How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. The rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather sofa you must first examine the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other material such as cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still check its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see whether it has 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 quality of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. Additionally you should be able to feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still be bumpy.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it with a leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs are made from real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a standard practice and even if the couch has authentic leather labels be sure to examine it closely to see what the backing is made of, since this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to look it over. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a warning sign. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels may give you a hint however the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of style. It's also available in various price ranges.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for years. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't fade away. This is a great option for those with a limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something modern. This couch is a mid-century modern design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that are a perfect blend of design and function. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If small leather sofa are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it is a sign that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the back. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to put it against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
The sofa's back and examining the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last before deciding on the best. The more you use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's suppleness intact and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.