How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any room. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers adore its simple styling and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. However not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some stores have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to 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. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you should first look 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. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching the surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, 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 will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage that's caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not identify the type of leather is used in a sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll 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 means that it is able to breathe, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scars. A good genuine leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a common practice however, even if the couch has an authentic leather label, you should check it closely to see the material that the back is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Feel it, smell it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a distinct, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a dead giveaway. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might give you an idea however the only reliable way to know is to touch the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel rough to the feel. It also has large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's made using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. Sofas And Couches 's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic design that won't be trendy, and it's still accessible at a variety of prices.
For a timeless leather couch that will endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be expensive but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last a lifetime. It's a great choice for those who have limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in most rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern design with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that blend form and function. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been made and even once you have it at home.
One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the backing. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the fabric, whereas genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the sofa. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use your couch in a given time, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.