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 its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equally. In fact, some stores have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Discerning retailers will be more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate ask!
The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to examine the label. It should clearly identify the type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is by feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. In addition you should be able to feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could become an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all obvious indicators.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and scuffs. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it is new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to examine it in person. Check the back of the sofa for any signs 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 a further indication 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 you touch it. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might give you an idea but the only certain way to know is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that won't ever go out of fashion, and it's still available in a variety of prices.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last a lifetime. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. This is a great option for those with limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used in the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell it is a sign that it isn't genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather. curved leather sofa remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you have it at home.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonding.
Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and examine the backing. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an indication that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to place it against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It also feels warm to the touch.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the upholstery. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is one 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 you decide on the right. The more you utilize a couch and the more you use it, the more it will need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.