How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great addition to any room. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers love its simple styling, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equal. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identify the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have any label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
Another way to test the quality of a sofa is touching its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Bonded or faux leather is rougher and feels more like suede. Furthermore, you will be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could become an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air cooling units. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat, and the ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential 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. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft could 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 should still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.
Faux leather is printed and has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A quality leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The areas that are 'contact such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions such as the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and personal with it. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out 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 is an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps under the surface and a rich natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. This is typical with faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
The label and price may give you an idea however the only reliable way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made using genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that will never ever go out of fashion and is still available at a range of price points.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. While this two-seater model is more expensive but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. This is a great option for those with a limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it isn't genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been constructed.
A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the back. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to put it against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and checking the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch the more attention it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.