How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. People love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equally. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather couch, you must first examine the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that 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 to determine if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be able discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters, and air cooling units. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and Ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not identify the type of leather is present in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The smell, feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft could be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have a few bumps.
You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like 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's printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and marks. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you regularly condition it by applying a leather protection cream.
To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather for their products. The areas that are 'contact, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of genuine leather, while the non-contact portions such as the outside and base arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and close to it. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane, which is an indication 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. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize various materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
Labels and pricing can provide a clue, but the only way to know for sure is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It also has large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made of genuine materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of style. It's also available in different prices.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those with limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend functionality and form. The sofa is constructed of plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell it is a sign that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.
A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If leather and fabric sofa spot a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to place it against your body and then gently run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will determine if it's 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.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before deciding on the best. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.