How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. Customers love its simple style and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than happy to provide you with this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other material such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label, you can still verify its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. faux leather sofa can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether it's got any flaws or bumps since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
Another way to test the quality of a sofa is by feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. In addition you should be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It can become an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and the ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Look to the back
If the label does not tell you what type of leather is used in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of making genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have 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 as human skin does. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. leather couch and loveseat set is soft and a bit stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather for their products. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. This is a standard practice, and even if a couch is branded with authentic leather labels, you should check it carefully to see what the backing is made from, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to look it over. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a dead giveaway. This is common with faux leather, but if it's on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
The label and price may give you an idea however the only reliable way to know is to feel the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great choice for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic design that will never go out of style and is still accessible at a variety of prices.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. While this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those with small spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something modern. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend functionality and form. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell, it is not genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
You can determine the quality of leather by running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the back. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to place it against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you utilize your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to help keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.