How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather is hard to duplicate. small leather couch has a unique feel and look. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. However, not all leather sofas are created equally. In fact, some retailers have been known to misrepresent 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 material used in the upholstery. leather couch and loveseat hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identifying the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier, you can still work out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any flaws or bumps since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get close and close to it. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. A genuine leather sofa is soft, a little stiff when new, however it should not break or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The areas that are 'contact, such as seats, armrests, and backs, are made of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas such as the outside and base arms, are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. modern leather sofa is a common practice however, even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see what the backing is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and personal with it. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a polyurethane backing which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a obvious sign. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
The label and price may give you an idea, but the only sure way to know is to feel 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 also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of style. It's also available in different price ranges.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. It's an excellent choice for those with smaller rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice if you want something a bit more modern. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used in the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it isn't genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
You can determine the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps like human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or made of bonded leather.
You can also take one of the cushions and inspect the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine, the best way is to put it against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It also feels warm to the feel.
Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use your sofa, the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.