How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Check the label
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In leather couch and loveseat set , some stores have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step to identifying the genuine leather sofa is to 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. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching the surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more like suede. Additionally you should be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. 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 scent, the feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked in time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scars. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
To cut costs, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather for their products. The 'contact areas', like the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to examine it in person. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indication of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses the same materials. leather sofa and loveseat set has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels may give you an idea, but the only way to determine is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the touch. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a timeless style that won't ever go out of fashion and is accessible at a variety of prices.
For a timeless leather couch that will endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and fits in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something more modern. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical cushions that are a perfect blend of form and function. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not real. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been manufactured.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps like human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonding.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The roughness of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
The sofa's back and examining the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before deciding on the best. The more you use your sofa in a given time, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.