Velvety feel and a beautiful natural appearance, but little protection
NOBLESSE is the most exclusive leather in Ekornes’ collection. It is a full grain, semi-aniline leather, which means
that the leather is dyed using a light surface treatment. This provides a certain amount of protection, while
maintaining the natural softness and glow that are characteristic of a first class upholstery leather. A natural
material such as Noblesse retains its original grain and structure, and various grain patterns may be visible at
different areas of the furniture. Minor color variations and marks resulting from scars and injuries may also be
visible, and are characteristic of a natural material like Noblesse. Due to the light surface treatment, Noblesse is
the most delicate of Ekornes’ leathers. It easily absorbs moisture and is extra sensitive to wear, heat, exposure to
sunlight, stains and sweat. Regular maintenance is important in order to maintain the leather’s exceptional
appearance.
Amarone
Black
Brown
Dark Brown
Gray
Tigereye
Ekornes is one of Europe’s largest consumers of leather. We purchase the leather from selected tanneries all over the world. Our own inspectors take part in the leather selection, which is conducted in accordance with inter-national norms for quality determination. The experience we have gained from this work is for your benefit when you buy Stressless® or Ekornes® leather furniture. Our leather is manufactured according to current laws, guidelines and recommendations on durability, and for the use and content of chemicals and other
substances. We are cooperating with recognized international institutions in this line of business, to ensure that we are updated at all times with events relating to health, safety and the environment.
The leather for our furniture is a natural material that comes from cattle hides.
When the hide has gone through a tanning process and further processing to achieve the correct durability properties, it is called leather. One characteristic of a hide is that it is marked by nature, vegetation and the care the animal has been subjected to. Cattle spend most of their lives outdoors, and will therefore be marked by external influences like insect bits, tears, scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, etc.
The following are some of the properties of leather that you should be aware of:
Leather is a natural product and is a beautiful and lively material used in furniture making. Each hide is unique in its structure, appearance, nuance and size. Ekornes may use several hides when making your furniture. This, together with the leather’s play of colors and natural marks, makes each piece of furniture unique. In time, the leather will age and gain patina. It is important that you are aware of one thing: although leather furniture can withstand a lot of wear and tear, its appearance will change with the years.
The following applies to all types of leather used by Ekornes: Hide absorbs dyes differently and therefore the leather may have color nuances. These are due to dissimilarities and different fiber structures, which affect the coloring of the hide and how the hide absorbs the dyes during the tanning process.
All our leather qualities are deep-dyed, but there could always be a deviation between the basic color of the hide (the color of the side that faces the upholstery side of the furniture), and the color of the grain side (the external side) i.e. the color of the outer layer. This is normal. It is possible to use the same basic color for leathers with different top colors.
Dyes and dyeing methods may vary between the different leather colors and leather qualities. Therefore, the basic color and the color of the top layer (which forms the wear layer and the final desired color of the finished product) of a given leather quality may differ.
Some of the leather dyes have a two-tone color effect (shadow/antique effect). Leather dyed with a two-tone effect may change character faster and wear more unevenly than leather with just one color. This applies in particular to areas of the furniture that are exposed to harder wear such as armrests, seat cushions and neck supports.
The top layer protects the leather and simplifies cleaning, but is nonetheless vulnerable to soiling and wear. If the top layer/top color is destroyed, the leather may deteriorate faster. Penetrating spills/damage/scratches are normally irreparable and may result in the top color changing character, cracking or peeling off.
Please note that denim clothing and jeans may leave color on the leather, which is difficult to remove without risking destruction of the top color of the leather. Light leather colors, in particular, are vulnerable to such color contamination.
All furniture leather sold by Ekornes is resistant to light, but changes in color may occur as a result of use and extensive exposure to light. Consequently, furniture should not be exposed to direct sunlight or direct heat from heaters and other sources of heat. Leather is vulnerable to exposure to oils from direct contact with human skin (especially of the neck and hands).
Remember: leather has a relatively long life-time, but can easily be destroyed by incorrect handling.
