How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers love its simple styling and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is by feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It can become an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. leather couch with chaise will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat, and Ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up close and intimate with it. The smell, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it's likely to be bumpy.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, whereas genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out in time if it's conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact' areas such as seats, armrests, and backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice, and even if the sofa has an authentic leather label You should examine carefully to determine what the backing is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true 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 meet up close and close to it. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These features distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another dead giveaway. This is typical with faux leather, but if it's on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Labels and pricing can give you an idea, but the only way to know for sure is to sit down to the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design and for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. 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 stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those with a limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something modern. This couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine design and function. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you bring it home.
You can determine the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps as human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or the leather is bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions and inspect the backing. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.