Kiaat Upholstery Leather
Kiaat is a full aniline hand-buffed leather with a natural, authentic character. Each hide reveals a unique grain and develops a rich patina with use – perfectly suited for premium furniture and interior applications.
Premium full aniline upholstery leather
Kiaat is a full aniline hand-buffed leather with a natural, authentic character. The aniline finish allows the leather's true grain and natural markings to show through, giving each hide a unique appearance that develops a rich patina with use.
The hand-buffed distressed finish – which reveals subtle tonal depth and natural grain variations – adds to the vintage character and live feel of the material. This is not a defect; it is a defining characteristic of high-quality full aniline leather.
With its slightly stiffer handle and matte surface, Kiaat suits both classic and contemporary upholstery applications where the authentic look and feel of genuine leather matters.
Check Kiaat availabilityFast response via WhatsAppAvailable Colours
Typical applications
Premium upholstery for residential and commercial lounge seating where leather character and comfort matter.
Durable and elegant for high-contact seating surfaces in homes and contract environments.
Luxury vehicle interiors where full aniline hand-buffed leather quality is specified for a premium finish.
Bedroom and hotel feature pieces with a distinguished leather finish and natural character.
Interior design applications where texture, warmth, and natural character are desired.
Hotels, lounges, offices, and restaurants requiring long-lasting, high-end leather upholstery.
Who is this for?
Kiaat leather supplied direct to upholsterers, interior designers, and trade buyers across South Africa.
Individual hides and bulk orders for furniture workshops and custom studios requiring premium aniline leather.
Specify Kiaat for feature furniture, headboards, wall panels, and bespoke contract installations.
Full aniline hand-buffed leather with a distinctive vintage character – ideal for luxury car seats, steering wheel wraps, door panels, and premium vehicle restoration projects.
Hotels, restaurants, and offices requiring durable, full-grain leather upholstery with long service life.
Leather processing & storage
- Maintain internal humidity of 10-12% and process temperatures ≤60°C to preserve mechanical properties.
- Do not stack hides or finished furniture under heavy weight.
- Store hides in dry ambient conditions (15-40°C).
- Avoid solvents, lotions, heat guns, shrink wrapping, or any materials that could react with the leather.
- Natural growth features, colour variations, scars, and insect bites are normal and indicate authenticity.
- Initial leather smell is typical. Colour and structure may vary slightly from samples.
Leather care
- Keep leather away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Use only recommended leather cleaners and protectors.
- Test cleaning products on a hidden area first.
- Treat spills quickly: blot, gently wipe, then dry and polish with a soft cloth.
- For domestic furniture, clean and re-protect at least every six months.
- For contract furniture, follow a regular maintenance programme as needed.
Also worth a look
Worth comparing with Kiaat leather.
How to order
Four steps. Phone, WhatsApp or email Smart Ikhaya, whichever suits you.
Choose your colour
Choose from Ash, Charcoal, Espresso, Grey, Light Tan, Medium Brown, Parchment, Slate, Stone, Taupe or Zambezi Sand. No minimum order on individual hides.
Get your quote
Phone, WhatsApp or email Smart Ikhaya with the colour and how many hides you need. Lizl checks availability and comes back to you with a quote.
Delivery or collection
Local courier available throughout South Africa. Exports: you arrange collection from our Midrand warehouse (Ex Works).
Payment
Pay by EFT once Lizl has confirmed availability on your quote.
Why choose Kiaat leather
The aniline finish lets the natural grain and character of the leather show fully – not masked by heavy pigments or surface coatings.
The hand-buffed finish gives Kiaat its distinctive matte, aged look. Over time, it develops a natural patina that enriches its appearance with genuine character.
Chrome tanning delivers consistent mechanical properties – good tensile strength, flexibility, and long-term resistance to wear.
Equally suited to residential furniture, contract installations, and luxury automotive interiors where genuine leather quality is expected.
Ash, Charcoal, Espresso, Grey, Light Tan, Medium Brown, Parchment, Slate, Stone, Taupe, and Zambezi Sand – warm earth tones and cool neutral shades for every interior palette.
Supplied directly from our Midrand warehouse.
NO MINIMUM ON INDIVIDUAL HIDESNATIONWIDE DELIVERYCOLLECT IN MIDRAND
Ready to order Kiaat leather?
Individual hides or bulk orders. Contact Lizl directly for availability and pricing. We deliver anywhere in South Africa.
Kiaat leather FAQ
What is Kiaat leather?
Kiaat is a premium full aniline hand-buffed leather made from bovine hides using a chrome tanning process. It has a natural matte surface with a hand-buffed distressed character that gives it distinctive vintage appeal.
What is hand-buffed distressed leather?
hand-buffed leather is treated with oils and waxes that migrate through the hide. When stretched or bent, the leather develops subtle tonal variations in areas of use – this is a hallmark of genuine full aniline leather and a sign of quality that develops a rich character over time.
What colours is Kiaat available in?
Kiaat is available in eleven colours: Ash, Charcoal, Espresso, Grey, Light Tan, Medium Brown, Parchment, Slate, Stone, Taupe, and Zambezi Sand – warm earth tones and cool neutrals for every interior palette.
What is the average hide size?
The average hide size is approximately 5 square metres. As a natural product, individual hide sizes will vary. We sell by the whole hide only, so smaller cut pieces (for example 1 m²) are not available.
What thickness is Kiaat leather?
Kiaat leather has an average thickness of 0.9 to 1.1 mm, suitable for furniture upholstery and automotive interior applications.
Is Kiaat suitable for sofas and furniture?
Yes. Kiaat is ideal for premium furniture upholstery including sofas, armchairs, recliners, dining chairs, and headboards in both residential and commercial environments.
Can Kiaat be used for car seat upholstery?
Yes. Kiaat is suitable for luxury vehicle interior applications including car seats, door panels, and trim in high-end vehicle refurbishments where a full aniline leather finish is required.
Will the colour change over time?
Kiaat develops a natural patina with use – this is expected and desirable in full aniline hand-buffed leather. The leather will deepen and mellow in character over time.
Are natural marks and variations normal?
Yes. Natural growth marks, insect bites, scars, and colour variation are characteristics of genuine full aniline leather and confirm its authenticity. These are not defects.
How do I clean Kiaat leather?
Use only recommended leather cleaners and protectors. For spills, blot immediately, wipe gently, then dry and polish with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive water. Re-protect at least every six months.
Kiaat Upholstery Leather – Product Reference
| Product name | Kiaat Upholstery Leather |
|---|---|
| Brand | leerSMART by Smart Ikhaya |
| Also known as | hand-buffed leather, full aniline leather, aniline upholstery leather South Africa, furniture leather |
| Raw material | Bovine hides |
| Origin | European |
| Tanning | Chrome tanning |
| Finish | Full aniline |
| Effect | Hand-buffed distressed |
| Average hide size | 5 square metres |
| Thickness | 0.9 – 1.1 mm |
| Colours | Ash, Charcoal, Espresso, Grey, Light Tan, Medium Brown, Parchment, Slate, Stone, Taupe, Zambezi Sand |
| Applications | Sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, recliners, car seats, door panels, headboards, wall panels, contract furniture, hotel upholstery |
| Supplier | Smart Ikhaya, Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Delivery | Nationwide delivery throughout South Africa |
| Stock & orders | WhatsApp Lizl: +27 68 601 3155 | lizl@smartikhaya.co.za |
| Technical & pricing | Hugo: +27 68 604 8255 |