For designers
Specifying leather: a guide for architects and interior designers
A good leather specification names the colour, finish, grain or texture, application and required performance, and is backed by physical swatches and supplier test reports. Define usage and light exposure first, specify the supplier's reference rather than a generic description, and record care instructions so the client keeps the result.
What should an upholstery leather specification include?
A specification should leave the maker and supplier in no doubt about what is wanted. Vague wording like 'brown leather' invites substitution, and with a natural material substitution shows.
- Supplier, collection and colour reference, matched to an approved physical swatch.
- Leather type and finish (for example, aniline, semi-aniline or pigmented) and any grain or embossing.
- Application: seating, headboard, wall panel, accent, and the expected level of use.
- Performance requirements, such as light resistance, abrasion resistance or fire requirements, where they apply to the project.
- Quantity basis and a note on batch consistency for matching pieces.
- Care and maintenance instructions to hand over to the client.
How do I choose colour and finish for a client?
Begin with the client's real use and light conditions, then narrow colours with physical swatches viewed in the actual space. The step-by-step approach is in our colour and finish guide, and the 10 mistakes you can make when designing for a client video covers common errors.
Remember that leather does not have to be brown. HideItalia's range runs to 2000+ colours, and its colourful neutrals story shows how muted greens, blues and reds can function as neutrals.
How should I match the finish to the application?
The finish determines how a surface will cope with use and light. Natural, open finishes feel soft but are more sensitive; protected pigmented finishes are generally more forgiving. For hospitality or other heavy-use settings, see restaurants and leather, and for the different finish types, our finish guide.
Use leather as an accent where it makes sense: five ways to make leather go a long way shows headboards, benches, chairs and tables, and leather beds and headboards covers upholstered styles.
What testing and documentation should I ask for?
HideItalia notes that leathers with a test report to authenticate their quality are priced higher because testing adds cost, and that quality can be assessed on parameters such as colour fastness to sunlight, rubbing and sweat, and resistance to abrasion and fire. If a project has performance requirements, ask the supplier which test reports exist for the exact leather you intend to use, and attach them to the specification file. Do not assume a report for one leather applies to another.
How should I handle samples and approvals?
Approve physical swatches, not screens, and record which swatch the client signed off. Use the online swatch library to shortlist and compare, then request physical swatches for presentations. In Bangalore, partners can use the experience centre to present shortlisted colours to clients, with a light box and space for mood boards.
How can designers partner with HideItalia?
Architects and interior designers who specify leather regularly can apply as a Creative Partner. HideItalia supports designers with guided selection, swatches for presentations and a leather helpline. If you only have a project question, use the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
01What should I put in a leather specification?
Supplier and colour reference with an approved swatch, leather type and finish, application and use level, performance requirements, quantity and batch notes, and care instructions.
02Do I need test reports for leather?
If your project has performance requirements, ask the supplier which reports exist for that exact leather, such as colour fastness or abrasion results.
03Can leather be used as an accent rather than throughout?
Yes. Headboards, benches, accent chairs and tables are common ways to use leather sparingly in an interior.
04How do designers get swatches from HideItalia?
Shortlist colours in the swatch library and request physical swatches, or apply as a Creative Partner for ongoing support.
Specifying leather for a project?
Apply as a Creative Partner or send us your project details.