Blog - Giardini Group

Antique Leather and Leather Patina. What's the difference?

Written by Rachele Micucci | Nov 20, 2019 10:00:00 AM

1.5 minutes reading

When it comes to old leather the words "antique leather" and patina come to mind. However, they are two different things.

The term "antique leather" usually applies either to furniture which is over 100 years old, or leather which has been given an antique look.

Antique leather due to the age

"Antique leather" can be described so because of its age. Objects are classed as antiques when they are about 100 years old. Rarely when 50 years old

Antique Leather due to age can be Leather luggage, antique book cover, antique chairs, shoes, embossed folder, antique leather wallpaper.

 Antique leather due to the optics

We also call it antique leather when it has an old leather look. The term "vintage leather" is widely used for the appearance of old leather. The antique leather look is created by contrasting colours. 

Leather patina

Patina appears when the leather changes due to aging, but it is still attractive. A historic column with little cracks, or an old wooden ship with many signs of aging can still be beautiful - like an old wine - it become better over time. It's the same with leather. A leather with patina doesn’t have to be 100 years old, it just needs to have antique leather look.

The difference between old leather with patina and modern leather is obvious.

 Patination

Patination is the process of making leather look like old leather. Leather speaking is called rub-off leather

Today, designers and companies are bringing on the market leather items with an antique look, we don't have to wait 100 years just to get a vintage purse. 

Do you like this old finish on your leather items?