American Frame

American Made Leather Furniture - What You've Been Missing

When you think about high quality leather furniture what might come to mind are European furniture manufactures who have had centuries of experience in working with tanning leather hides and building solid hardwood frame furnishings. European colonists brought many of those furniture building techniques handed down through the ages to America in the 1700's and those techniques and traditions still continue here today. Technology has advanced much in the last 300 years and many modern manufacturing advances and innovations have been introduced into the process of building a piece a furniture and in the tanning of leather but the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each piece still continues. In this article we'll look at American leather furniture manufacturing, European leather hides and the role these tanneries still play today in American made furniture.

European tanneries have existed since ancient history. Tanning by ancient methods would be considered quite crude by modern standards today, however these methods were very effective in processing hides and tanning them for use. Ancient tanneries were often found on the outskirts of town. Uses for these leather hides during those times included water skins, harnesses, boots, sandals as well as bags and armor. The process of tanning has evolved much over the centuries and leather hides are imported from European tanneries to American furniture manufacturers to be used many varieties of furniture.

What makes leather furniture so sought after is that it exhibits natural characteristics in every hide which makes each piece unique. It is this unique surface texture of natural barb wire markings, bite and stretch marks that give character to the furniture that you won't find anywhere else. These features are most often retained in the higher grades of leather which offer the soft, supple feel that is buttery and smooth to the touch. These characteristics are much enjoyed in leather furniture and often only found in leather from the oldest tanneries.

In Chino, California is a manufacturer called Omnia Leather that brings together European and American designers to create furniture that offers some of the finest detail, style and design. If you look at the offerings of typical furniture manufacturers who offer leather, you'll often find a dozen or so colors available in a single grade of leather. This manufacturer, Omnia Leather offers 20 different grades of leather with over 250 specific colors throughout the various grades of leather. Omnia sources many of these hides from the European Elmo Leather AB Tannery. It is one of the oldest and largest tanneries in Europe located in Svenljunga in western Sweden. These hides are shipped to California where they are cut and upholstered onto American made frames. This Brings together European and American materials and construction.

Located in Dallas, Texas is another American leather furniture manufacturer appropriately called American Leather. This manufacturer just like Omnia also offers a wide array of specialty leathers in their own grades of nubuck, natural, waxed and protected. American Leather sources many of their hides from the Elmo Tannery in Sweden providing European grade leather that is then applied to the kiln dried hardwood frames manufactured by American Leather. This company is also well known for a successful line of sleepers called Comfort Sleepers which are offered in real twin, full, queen, queen plus and king sizes. The company was founded in 1991 and continues to specialize in custom leather furniture.

Leather exhibits natural characteristics that make each piece unique. Today, the combination of old world European leather tanning and modern American manufacturing makes for a very high end piece of furniture. American leather furniture manufacturing make use of quality construction techniques and hardwood frames then combines these with high quality leather hides from top European tanneries to create furniture built to last. If you've been hesitant to shop leather because of quality, consider American leather furniture manufacturers who are committed to using the highest quality and materials available in the market. You'll be pleased with what you find.

About the Author

P.Pendleton is a furniture professional with experience in furniture manufacturing, distribution and retail who writes for several leading retailers and stores. He continues to work with other furniture professionals to help promote new trends in American leather furniture and comfort sleepers.

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