Leather and Down, Our Story

June 20, 2025

Two friends, one vision, beautiful homes

Charles Down and Chris Leather, lifelong friends and co-founders of Leather & Down, share a profound passion for elevating everyday home living.

Charles contributes his creative flair and artistic expertise from years in web design and entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, Chris brings deep insights drawn from his background in therapy.

Together, they blend these complementary strengths to craft peaceful, tranquil spaces that feel truly personal.

 

Our Philosophy: Home as a Sanctuary

We truly believe that “home is where the heart is.”

For this reason, we curate luxurious yet comfortable furniture designed to transform ordinary rooms into cherished retreats. Our pieces support life’s most meaningful moments, from quiet evenings to joyful gatherings.

Additionally, we are committed to making a positive environmental impact. Therefore, we focus on thoughtful, sustainable design choices that benefit both people and the planet.

Meet Chris Leather – Co-Founder

(That’s me on the left in the picture!)

Before launching Leather & Down, I spent over ten years in the corporate world. There, I led teams, managed people, and presented to senior leaders.

The fast-paced environment taught me valuable lessons: staying calm under pressure, thinking creatively, and leading with genuine empathy.

I have always believed that strong leadership is about listening and understanding others, not just directing them. Consequently, this people-first mindset shapes everything I do, both professionally and personally.

For example, I prioritise honesty, trust, and compassion while enjoying helping others grow.

A pivotal moment came after losing a parent. That difficult experience reshaped my perspective and underscored the importance of meaningful purpose. As a result, I chose to build something lasting and authentic.

This realisation forms the very foundation of Leather & Down, a brand grounded in craftsmanship, care, and real human connection.

Today, the lessons from my leadership years, resilience, attention to detail, and focusing on what truly matters — guide every aspect of our business. For instance, we create durable furniture and build genuine, long-term customer relationships with the same dedication and empathy.

To me, Leather & Down is much more than furniture. Instead, we craft pieces that tell a story, built with intention, heart, and purpose.

Meet Charles Down – Co-Founder

(That’s me on the right in the picture!)

I am an entrepreneur at heart. I have always loved building businesses from the ground up.

My passion for furniture began years ago when I became fascinated by exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and timeless pieces that turn houses into warm, inviting homes.

Through hands-on experience in the furniture industry, I gained practical knowledge of production processes. At the same time, I sharpened my eye for detail and aesthetics.

Before co-founding Leather & Down, I created and led several successful companies. These ventures reflected my creativity, determination, and ability to turn bold ideas into reality.

However, I deeply value collaboration. I truly enjoy bringing people, materials, and vision together to create something meaningful.

Curiosity and innovation drive my approach to business. For example, I love tackling challenges, refining processes, and finding fresh ways to blend beauty with everyday function.

Outside of work, I find balance through music. For instance, I often pick up my guitar after a long day or explore new sounds, this hobby keeps my creativity flowing and my mind calm.

At my core, I focus on building with lasting purpose, whether it’s furniture, relationships, or a company. I want everything we create to endure.

 

Our Values, Vision & Mission

The heart behind every piece we craft.

Our Core Values:

  • Our Team — We foster collaboration to consistently deliver outstanding results.
  • Customer Experience — Building strong, lasting relationships with our customers drives everything we do.
  • Integrity — We act with accountability and honesty in every decision.
  • Quality & Value — We are committed to durable, high-quality furniture. Our expert craftsmanship and premium materials ensure exceptional long-term value.
  • Design — We create furniture with a unique, instantly recognisable aesthetic that stands out beautifully.

Our Vision: We aspire to become a leading name in the furniture industry by delivering high-quality, accessible pieces paired with truly exceptional customer care.

Our Mission: We dedicate ourselves to offering handcrafted, custom sustainable wooden furniture combined with outstanding service. Furthermore, we operate responsibly, so you can love your purchase, feel proud of its origins, and enjoy it for years to come.

Come join us on this journey. Let us help you transform your home into a stylish, relaxing oasis that feels perfectly yours.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Read Our Blog

An award winning service that makes bespoke – simple

Our Products