How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple style, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather couch, you must first examine the label. couches leather 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 must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier but you can figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux 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.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and Ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get up close and close to it. The smell, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking over time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, seats and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a standard practice however, even if the couch has an authentic leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, as it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to look it over. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.
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 on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels may provide a clue however the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will feel uneven to the touch. It may also have large wrinkles in 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 genuine.
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 wipe clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of prices.
For a classic leather couch that will last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is quite expensive, but it is made using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. It's a great option for those with small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is small enough to 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 an angular, sleek design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been made.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have 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 remove one of the cushions to look at the back. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will also 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 one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.