, beautifully offset by its solid wood base.

3. The Cloud Sofa

Sleek and stylish, the Cloud sofa by Galotti & Radice is the epitome of fine Italian design, taking pride of place in any modern living room. Constructed with opulence in mind, its distinctive form is made to support and comfort, giving you the perfect perch on which to enjoy convivial conversations or just chill in front of the TV. Pair it with a matching pouf to complete your aesthetic.

We're Here To Help

If you need advice on caring for your leather sofa or are concerned that it is creasing or pooling, get in touch with us today - we’re here to help.

At FCI London, we’re obsessed with beautiful interiors and encourage you to invest in the best that money can buy. And, from your living spaces and bedroom ensembles to your hallways and dining rooms, we have everything you need to create a gorgeous home.

For inspiration, take a peek at our latest design projects portfolio or pop into our spectacular showroom and meet our dynamic design team.