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.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made to be the same. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to ask!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, you must first examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if it has any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
Another way to check the authenticity of a sofa is touching its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become an heirloom for the family over time. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. leather chaise lounge of making genuine leather includes buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have a few 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 means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when new, however it should not break or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas', like the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to get up close and personal with it. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign 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 most faux leather couches make use of various materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another obvious sign. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate 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 be sure is to get up close with the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in various prices.
For a timeless leather couch that can last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be on the pricey side, but it is made using top-quality leather that will last for a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you take it home.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or it's bonded.
You can also take one of the cushions and inspect the back. Faux and bonded hides will feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather should make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its 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 bond leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.