How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. In fact, some stores have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being scammed, it's essential to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step to identify the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials such as cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is coarser and feels more like suede. Furthermore, you should be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and the ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get close and personal with it. The smell, texture and the backing will 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 shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it's likely to be bumpy.
You can also test the quality of leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This means that it's able to breathe, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.
To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The contact areas such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact parts such as the outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to look it over. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indication of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps under the surface and a rich, natural smell. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. This is typical with faux leather, but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.
Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to determine is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will feel rough to the feel. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is genuine.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in various price ranges.
For a timeless leather couch that will last for a long time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be quite expensive but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. This is a great option for those with a limited space, since it comes in 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. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. leather sofa set 's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it isn't genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been made.
You can test the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps just like the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely faux or bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports the fabric, whereas genuine leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be a single 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 a sofa in a given time, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to help keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.