How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great option for any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. People love its simple design, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six useful tips to help you tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's 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 created equal. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is by feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. Additionally you will feel the 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 imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will be a family heirloom over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up close and close to it. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, Read Alot more that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas', like the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point 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 intimate with it. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize different materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. This is common in faux leather but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.
Labels and pricing can give you a hint, but the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of style. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. This two-seater may be expensive however it's made with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those who have small spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you have it at home.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or the leather is bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas genuine leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel warm to the feel.
Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you use a couch, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.