How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It can be difficult to determine if are buying a genuine leather couch because of misleading product descriptions and price tags. You need to get up close and personal with the couch - smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to examine the back.
For instance, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered 'contact' (such as the seats and armrests) in genuine leather while 'non contact' areas were a mix of coated polyester and Cotton.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should be a natural, rich and luxurious. Faux leather however, often smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad smell, it may be caused by urine or stains from pets. In most cases, a good cleaning will eliminate the smell. If you're not satisfied with the results, consider applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the leather and make it softer and less brittle. It also makes it more resistant to smells.
You can also use a natural odor eliminator like baking soda to eliminate unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use microfiber cloths to clean your leather sofa. If the cloth begins to gather dirt, you can either wring it out or replace it with a new one. You can also spray the solution on your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping again.
Another natural way to remove the smells from your leather is to air it out. Set the couch in a bright space to let it air out. This will eliminate any unpleasant smells and give the couch a natural, fresh scent.
If you'd like to stay clear of unpleasant smells altogether then you should consider buying an oil-based leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will keep your leather smelling fresh for longer by stopping it from absorption of odors.
The scent of leather may be attractive, but it's difficult to maintain. Over time, leather can absorb odors, such as those from cooking, smoking and even body smell. leather sofa set are difficult to get rid of, especially when you have pets or children. Real leather couches do not absorb odors like fabrics can. This makes them an ideal choice for families with active children.
It is crucial to act immediately if your couch smells like it was soaked with puppy pee. You can try some of the suggestions above or try using a dedicated product like Leather Honey to treat the problem. Prevention is the best option however, so make sure to teach your dog not to pee on the couch!
2. Feel
There are some clues to look out for when you are shopping for a leather sofa, however the most reliable method to determine if it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Real leather has a distinct natural scent that is not difficult to recognize. The smell can fade as you age but it should remain evident when the couch is new.
A genuine leather sofa should be warm and soft to touch. Faux and bonded leathers however, often have a more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test, gently press your fingers against the surface of a couch and check for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, then the material is likely to be fake or bonded leather.
Another indicator is if you can see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather is not one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are identified by this.
The quality of the frame on leather couches can have a major impact on its lifespan however it's not always obvious. Find out what kind of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you choose the right sofa that has longevity for a long time. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and costly alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames aren't as robust. To improve durability, hardwood frames should be kiln dried to prevent warping or mildew.
If you are on a tight budget it is possible to find an authentic leather sofa you will love. For example the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a fashionable and versatile choice that's frequently on sale and can be easily customized to match your home.
Another budget-friendly option is La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa It has a classic design and comes in a variety of fade-resistant fabric. This sofa is somewhat difficult to put together at home and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches are different from other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely robust and withstand wear and tear far better than fabrics, which makes them last for years to come. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. Leather couches aren't different. Like any other purchase, it's important to be aware of the dangers before making a final decision.
If you're unsure whether the sofa you bought is genuine leather the first thing you need to look over the material tag on the frame to determine the exact type of leather or fabric it is made of. However, you must utilize your own senses to assist you in making an informed decision if you are unable to discover any information regarding the material composition of the sofa.
The most important indicator is to take a close look at the couch's surface and examine the texture, shading and patterns in detail. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern, or shading won't be uniform. If the surface is smooth and uniform or if a mesh backing is visible instead of coarse leather, it's a dead indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Check the back of the cushion casing. If there is stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, this is an indication that it's not genuine leather. The reason is because animal hides have a limit on their size, and they are only cut to a certain large. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded leather or faux leather.
If you are able to raise a corner and inspect the padding on the back. If the back of the padding is covered with a woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and coarse when the touch is made.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a classic and with good reason. The natural, warm look and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Modern tanning methods give it added durability, so that it doesn't suffer from cracks or sliding. Each hide is distinct and has its own distinctive imperfections, markings, and grain.
While prices and labels are great pointers however, the best way to tell if you're buying authentic leather is to go close and intimate with it. Check the surface texture, structure and pattern to get an in-depth look at its authenticity. If the structure is completely uniform and there aren't noticeable blemishes, it's likely fake or the leather is bonded.
A polyurethane back on the sofa is a different indicator. This is a standard feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and will be backed with materials that closely like the fabric used in making the furniture.
Check the back of your couch to determine whether there are vertical seams. This is an indication of a high-quality piece of leather that has been constructed with care to last. If there aren't any seams, and the rear appears like a seamless cloth, then it is likely to be a faux or bonded-leather sofa.
If you've decided that a sofa is genuine leather, the next step is to match it with the rest of the furniture in your living space. For a crisp, coordinated look, match your sofa to other wooden furniture and accent it with pillows that echo the colors in your space. You can also choose a more dynamic, relaxed layout by placing the couch in between two pieces of furniture, with a coffee table in between.
Make sure to keep your leather sofa in a bright area to ensure it doesn't deteriorate or show scuff marks due to direct sunlight. If you're looking to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment apply a leather protector agent at least once or twice a year.