On aniline leather, marks like insect bites, healed scars, stretch marks and natural creases contribute to its authentic aesthetic and add distinctive character. Pictured here is the Chieftain Chair in 'Elegance' leather.
Since aniline leather doesn't have an artificial surface treatment, its natural markings are not concealed. For this reason, it is crucial for us to select hides of the highest quality and grade. Pictured here is 'Elegance' leather in the color 'Walnut'.
Aniline leather is a quality material whose original surface bears the unique marks of the animal's life story. Pictured here is 'Elegance' leather in the color 'Black'.
Aniline Leather
The Qualities of
Aniline Leather
Leather is the animal's protection against wind, weather, and other animals. A lived life leaves its marks, such as folds and scars from scratches or insect bites. Choosing aniline leather for your furniture is therefore not only an aesthetic decision, but a meaningful one. It is a choice to value the genuine over the flawless, the living over the uniform.
Aniline leather is breathable, less prone to feeling too hot or too cold, and soft and sensual to the touch. To ensure the high quality that Finn Juhl's furniture deserves, we work with experienced partners who, through expertise and careful craftsmanship, provide leather of the absolute highest standard.
For a more uniform appearance, choose leather with a light or more substantial surface treatment, such as semi-aniline or protected leather.
How Aniline Leather Evolves over Time
When choosing a piece of furniture upholstered in aniline leather, it is important to understand that it will evolve over time – unlike leathers with a protective surface finish, which are more uniform and remain relatively static, aniline leather is open to marks and stains. Aniline leather responds to light, air, warmth, touch, and use. This is why no two pieces of leather age alike; each develops its own distinct character, shaped by the people who live with it.
The patina that gradually emerges is a beautiful testament to a piece of furniture being used and lived with. These subtle changes are what give each piece its unique character. Our aim is to create furniture that not only lasts for generations, but also tells its story through the materials themselves.
Uncolored vegetable-tanned leather, in particular, is very susceptible to stains and will change significantly over time. Pictured here is patinated, untreated vegetable-tanned leather.
Vegetable-Tanned Leather
About Uncolored Vegetable-Tanned Leather
Vegetable tanning with natural tannins is the oldest, most authentic and most time-consuming method of refining leather. Among our leathers, we offer an exclusive uncolored, vegetable-tanned leather. As a blank canvas, the leather is entirely untreated, appearing in its original, light-toned hue. Over time, it will develop a warm golden-brown hue, and after decades, become almost cognac-like as a natural result of exposure to light, air, and touch.
Vegetable-tanned leather is the most receptive to stains and marks, which is part of its character and unique aesthetic. Signs of everyday use will quickly appear, both in the form of subtle color changes and small impressions.
The uncolored vegetable-tanned leather is an ideal choice for those who want an exclusive, natural material which will develop a rich patina. If a more uniform appearance is desired, a colored leather in a similar shade should be chosen instead.
Stains on vegetable-tanned leather become part of the furniture's character and patina. Instead of regretting them, one should embrace this quality, as stains are otherwise difficult to remove. Pictured here is patinated, untreated vegetable-tanned leather.
Vegetable-tanned leather is the type of leather often seen on the patinated furniture from Finn Juhl's era – where the warm glow and lively surface are a testament to both quality and character, which only become more beautiful over the years.
Take Care of Your Furniture
When purchasing one of Finn Juhl’s designs, you’re not just investing in a beautiful piece of furniture, but in a solid one that can last a lifetime with proper care. For leather-upholstered furniture, this means avoiding harsh cleaning agents or chemicals, keeping it away from direct heat sources, and protecting it from prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Read more about maintenance and care