design concierge

Understanding Premium Leather

Your Guide

the natural world of leather

At FrancoCrea, every upholstered piece is finished in premium aniline leather. A material unmatched in its ability to age beautifully and reward those who live closely with it.

To choose the right leather is to understand it. Aniline refers to the translucent, water-soluble dyes used in the leather's final finish. It is precisely this transparency that allows the hide's natural grain to remain visible, giving full-grain aniline leather its unmistakable depth and character.

Within that distinction lies an important choice: full aniline or semi-aniline. What follows is a considered guide to both, so that the leather you choose reflects not only your aesthetic, but your way of living.

Only the very best raw hides are used for full aniline leathers

Premium Full-Aniline Leather

Natural characteristics such as insect bites, fat wrinkles, growth marks, and healed scars may be visible and are a great indication of a superior quality natural leather with its own individuality. European hides are considered the highest quality as the cattle are reared in small herds with no barb wiring or branding.

Full aniline leathers do not have any protective coating or pigment on the surface, retaining their natural state. They are considered the softest, most elegant, and supple leather, providing the ultimate luxurious comfort level in seating. As the hair follicles are naturally uncovered, they will absorb body oils during use and enhance the appearance of the leather over time. This improvement in appearance is called a patina and is a unique characteristic of natural leather.  This also allows the leather to be highly breathable. It does, however, mean it is more susceptible to fading from sunlight exposure.

Only the very best raw hides are used for Semi-Aniline leathers.

Premium Semi-Aniline Leather

Only the very best raw hides are used for Semi-Aniline leathers. Natural characteristics such as insect bites, fat wrinkles, growth marks and healed scars may be visible and are a great indication of a superior quality natural leather with its own individuality. Semi-Aniline leathers are dyed like full-aniline but have a thin protective topcoat added to protect it from wear and staining.

Premium semi-aniline leather is evenly coloured with a very light pigment applied to the surfaced. Designed to make the leather more resistant to stains without completely concealing the natural characteristics of the leather hide, whilst retaining its natural aesthetic and soft breathable touch.  Semi-Aniline leather is a great option for people who want to see the natural beauty of leather, but would also like additional durability and colour consistency compared to full aniline leather.  A perfect fit for young families or spaces with exposure to the strong western sun.

Come touch and feel premium leather

Our studio showrooms in Melbourne and Adelaide provide a no obligation opportunity to see materials in person, ask what you've been wondering, and understand what considered design actually feels like to live with.

Visit a showroom