How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's crucial to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still check its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see if it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching the surface. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. In addition you should be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity and the ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Look at the back
If the label does not identify the type of leather is used in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit, just like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A quality leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out in time if it's conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
To save best leather sofa , certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas', like the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, you should take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to inspect it up close. Feel it, smell it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is an excellent indicator of the quality. While many faux leather couches use various materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a warning sign. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to know for sure is to get up close to the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is made of genuine materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a classic design that won't be trendy and is still accessible at a variety of prices.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't age quickly. This is a great option for those who have limited space as it comes in with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something a bit more modern. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
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 manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you use a couch in a given time, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific conditioner for leather to keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.