How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic option for any room. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six suggestions to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are important
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some stores have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label you can still verify its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine if it has any flaws or bumps 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. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more like suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could become a family heirloom over time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Look at the back
If the label does not identify the type of leather is in a sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The scent, the feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and scars. 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 by applying a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, like the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to look it over. Look at 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
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an indicator of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize different fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather, but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.
Labels and pricing can give you a hint, but the only way to be sure is to get up close with the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's genuine.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design 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 years. The two-seater might be expensive but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. While faux leather sofa is constructed from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been constructed.
You can test the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.
Alternatively, you can open up one of the cushions and inspect the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic, the best way is to put it against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider how much use it is likely to get and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize a couch in a given time, the more it will need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.