When choosing the upholstery for your sofa bed, traditional leather and nubuck are often the first options that come to mind, synonymous with elegance and character. But have you ever heard of nabuck? This sometimes confusing term refers to materials that can offer an attractive alternative, combining the velvety aesthetic of nubuck with improved properties, particularly in terms of maintenance and durability.
So, is nabuk a good option for your sofa bed ? Let's dive into the characteristics of this material and compare it to leather and "classic" nubuck.
Nubuck, leather and nabuck: let's clarify the terms
Before exploring nabuck, it is essential to understand the basics.
Traditional leather
It is animal hide tanned and finished on its outer side, which can be smooth, grained, or textured. It is renowned for its strength, durability, and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time. Easy to maintain for surface dirt, but can be susceptible to scratches and liquids if left untreated.
Nubuck
Nubuck is genuine leather (usually cowhide or calfskin) whose grain (outer) surface has been very finely sanded or brushed. This gives it a soft, velvety appearance, similar to peach skin. It retains the natural markings of the hide and is highly valued for its noble aesthetic.
- Advantages: luxurious and soft appearance, breathable, durable (because it comes from the grain of the leather).
- Disadvantages: Very sensitive to stains (grease, water), rings, and discoloration from light. Requires specific and regular maintenance with dedicated products (brush, eraser, waterproofer). Less suitable for families with children or unruly pets.
The nabuck
The term "nabuck" (sometimes spelled "synthetic nubuck" or "nubuck-look microfiber") generally refers to a synthetic material (often polyester or polyurethane-based) that has been treated to mimic the soft, velvety look and feel of natural nubuck. Therefore, it is not genuine leather, but a high-quality imitation.
Advantages of Nabuck
- Ease of maintenance: often treated with stain and water repellent properties, it is generally much easier to clean than real nubuck (a simple damp cloth can be enough for many stains).
- Resistance: very resistant to wear, scratches (less than smooth leather, but often better than genuine nubuck which marks more easily), and discoloration.
- Price: Generally more affordable than genuine leather or nubuck.
- Eco-friendly (for some versions): there are "nabucks" made from recycled materials (such as PET from bottles).
- Uniformity: more shapeless appearance than natural nubuck, which may have skin imperfections.
Nabuck for your sofa bed: a good idea?
For a sofa bed , especially if you plan on using it frequently or have children or pets, nabuck (synthetic) can be an excellent alternative:
- Daily use: its ease of maintenance and its resistance make it a practical choice for a piece of furniture that receives a lot of use.
- Families and pets: If your pets are likely to get on the sofa, nabuk will be more resistant to hair and minor damage than real nubuck, and will be easier to clean than traditional leather if stains occur.
- Budget-friendly: You can achieve a stylish look without the high cost of genuine leather or nubuck.
READ ALSO: How to choose the right convertible sofa bed?
To conclude, the nabuck for its convertible sofa
A sofa bed is a significant investment. Choosing the right upholstery is crucial for combining aesthetics, comfort, and everyday practicality. While traditional leather offers unparalleled durability and patina, and nubuck offers luxurious softness, synthetic nabuck is a highly desirable alternative. It offers a similar aesthetic to nubuck, but with significant advantages in terms of ease of maintenance and durability, making it an excellent choice for busy homes.
Take the time to evaluate your priorities: pure aesthetics, ease of maintenance, durability, or budget. Nabuck might just be the versatile solution you're looking for for your future sofa.
Discover the Bari convertible sofa, made of nabuck.
