How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. People love its simple design and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some retailers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still check 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 and see if it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching the surface. like this will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux leather or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be able feel the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and Ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is used in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The scent, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still have a few bumps.
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 slightly, just like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over 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 marks. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's brand 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 to save money. The areas that are 'contact such as seats, armrests, and backs, are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and personal with it. Look at the back of the sofa for polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather. However, when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
The price and label may give you an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel rough to the touch. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed using genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design and for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great choice for families who have pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of style. It's also available in various prices.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. This two-seater may be expensive however it's made of top-quality leather that can last for a long time. This is a great choice for those with limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in almost any room.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. 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 in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you take it home.
A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the back. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine the best method is to hold it up against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm to the touch.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.
Consider how much you will 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, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's suppleness intact and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.