Jun

29

10

The Differences of Leather

Many customers are confused with the various titles of leather. Top Grain Leather, Split Leather, Genuine Leather, Full Grain Leather, etc. So what exactly is the difference between these leathers and does it matter when selecting leather upholstery? I can tell you shortly, it matters!

 

Leather is the general term for all hides and skins that have been tanned. This explains the various price points between “All Leather” recliners, sofas and chairs. You must look deeper to understand what type of leather you are purchasing.

 

After a hide is tanned, it goes through a splitting machine consisting of a large wire cutter. The thickness of these splits depend on the end use of the leather; thin slices for clothing and thicker for upholstery. The top portion of these hides are called “Top Grain.” The second cut or underside is called the “Split” or “Crust” and the third cut, if there is a third cut, is also called a split. Splits are processed as suede and also processed with chemicals and corrected grain plating to make it look like top grain. These splits offer the consumer lower priced leather goods.

 

Leather is a fibrous material which allows for breathability and strength. The fibers are very strong on the grain side (top side) and weaken as you get deeper into the hide. Most splits are used for shoes, apparel or lower quality leather upholstery. This split leather is not as durable, resistant or as flexible as top grain leathers.

 

At Western Trails Rustic Furnishings, we mainly carry top grain leathers because of its strength and overall comfort. Top grain leathers adjust to body temperature. This is why you will never feel sticky or cold on top grain leather. The opposite is true for vinyl and split leathers, as experienced with most leather car seats.

I hope this clears up the differences between leathers. If you are shopping around for leather upholstery, don’t be fooled by a marketing advertisement promoting “All Leather Recliners.” Ask the sales associate what type of leather this consists of and make sure you get a straight answer. If you are looking for the most comfortable and longest lasting leather upholstery, don’t settle for anything less than top grain leather.

 

Jun

8

10

Arkansas Women's Show

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Come join us at the Arkansas Women's Show in Little Rock this weekend June 12th-13th. The expo will be held at the Verizon Arena. The expo will be open Saturday 10-6 and Sunday Noon-5.

 

Paula Deen, Mandisa and other special guests will host an array of shows and events.

 

Come visit Western Trails Rustic Furnishings at the show. We will be in booth numbers 113 and 114. We will have Special Market Value pricing and new products to show off! We hope to see you there at the Arkansas Women's Show this weekend!

May

26

10

Memorial Day Sale

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Come visit us and save with our Memorial Day Sale!

• 40% off Club Chairs and Recliners
• 25% off Framed Artwork from our extensive Western and Rustic Art Gallery
• 25% off ALL Mattresses
• 20% off our Real Antler Products inclduing Chandeliers, Lamps and Home Decor
• 20% off Taxidermy Items
• Take an additional 10% off ALL Clearance Items!
• Active Duty and Veterans receive an additional 10% off any purchase!

These deals won't last long! So come on in and let us help you furnish your dream home!

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May

22

10

Rustic Home Office

Check out this home office project. This family took a boring office and made a rustic masterpiece.

Rustic Home Office

 

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Mar

23

10

Spring Decorating

Spring time has finally arrived! Here in Arkansas, the Bradford Pears are blooming and the warmer air and sunshine are sneaking in. Spring has always been one of my favorite seasons. It's a time of new beginnings and life. If you're like me, you have a to-do list about a mile long and not near enough time!

Many of our customers have been sharing with us their spring remodeling ideas. With tough economic times at hand, many are opting to work on one room at a time. I have compiled a list of some of the neat projects my customers are undertaking.

• Changing out an old and outdated light fixture for a new rustic look.
• Sprucing up a bedroom with a new western bedspread.
• Adding a couple reclaimed wood accent chairs to enliven a boring living room corner.
• Purchasing a rustic floor lamp or set of table lamps to add light and style.
• Changing out old pillows on their sofa and chairs.
• Repainting walls and adding a cowhide or rustic rug to add color to a neutral room.
• Switching out their old mattress for one of our Justice Premium Mattresses.

It's always an exciting time to redecorate a home. It adds character and life to your abode. I'm often asked, "What is your favorite part about working in home furnishings and furniture?" My answer is always the same, especially this time of year; working with customers and sharing in their excitement of turning a normal space into an incredible rustic room filled with their own personality! I would love to hear more ideas of what you are doing to spruce up your house this spring. Feel free to add your comments, whether it is a simple do-it-yourself project or a plan to switch out old furniture. Happy Spring!

Sep

21

09

Our Mission

Have you ever watched an old western movie and wished that your home could resemble that rustic style? Have you ever flipped through rustic home furnishing magazines and made a silent vow to decorate your rooms with top grade leathers, reclaimed wood and antler lighting? Or have you ever stayed in a lodge and left with a feeling of envy to anyone who lives surrounded by those beautiful and unique rustic pieces? If you were to ask me any of those questions, I would answer with an astounding YES!

At Western Trails, we don't just sell the rustic and western furniture pieces...we help make your decorating ideas come to life. There is nothing more exciting than to help someone find the furniture and home decor that they have always dreamt of having. My favorite customers are those who want something very unique and particular. Whether it's a custom entertainment console made out of aspen logs or a leather sofa that matches perfectly with the colors in a home, I love the feeling of satisfying my customers.

We are constantly updating our web site to find unique pieces to fit everyone's taste and budget. Our showroom in Pleasant Plains, Arkansas is filled with unique rustic pieces from reclaimed barn wood and teak to top grade leathers and upholstery. So, if you're ready to turn your dreams into a reality, stop in and see us or give us a call at 501-345-8888. Decorating your home exactly how you want it is at your fingertips here at Western Trails!