How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers adore its simple styling and premium genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. However not all leather sofas are made equally. Some retailers are even famous for using 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, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate ask!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, you must first examine the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for return or exchange in case you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still verify its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another way to test the quality of a sofa is by touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. Furthermore, you should be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could become an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters, and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and the ozone. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get close and close to it. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked in time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A quality leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers 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 parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and intimate with it. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. While most faux leather couch es make use of a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
The price and label may provide an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of style. It's also available in various price ranges.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater is on the pricey side however it's made with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those with small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something a bit more contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and a sleek frame. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you take it home.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
You can also open up one of the cushions and inspect the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch 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 grit of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the couch. 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 couch.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the leather's suppleness intact and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.