How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic option for any room. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. People love its simple design and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are important
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some sellers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, you must first examine the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still check its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. Additionally you will feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
soft leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. You can limit the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get up-close and personal with it. The smell, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
When 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 pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly, just like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A quality leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of different materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another obvious sign. This is common with faux leather, but if it's on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.
The label and price may give you an idea, but the only sure method of knowing is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a timeless style that will never go out of style and is available at a range of price points.
For a timeless leather couch that can last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be expensive, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with a limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in almost any room.
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 design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend design and function. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you have it at home.
A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or made of bonded leather.
Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and look at the backing. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is a dead giveaway that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine, the best way is to place it against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the touch.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.