How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers love its simple style and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Check the label
Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it ideal for allergy sufferers. However not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some retailers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate ask!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with any label however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is coarser and feels more like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get up close and personal with it. The smell, texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit 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.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. This is a typical practice, and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label, you should check carefully to determine what the backing is made of, since this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and personal with it. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. While most faux leather couches make use of different materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a warning sign. This is typical with faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
The price and label may give you an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in different price ranges.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be on the pricey side however it's made of top-quality leather that can last a lifetime. This is a great choice for those with limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something a bit more modern. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If Sofas And Couches that you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you take it home.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and checking the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.