How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic option for any room. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers love its simple styling, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Check the label
Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. In fact, some stores have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like cotton or fabric. Additionally, reliable 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 come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indicators that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. In addition you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and the ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get up close and personal with it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion 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 finger over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it is able to breathe, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is printed and 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 scars. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to get up close and intimate with it. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize different fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another dead giveaway. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might provide an idea, but the only sure way to know is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel uneven to the feel. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of style. It's also available in various prices.
For a classic leather couch that can stand the test of 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 a lifetime. This is a great option for those with limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice if you want something modern. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been made.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.