How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. People love its simple design, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equal. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate inquire!
The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still work out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is by feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. Additionally, you should be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in an airy, cool room, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Look to the back
If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is used in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking over time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. leather couches for sale can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A quality leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when it's new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather for their products. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and personal with it. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another obvious sign. This is common in faux leather, but if it is seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic design that won't go out of style and is still accessible at a variety of prices.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. This two-seater may be quite expensive but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. This is a great option for those who have limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.
If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been made.
You can check the quality of leather by running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonded.
Alternatively, you can open one of the cushions and look at the backing. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel warm to the contact.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it will last before deciding on the best. The more you use a sofa, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.