How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple style, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created to be the same. In fact, some retailers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate ask!
The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to examine the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.
Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. In addition, you will feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart but it will last longer. real leather couch could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get up-close and personal with 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 a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of preparing genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over 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 as time passes.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. real leather couch includes scratches, creases and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when new, however it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The areas that are 'contact like seats, armrests, and backs, are constructed of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions, such as base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labelled as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to examine it in person. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another dead giveaway. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels can give you a hint, but the only way to know for sure is to get up close with the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it should feel rough to the touch. It will also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in various price ranges.
For a timeless leather couch that will stand the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't fade away. This is a great choice for those with limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell. 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's not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you take it home.
You can test the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps like the human skin. If real leather couch feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonded.
Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and examine the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing to support the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric, it is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. The faux leather 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.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. The more you use a couch in a given time, the more it'll need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.