How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Check the label
Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Discerning retailers are more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!
To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials like fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have any label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if it has any flaws or bumps since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.
Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa using your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. Additionally, you should be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get close and intimate with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if leather couch and loveseat used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it should still have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking over time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's brand new. But, it should not crack or dry out if you condition it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather for their products. The areas that are 'contact like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made from real leather, whereas the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and intimate with it. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an excellent indicator of the quality. While most faux leather couches make use of various fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a rich natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you see this with real top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to determine is to sit down to the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have pets or children. the full report is a timeless style that will never go out of style. It's also available in different price ranges.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is on the pricey side, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last for a long time. This is a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something a bit more contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with a sleek, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that combine design and function. The frame is made out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it's not genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been constructed.
You can test the quality of the leather by running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and look at the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to put it against your body and move your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm to the feel.
Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.