How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any space. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. However not all leather sofas are created to be the same. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indicators that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, while faux leather or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. Furthermore, you will be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in a light, cool room, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and Ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up close and personal with it. The smell, texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. l shape leather sofa Sofas & Couches that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is uneven or bumpy surface. The process of preparing genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A genuine leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the seats, arm rests and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if a couch is labelled as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to examine it in person. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, it's a warning sign. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to feel the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and feel uneven. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is genuine.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in various price ranges.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't date quickly. It's a great choice for those who have limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something contemporary. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic 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 constructed.
You can determine the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps like the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonded.
Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and examine the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel warm to the touch.
The sofa's back and examining the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be a single, 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 will last when choosing the quality. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.