How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers adore its simple styling and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also robust and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some sellers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to check the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with any label however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any flaws or bumps since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching the surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is more coarse and feels like suede. Additionally, you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up close and close to it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have a few bumps.
You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked in time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A genuine leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather for their products. The contact areas such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to inspect it up close. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is a good indicator of quality. While the majority of faux leather couch es utilize various materials for upholstery authentic leather has a distinct texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake fakes.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
The price and the label might give you an idea, but the only sure way to know is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great choice for families who have children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that will never be trendy and is still available at a range of prices.
For a timeless leather couch that can stand the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is expensive however it's made with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong artificial smell it's not real. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you have it at home.
You can test the quality of leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth, it's probably faux or bonding.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine the best method is to place it against your body and move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm to the feel.
Another method to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the couch. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.