How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. People love its simple design and high-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 distinguish between the two types: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Check the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. Some retailers are even known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to check the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with your purchase.
If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indicators that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another way to test the quality of a sofa is feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. Furthermore you will be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is present in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The smell, feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather involves buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked in time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and marks. A genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out in time if it's conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact, such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact parts like the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if a couch is labelled as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and intimate with it. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a polyurethane backing which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong, natural smell. These characteristics differentiate real leather from imitations or cheap leather.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While Read Alot more is not unusual when using faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The price and label may give you an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to actually touch the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel rough to the touch. It will also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will reveal 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 a great option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a timeless style that will never ever go out of fashion and is available at a range of price points.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last a lifetime. The two-seater is on the pricey side however it's made using top-quality leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great option for those with limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something a bit more modern. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a welcome improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been made.
You can test the quality of the leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. second hand leather sofas will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth, it's probably faux or it's bonded.
Alternatively, you can open one of the cushions and look at the back. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to hold it up against your body and then gently run your fingers along the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It also feels warm to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.