How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some retailers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Discerning retailers will be more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate ask!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch , first glance at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still verify its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and see whether it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is rougher and feels more like suede. Furthermore, you should be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is present in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather will 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 product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking over time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. A genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
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 constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a standard practice and even if the couch has a genuine leather label, you should check it closely to see the material that the back is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to inspect it up close. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is an excellent indicator of the quality. While many faux leather couches use various fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a warning sign. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you see this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The label and price may give you an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater is quite expensive but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last for a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa has 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 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you bring it home.
You can determine the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonding.
You can also open up one of the cushions and examine the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is a dead giveaway that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if the sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. leather sofa set will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another method to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and check the back of the sofa. faux leather sofa is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.