How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design and 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 recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are essential
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It's also durable and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created to be the same. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery. Discerning retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have any label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. You should also be able discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become an heirloom for the family over time. You can limit the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is present in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.
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 shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be 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 a little, just like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather for their products. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, seats and backs are made from real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and close to it. Look at the back of the sofa for polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural smell. These characteristics distinguish real leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you see this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels may give you a hint however the only way to know for sure is to sit down to the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the feel. It also has large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that will never ever go out of fashion and is still accessible at a variety of prices.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater is expensive, but it is made using top-quality leather that will last for a lifetime. This is a great option for those with limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend functionality and form. This sofa is made of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, faux leather sofa is only used for the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's 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 over the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps just like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonded.
You can also open up one of the cushions and inspect the backing. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to place it against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.