Published by IE Discount Furniture | www.iediscount.com

The dining room is more than just a place to eat — it's where families gather, friends linger over coffee, and memories are made around a shared table. But when it comes to choosing the right dining set, one of the first questions you'll face is: formal or casual?

Both styles have their place, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, your home's layout, and how you actually use your dining space. Let's break it down.

What Is a Formal Dining Set?

Formal dining sets are designed to impress. Think elegant lines, rich wood finishes like mahogany or cherry, upholstered chairs with high backs, and matching china cabinets or buffets. These sets tend to be larger, seating six to twelve guests, and are built to be the centerpiece of a dedicated dining room.

Key characteristics of formal dining sets:

• Dark or richly stained hardwood construction (walnut, oak, cherry)
• High-back chairs, often with fabric or leather upholstery
• Ornate detailing — carved legs, decorative aprons, pedestal bases
• Larger footprints, designed for spacious, dedicated dining rooms
• Coordinating sideboards, hutches, or buffets available

Best for: Homeowners who entertain regularly, host holiday gatherings, or simply love the elegance of a traditional dining room aesthetic.

What Is a Casual Dining Set?

Casual dining sets prioritize comfort and everyday functionality. These are the sets you pull up to every morning for breakfast and every evening for family dinner. They're typically smaller, more relaxed in style, and far more versatile — fitting naturally into open-plan kitchens, breakfast nooks, or multi-purpose living spaces.

Key characteristics of casual dining sets:

• Lighter wood tones, metal frames, or mixed materials (wood + metal, glass tops)
• Cushioned or padded chairs for everyday comfort
• Bench seating options for a relaxed, family-friendly feel
• Compact sizes — typically 4 to 6 seats
• Easy-to-clean surfaces: laminate, tempered glass, or sealed wood

Best for: Families with young children, apartment dwellers, renters, or anyone who uses their dining space daily and wants something practical and stylish without the formality.

How to Decide: 5 Key Questions to Ask Yourself

1. How do you actually use your dining space?

If your dining table doubles as a homework station, craft table, and Sunday brunch spot — go casual. If it's reserved for sit-down dinners and special occasions, a formal set will feel right at home.

2. How much space do you have?

Formal dining sets need room to breathe. A large, ornate table crammed into a small eat-in kitchen looks out of place. Measure your space carefully and leave at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides for chair pull-out.

3. What's your home's overall style?

Your dining set should complement your interior, not clash with it. A farmhouse-style home pairs beautifully with a rustic casual set. A traditional colonial or craftsman home is a natural fit for formal, dark-wood pieces.

4. Do you have kids or pets?

Young families and pet owners often find formal upholstered chairs a maintenance nightmare. Casual sets with wipeable surfaces and stain-resistant fabrics are a much more practical choice.

5. What's your budget?

Formal dining sets tend to cost more due to their size, materials, and craftsmanship. That said, at IE Discount Furniture, we carry both formal and casual sets at prices that won't make you rethink your renovation budget.

Can You Mix the Two?

Absolutely — and it's actually a popular design trend. Many homeowners are opting for a more formal table silhouette (like a solid wood rectangular table with turned legs) paired with casual, upholstered chairs in a relaxed fabric. This "casual-formal" hybrid gives you the elegance of a statement piece with the everyday comfort of a relaxed seat.

Mixing chair styles around one table is another option: pair two upholstered armchairs at the heads of the table with simple side chairs along the sides for an eclectic, curated look.

Shopping Tips Before You Buy

• Measure twice, buy once. Know your room's dimensions before you fall in love with a set.
• Consider extendable tables. A table with a leaf insert gives you the best of both worlds — compact for daily use, expanded for entertaining.
• Think about chair height. Standard dining chairs pair with tables 28–30" tall. Counter-height and bar-height sets require taller chairs or stools.
• Check the return policy. Color and finish can look different in person. Shop with a retailer you trust — one with a clear return and exchange policy.

Find Your Perfect Dining Set at IE Discount

Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of a formal dining room or the relaxed comfort of a casual everyday set, IE Discount has a wide selection to match every home, style, and budget.

Browse our full dining room collection at www.iediscount.com — and if you're not sure where to start, our team is always happy to help you find the right fit.

Your table is waiting.

Tags: dining sets, formal dining, casual dining, dining room furniture, furniture buying guide, home décor tips

Formal vs. Casual Dining Sets: What's Right for Your Home?

Published by IE Discount Furniture | www.iediscount.com

The dining room is more than just a place to eat — it's where families gather, friends linger over coffee, and memories are made around a shared table. But when it comes to choosing the right dining set, one of the first questions you'll face is: formal or casual?

Both styles have their place, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, your home's layout, and how you actually use your dining space. Let's break it down.

What Is a Formal Dining Set?

Formal dining sets are designed to impress. Think elegant lines, rich wood finishes like mahogany or cherry, upholstered chairs with high backs, and matching china cabinets or buffets. These sets tend to be larger, seating six to twelve guests, and are built to be the centerpiece of a dedicated dining room.

Key characteristics of formal dining sets:

• Dark or richly stained hardwood construction (walnut, oak, cherry)
• High-back chairs, often with fabric or leather upholstery
• Ornate detailing — carved legs, decorative aprons, pedestal bases
• Larger footprints, designed for spacious, dedicated dining rooms
• Coordinating sideboards, hutches, or buffets available

Best for: Homeowners who entertain regularly, host holiday gatherings, or simply love the elegance of a traditional dining room aesthetic.

What Is a Casual Dining Set?

Casual dining sets prioritize comfort and everyday functionality. These are the sets you pull up to every morning for breakfast and every evening for family dinner. They're typically smaller, more relaxed in style, and far more versatile — fitting naturally into open-plan kitchens, breakfast nooks, or multi-purpose living spaces.

Key characteristics of casual dining sets:

• Lighter wood tones, metal frames, or mixed materials (wood + metal, glass tops)
• Cushioned or padded chairs for everyday comfort
• Bench seating options for a relaxed, family-friendly feel
• Compact sizes — typically 4 to 6 seats
• Easy-to-clean surfaces: laminate, tempered glass, or sealed wood

Best for: Families with young children, apartment dwellers, renters, or anyone who uses their dining space daily and wants something practical and stylish without the formality.

How to Decide: 5 Key Questions to Ask Yourself

1. How do you actually use your dining space?

If your dining table doubles as a homework station, craft table, and Sunday brunch spot — go casual. If it's reserved for sit-down dinners and special occasions, a formal set will feel right at home.

2. How much space do you have?

Formal dining sets need room to breathe. A large, ornate table crammed into a small eat-in kitchen looks out of place. Measure your space carefully and leave at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides for chair pull-out.

3. What's your home's overall style?

Your dining set should complement your interior, not clash with it. A farmhouse-style home pairs beautifully with a rustic casual set. A traditional colonial or craftsman home is a natural fit for formal, dark-wood pieces.

4. Do you have kids or pets?

Young families and pet owners often find formal upholstered chairs a maintenance nightmare. Casual sets with wipeable surfaces and stain-resistant fabrics are a much more practical choice.

5. What's your budget?

Formal dining sets tend to cost more due to their size, materials, and craftsmanship. That said, at IE Discount Furniture, we carry both formal and casual sets at prices that won't make you rethink your renovation budget.

Can You Mix the Two?

Absolutely — and it's actually a popular design trend. Many homeowners are opting for a more formal table silhouette (like a solid wood rectangular table with turned legs) paired with casual, upholstered chairs in a relaxed fabric. This "casual-formal" hybrid gives you the elegance of a statement piece with the everyday comfort of a relaxed seat.

Mixing chair styles around one table is another option: pair two upholstered armchairs at the heads of the table with simple side chairs along the sides for an eclectic, curated look.

Shopping Tips Before You Buy

• Measure twice, buy once. Know your room's dimensions before you fall in love with a set.
• Consider extendable tables. A table with a leaf insert gives you the best of both worlds — compact for daily use, expanded for entertaining.
• Think about chair height. Standard dining chairs pair with tables 28–30" tall. Counter-height and bar-height sets require taller chairs or stools.
• Check the return policy. Color and finish can look different in person. Shop with a retailer you trust — one with a clear return and exchange policy.

Find Your Perfect Dining Set at IE Discount

Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of a formal dining room or the relaxed comfort of a casual everyday set, IE Discount has a wide selection to match every home, style, and budget.

Browse our full dining room collection at www.iediscount.com — and if you're not sure where to start, our team is always happy to help you find the right fit.

Your table is waiting.

Tags: dining sets, formal dining, casual dining, dining room furniture, furniture buying guide, home décor tipsv

Published by IE Discount Furniture | www.iediscount.com

You've measured your living room. You've scrolled through hundreds of options online. And now you're stuck on the biggest decision of your furniture shopping journey: sofa or sectional?

It's not just a style choice — it's a practical one. The wrong pick can make a room feel cramped, awkward, or just plain "off." The right one transforms your living space into the comfortable, pulled-together room you've been picturing.

Let's walk through everything you need to know to make the right call.

The Case for a Sofa

A traditional sofa — typically seating two to four people — is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can own. It works in almost any room, in almost any layout, and comes in an enormous range of styles from sleek and modern to plush and traditional.

Why a sofa might be the right choice:

• It fits anywhere. Apartments, condos, small homes, narrow rooms — a sofa adapts. Its compact footprint leaves room for other pieces like armchairs, ottomans, or accent tables.
• It's easier to move. Relocating? A sofa fits through most doorways and stairwells without the logistical headache of a multi-piece sectional.
• More layout flexibility. A sofa can be repositioned, paired with different chairs, or moved to another room entirely. It doesn't lock you into one configuration.
• Wide style range. From tuxedo sofas to camelback silhouettes to mid-century low profiles, sofas offer more distinct style variety than most sectionals.
• Better for formal or multi-use spaces. If your living room doubles as a home office, guest room, or entertaining space, a sofa keeps the room feeling open and adaptable.

Best for: Smaller rooms, apartments, formal living rooms, renters who move frequently, or anyone who likes to rearrange their space.

The Case for a Sectional

A sectional sofa is essentially a sofa reimagined for maximum comfort and seating capacity. Made up of two or more connected pieces — typically an L-shape or U-shape — sectionals anchor a room and invite you to truly settle in.

Why a sectional might be the right choice:

• Unbeatable seating capacity. A standard sectional seats five to eight people comfortably, making it ideal for families or anyone who loves hosting.
• It defines the space. In an open-plan layout, a sectional acts as a natural room divider, carving out a distinct living area from a dining space or entryway.
• Built-in comfort. Most sectionals include a chaise lounge component — the ultimate spot for reading, napping, or binge-watching your favorite series.
• Fewer extra pieces needed. A sectional often eliminates the need for additional chairs or ottomans since it already provides ample seating and lounging.
• Cozy, casual atmosphere. There's a reason sectionals dominate family rooms and media rooms — they create an inviting, laid-back vibe that a traditional sofa simply can't match.

Best for: Large rooms, open-plan layouts, families, movie lovers, or anyone who prioritizes comfort and seating over formality.

Sofa vs. Sectional: Side-by-Side Comparison

How to Decide: 4 Questions to Ask

1. How big is your room?

This is the most important factor. As a general rule:

• Under 250 sq ft of living space → go with a sofa
• 250–400 sq ft → either can work depending on layout
• Over 400 sq ft or open-plan → a sectional will fill the space properly

A sectional in a tiny room will overwhelm it. A small sofa in a large room will look lost.

2. How do you use the space?

Do you host family movie nights and need everyone on one piece of furniture? Sectional. Do you entertain formally and need the room to feel open and elegant? Sofa. Is it a mix? Consider a sofa with a matching ottoman or chaise.

3. Do you move often?

Sectionals are notoriously difficult to move — especially around tight corners, up stairs, or into elevators. If you're renting or tend to relocate every few years, a sofa is the more practical investment.

4. What's your layout like?

Open-plan living spaces are made for sectionals — they create definition in a large, flowing room. Enclosed rooms with multiple doorways and windows often work better with a sofa, which leaves wall space and walkways clear.

What About an L-Shaped Sofa?

Can't decide? An L-shaped sofa (sometimes called a small sectional or apartment sectional) might be your answer. It offers more seating than a traditional sofa and includes a short chaise component, but in a more compact footprint than a full sectional. It's especially popular in apartments and mid-sized living rooms where you want a little extra lounging room without committing to a large configuration.

Pro Tips Before You Buy

• Always measure doorways, hallways, and staircases before purchasing a sectional — not just the room itself.
• Look for modular sectionals if you're unsure about configuration. Modular pieces can be rearranged or added to as your space or needs change.
• Consider reversible chaise options — many sectionals can be configured left-facing or right-facing, giving you flexibility even after purchase.
• Think about fabric. Families with kids or pets should prioritize performance fabrics (like polyester blends or microfiber) that resist stains and wear.
• Don't forget about depth. Deep-seated sofas and sectionals feel amazing for lounging but can be uncomfortable for shorter people to sit upright in.

Shop Sofas & Sectionals at IE Discount

Whether you're team sofa or team sectional, IE Discount has a wide range of styles, sizes, and configurations to fit your room and your budget.

Browse our full living room furniture collection at www.iediscount.com — and if you need help figuring out what will work best in your space, we're here to help.

The perfect seat is closer than you think.

Published by IE Discount Furniture | www.iediscount.com

Walk into any furniture store and you'll hear words like "solid oak," "engineered wood," "MDF," and "veneer" thrown around constantly. But what do they actually mean — and does it matter which one you choose?

The short answer: yes, it matters a lot. The type of wood used in a piece of furniture directly affects its durability, appearance, weight, price, and how long it will last in your home. Understanding the difference helps you shop smarter, spend better, and avoid buyer's remorse.

Here's your complete guide to the most common wood types used in furniture today.

Solid Wood

Solid wood is exactly what it sounds like — furniture cut and built from real, natural timber with no fillers or composites. It's the gold standard of furniture construction and for good reason.

Common solid wood species used in furniture:

Oak

One of the most popular and widely used hardwoods in furniture making. Oak is incredibly strong, resistant to wear, and features a distinctive open grain pattern that takes stains beautifully. It comes in two main varieties — red oak (warmer, pinkish tones) and white oak (cooler, more neutral tones). White oak in particular has surged in popularity thanks to its modern, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.

Best for: Dining tables, bedroom furniture, cabinets, flooring

Maple

Maple is one of the hardest domestic hardwoods available, making it exceptionally durable and resistant to scratches and dents. It has a fine, subtle grain and a naturally light, creamy color that works well in both contemporary and traditional settings. Hard maple is often used in high-traffic pieces that need to stand up to daily use.

Best for: Kitchen tables, dressers, desks, cutting boards

Walnut

Walnut is prized for its rich, dark chocolate-brown tones and striking grain patterns. It's a premium hardwood that adds instant warmth and luxury to any space. While slightly softer than oak or maple, it's still highly durable and develops a beautiful patina over time. Walnut furniture tends to sit at a higher price point — and it's worth every penny.

Best for: Statement dining tables, coffee tables, bedroom furniture, accent pieces

Cherry

Cherry wood starts out a warm pinkish-red and deepens to a rich reddish-brown over time as it's exposed to light — a process called "patina." This natural aging is considered one of cherry's most desirable qualities. It has a smooth, fine grain and a naturally elegant appearance that suits traditional and formal furniture styles.

Best for: Formal dining sets, bedroom furniture, heirloom pieces

Mahogany

Mahogany is one of the most iconic and historically revered woods in fine furniture making. Known for its deep reddish-brown color, straight grain, and exceptional workability, mahogany has been a symbol of craftsmanship and elegance for centuries. It's naturally resistant to rot and warping, making it one of the most dimensionally stable hardwoods available. Mahogany darkens beautifully with age and polishes to a rich, lustrous finish that few other woods can match.

There are two main types used in furniture: Honduran mahogany (considered the true mahogany and highly prized) and African mahogany (a similar but slightly less dense alternative that's more widely available today). Because of its premium status, genuine mahogany furniture sits at the higher end of the price spectrum — but its longevity and timeless beauty make it a worthwhile investment.

Best for: Formal dining sets, executive desks, bedroom furniture, antique-style and traditional pieces

Pine

Pine is a softwood — lighter, less dense, and more affordable than hardwoods. It has a knotty, rustic character that suits farmhouse, cottage, and country-style interiors beautifully. Because it's softer, pine is more prone to dents and scratches, but many people love the way it develops character and charm with age. It's also one of the most sustainable wood options available.

Best for: Casual dining sets, bookcases, children's furniture, rustic décor

Ash

Ash is a light-colored hardwood with a prominent, straight grain similar to oak but with a slightly more flexible quality. It's strong, durable, and takes stains exceptionally well, making it a popular choice for furniture that needs to mimic a more expensive wood. Ash has seen a surge in popularity in Scandinavian and minimalist furniture design.

Best for: Chairs, tables, cabinet frames, contemporary furniture

Rubberwood

Rubberwood might not sound glamorous, but it's quietly become one of the most popular and eco-friendly hardwoods in modern furniture making — and for good reason. Sourced from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) after it has finished its latex-producing life (typically 25–30 years), rubberwood is a smart use of a tree that would otherwise go to waste. This makes it one of the most sustainable wood choices available today.

Despite its humble origins, rubberwood is a dense, durable hardwood with a tight, even grain and a light, honey-blonde color. It's hard enough to resist everyday wear and tear, machines and finishes well, and accepts stains and paints beautifully. It's also more affordable than most hardwoods, making it a favorite for mid-range furniture that wants to deliver quality without the premium price tag.

One thing to note: rubberwood is not ideal for outdoor use or high-moisture environments, as it's more susceptible to fungal attack without proper treatment. Indoors, however, it performs excellently.

Best for: Dining tables, chairs, shelving, children's furniture, budget-friendly hardwood pieces

Engineered Wood Products

Not all wood furniture is solid. Engineered wood products are manufactured using wood fibers, particles, or veneers bonded together with adhesives. They're widely used in modern furniture — and when made well, they're perfectly durable and practical.

Plywood

Plywood is made by layering thin sheets of wood veneer at alternating angles and bonding them under pressure. The result is a material that's surprisingly strong, resistant to warping, and more stable than solid wood in humid environments. High-quality plywood is used in premium furniture construction — particularly for cabinet backs, drawer boxes, and structural components.

Pros: Strong, warp-resistant, relatively lightweight Cons: Exposed edges aren't attractive without banding or finishing

MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)

MDF is made from wood fibers compressed with resin into a dense, smooth panel. It has no grain, doesn't warp, and provides an incredibly smooth surface — making it the preferred base for painted furniture. Most white or painted furniture you see uses MDF for at least some components.

Pros: Smooth finish, takes paint beautifully, cost-effective, no warping Cons: Heavy, doesn't hold screws as well as solid wood, susceptible to moisture damage

Particleboard

Particleboard (also called chipboard) is the most affordable engineered wood option, made from compressed wood chips and resin. It's lighter than MDF and commonly used in flat-pack, budget furniture. While it works fine for low-stress applications, it's not the most durable option for heavy-use pieces.

Pros: Very affordable, lightweight Cons: Less durable, not water-resistant, doesn't hold up well to repeated assembly/disassembly

Wood Veneer: The Middle Ground

Wood veneer furniture uses a thin slice of real wood (typically 0.5–3mm thick) bonded to an engineered wood core like MDF or plywood. Done well, veneer furniture looks virtually identical to solid wood at a fraction of the price. It's not a "fake" — it's a legitimate construction method used by high-end furniture makers worldwide.

Pros: Real wood appearance, more affordable than solid wood, dimensionally stable Cons: Can't be sanded and refinished as many times as solid wood, edges can chip if damaged

Which Wood Type Is Right for You?

What to Look for When Shopping

Check the product description carefully. Terms like "wood finish" or "wood-look" often mean a printed laminate over particleboard — not real wood at all. Look for "solid wood," "hardwood construction," or specific species names.

Look at the weight. Solid wood furniture is heavier than engineered alternatives. If a large dresser feels surprisingly light, it's likely made with more particleboard than solid wood.

Inspect the grain. Real wood has a natural, irregular grain pattern. A perfectly repeating pattern is a sign of printed laminate or veneer.

Check the joints. Quality solid wood furniture uses dovetail joints, mortise-and-tenon construction, or corner blocks. Furniture held together by staples and glue alone won't last.

Ask about the core. A piece can be advertised as "walnut" while only having walnut veneer over an MDF core. Neither is wrong — but knowing what you're buying helps set the right expectations.

Shop Quality Wood Furniture at IE Discount

At IE Discount, we carry a wide selection of solid wood, engineered wood, and veneer furniture across every room in your home — all at prices that make quality accessible.

Whether you're looking for the warmth of solid oak, the elegance of walnut, the timeless richness of mahogany, or the practicality of a well-built engineered piece, we have options to suit every style and every budget.

Explore our full collection at www.iediscount.com

Because knowing what's in your furniture is just as important as how it looks.

Full-grain leather

Full-grain leather refers to leather that maintains its original texture, form, and imprints. In other words, the leather is kept in the same condition that it was before it was pulled from the hide (except for the removal of hairs). Full-grain leather doesn't contain any polishes or finishes that may affect the look or quality of the leather. It's the most genuine form of leather that you can purchase--which means it's also the most expensive.

Its texture is initially fairly hard but softens over time with wear. Full-grain leather can be cleaned by using a little mild soap and a microfiber cloth to remove any dents, scratches, or light stains. You can also add oils including mink, coconut, and olive oil to help restore its luster and shine.

Top grain leather

Top grain leather is also known as "full-grain pigmented" leather or "corrected grain" and is the second most popular type of leather used to make furniture. This type of grain is buffed using machines to remove any surface imperfections from the hide. This gives couches made from it a very soft texture and extends their longevity. It's more polished leather than full-grain. One of the best benefits of top grain leather is that it is very durable and is fairly easy to maintain--so to say, you won't need to polish your couch as often.

Top Grain leather is typically treated with a protective coat or finish to maintain its natural pigment and quality. It essentially only requires a good conditioner application every year to stay soft and supple. It's best to clean up stains on it quickly, however, as they can set in and will be very hard to remove.

 Split grain leather

The next most common type of leather is split-grain leather. It comes from the underlayers of top-grain leather. This type of leather is typically cheaper and a bit rougher in texture than full-grain. It's also more fragile and as a result, split-grain couches are typically more susceptible to damage from stains and scratches. Split-grain leather has a lighter color, tends to feel more like suede or fuzzy leather, and has a shinier quality than top-grain leather. It's actually processed so that it will simulate the feel and appearance of top grain leather, which makes it a bit harder in texture--though you may not notice this as much when you first sit on the couch.

Split grain leather is best maintained by using quality leather cleaners and polishers (you can also use a microfiber cloth with mild dish soap to clean it). Stains on split-grain leather such as make-up, beverages, and grease may prove more difficult to remove, especially in comparison to other leather types. When buying couches made of split-grain leather, it's important to check the manufacturer's label to ensure that it is 100% leather, and not composed of other "imitation leather" materials that are used to bond the couch together.

Nubuck

Nubuck leather refers to a top grain leather that's been buffed or sanded to give the hide a suede or velvet-like appearance. You'll often see shoes and winter boots made of nubuck, as it is typically treated with a waterproofing solution because of its fragility.

Nubuck-made couches are typically less expensive than full-grain leather couches and may require careful maintenance. The surface of nubuck leather is typically free of imperfections or normal hide prints due to buffing and is generally smooth and even. Add your own waterproofing treatment to the leather after a year or so, to help maintain it. Nubuck leather couches can be cleaned using mild dish soap and a damp microfiber cloth or using any mild leather cleaner.

Bi-cast leather

Bi-cast leather is a split-grain leather that has color applied at the end of the manufacturing process. It's considered " treated leather" and is not as durable as top or full-grain leather. This type of leather is made of splint hides of leather that are bonded together and then coated with a treatment of polyurethane (or other finish). Bi-cast leather couches won't display the same signs of wear and distress as full-grain leather ones, and as a result, they may be less durable (prone to scratches and scuff marks).

It's fairly hard in texture, and the biggest benefit of bi-cast leather is its price point, with an average cost of about a third of that of top grain leather. Bi-cast leather couches will stand up well to food and drink stains and requires only a simple wipe of a damp cloth to get rid of them. On the downside, these couches may need to be treated regularly or they will be prone to cracking and splitting. Overall, bi-cast leather is a great purchase if you want a "leather look" without the leather cost.

Bonded leather

Bonded leather is also commonly used to make leather couches and other furniture. It is made of leather scraps and other fibers that have been blended using adhesive and that are then pressed into one large sheet of leather. During this process, the leather sheet is heated and then pressed using industrial irons to add unique textures or embossed specific patterns.

Compared to other types of leather couches, the leather on these couches will be relatively thin and they won't have the durability of full or top-grain leather couches. Bonded leather is an easy-maintenance type of leather and is one of the more inexpensive types that you can purchase today. These couches can be easily cleaned with a non-detergent or non-alkaline soap, or an approved leather cleaner.

Many manufacturers do not consider a bonded leather "real" leather because it actually only contains anywhere from 10 to 20% leather fibers, and in some cases, might be marketed as "genuine leather".

Faux leather

The most important thing to remember about faux leather is that it isn't real leather (it animal hides)--and due to their price-point, faux leather couches are rising in popularity. These types of couches are manufactured from a material that's a combination of synthetic materials including rubber and plastic. Unsurprisingly, faux leather has come a long way since its first conception and oftentimes can resemble feel genuine leather.

Couches made of faux leather will be durable (not prone to stains and scratches) and won't require the type of maintenance or careful handling/cleaning that genuine leather couches may. They can also come in various forms, some of which may be soft and smooth to the touch, and others that may be hard or more on the rough side. The price of faux leather couches makes them a suitable option if you were looking to save money and not have to worry about the ongoing maintenance of your couch.

PU leather 

is an artificial leather material made with split leather (that's the fibrous part of the hide left over from making genuine leather) which has been coated with polyurethane (hence the name “PU”), and then applied to the surface of the furniture.

Royaline leather

Royaline leather is a natural leather material that has notable high markings which include scrapes, scars, and a pebbled finish. It's one of the most expensive types of leather that you can purchase and it's more popular in Europe. You'll typically find these types of leather couches in high-end or specialty furniture stores. Royaline-made couches will require protective treatment to prevent damage from moisture and the oil secreted created by human skin (which can alter its appearance, making it darker).