How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.
To avoid being scammed, it's crucial to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with an identifier however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
If you touch the surface 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 is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it should still be bumpy.
You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus 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 scuffs. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to make their products. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. This is a common practice, and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to inspect it up close. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize different materials for upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch. It isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
The price and label may give you an idea but the only certain way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will feel uneven to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic style that won't ever go out of fashion and is available at a range of prices.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. Although this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those who have limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will 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 couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that blend form and function. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. l shape leather sofa 's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you have it at home.
A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's probably fake or it's bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions and inspect the backing. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the fabric, whereas genuine leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the touch.
The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.
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 use a sofa in a given time, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.