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While there are many design factors one can consider with this amazing textile, ultimately, the purchase of a natural hide for the office or home is a personal choice. Once you have decided to purchase a hide, you should always employ a few more practices to know you’ll be happy with the result.
Understand your space
Depending on the design factors above, practical matters still exist. Before buying a hide, measure the space you wish to fill, to know what size hide you would like. Hides can vary greatly in size, so knowing how large a hide you want before you purchase it is very important. If you plan to use a hide for upholstering, consider the amount of excess material you will need to cover your object. While symmetrical, natural hides have many different shapes, and more excess will exist during the upholstering process with them. If you are unsure how much material you need, consult an upholsterer. The dealer should also be able to help.
Try to inspect the hide
If possible, try to look at the hide before you buy it. Many retailers, especially on-line, display representative hides for sale, but then sell hides with inferior quality or patterns. In any case, make sure you are getting the hide you see before buying one. Also, try to look for patches in the hide. While most cuts repairs, and brands are unnoticeable, and an inevitable result of the tanning process, a few may be unsightly, and are often noticed only once the hide is in your space.
Work with reputable dealers
Many dealers in natural hides do not sell them with interior design in mind. Many are simply taxidermists or middlemen who do not understand the material. These people should be avoided. If you talk with a dealer, ask where their hides come from. Ask how they are tanned and which type is which. If they have a hard time answering any of these questions, you may not be dealing with someone who is knowledgeable about their product. Likewise, if you plan to use a hide for upholstering, consult your dealer on the best person to do this. Because of the innate durability and thickness of the material, many inexperienced upholsterers will have difficulty with natural hides.
An Excellent Investment
Once you have selected a hide that is right for your tastes, your space, and your expectations of quality, you should be happy with the money you’ve spent. Not only can you rest assured that your purchase is a unique accent to your space that will win you compliments for years to come, but by placing a hide in your office or home you are making an informed statement of your appreciation for modern design. You have also bought one of the most durable, long lasting textiles known, and you can rest assured that
your purchase will keep its lustrous sheen and coat for years to come.
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