15 Reasons You Must Love Real Leather Couch
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading prices and descriptions of products, it's sometimes difficult to know whether you're buying an authentic leather sofa. It is important to get close to the couch and examine it with care. Touch, smell and turn the cushion over to check out the backing.
For instance, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered contact areas (such as the armrests and seats) in genuine leather, whereas 'non contact' areas were made of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should smell natural, fresh and luxurious. Faux leather, on the other hand, often smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch has a bad smell, it could be due to pet urine or stains. In the majority of instances, a thorough cleaning will remove any smell. If you're not happy with the results, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture levels, making it softer and less brittle, as well as more resistant to smells.
You can also make use of a natural odor eliminator such as baking soda to eliminate unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the leather couch. If the cloth starts to pick up dirt, wring it out or switch to a new one. You can also spray the solution on your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping it over again.
The process of airing out your reupholster leather couch is another way to get rid of the smell. If possible, set the sofa outside in a sun-lit area to air it out. This will help eliminate any unwanted odors, and give the couch an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to stay clear of unpleasant smells altogether You can buy a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will stop your leather from taking in odors and keep it smelling good for a longer time.
The smell of leather can be attractive, but it's difficult to maintain. As time passes, it will absorb smells from smoking, cooking, or even body odor. These odors can be hard to eliminate especially if you have pets or children. Real leather couches do not absorb odors like fabrics can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.
If your couch smells akin to an odor of a dog that has peed on it, it's important to take action immediately. Try some of the suggestions above or try using a dedicated product like Leather Honey to treat the problem. Prevention is the best option, though, so be sure to train your dog not to pee on the couch!
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There are a few clues to look for when buying a leather sofa, however the most reliable way to determine whether it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Genuine leather has a distinct, natural scent that is not difficult to recognize. This scent may fade with age but there should be no mistaking it when the sofa is new.
A genuine leather sofa should feel soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Faux and bonded leathers on the other hand, often have a more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test it, gently press your fingers to the couch's surface and feel for bumps. If you can't feel any bumps, the material is likely to be fake or bonded leather.
Another indicator is if you notice stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the leather isn't a single piece that is typical of genuine leather couches.
The quality of a frame for a sofa can have a significant impact on its lifespan, but this isn't always evident. To make sure you're buying a sofa that will last, inquire about the type of wood is used to construct the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but they're also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames are less durable. To improve durability, hardwood frames must be kiln dried to avoid mildew or warping.
If you are on a tight budget it is possible to find a genuine leather sofa that you love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and versatile choice that's usually available for sale and can be customized to fit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another option that is budget-friendly. It has a classic style and is available in a broad range of fabrics that are resistant to fade. The sofa is modular and somewhat difficult to put together at home and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches have a certain appeal that other types of furniture can't match. Leather sofas are incredibly robust and withstand wear and tear much more than fabric, making them last for a long time to come. They also are resistant to staining and spills and are less likely to attract allergens and dust, so they don't need the same amount of regular care and cleaning. Leather couches aren't any different. Like every other purchase, it is important to be aware of pitfalls before making a final decision.
If you're unsure if your new sofa is genuine leather the first thing you should do is look at the materials tag on the frame to discover what kind of fabric or leather it's made of. If you cannot find any information about the couch's material composition or the type of leather it is, you can use your senses to help you make the decision.
A key indicator is to take a close look at the surface of the couch and examine the texture, shading and patterns in greater detail. A genuine leather sofa is likely to have imperfections that are natural and may not be uniform in its structure, pattern, or shading. If the surface of a couch appears smooth and uniform, or shows a mesh-like backing in place of coarse suede, this is an indication that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another test to take is to check the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching on its back, it's not real leather. This is because hides from animals are limited in size and can only be cut to a certain extent. To ensure the best leather sofa quality of their products, the top manufacturers will sew and stitch throughout the back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather and not bonded or fake leather.
If you are able lift an area and examine the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is covered by an unwoven material or polyurethane then it's a sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and rough when touched.
4. Patterns
A leather couch is a timeless classic with a reason. The warm, natural look and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Modern tanning methods give it extra durability, so it is resistant to cracking or sliding. Since each hide comes with distinct marks and grain, as well as blemishes each leather couch is truly one-of-a-kind.
The best way to know if the leather you are buying is genuine is to inspect it closely. Examine the texture, structure and pattern for an in-depth look at its authenticity. If the structure is completely uniform and there are no noticeable blemishes, it's likely faux Leather Sofa set or bonded leather.
Another obvious sign is a backing of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a standard feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will look more natural and will be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used in making the furniture.
Finally, check the back of the couch for two or three stitched vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather has been made with attention to last. If there are no seams, and the back appears to be a continuous piece of cloth, then it is likely to be a fake or bonded-leather sofa.
If you've concluded that a couch is genuine leather, the next step is to pair it up with the rest of the furniture in your living space. To create a clean, coordinated style, pair your sofa to other furniture made of wood, and line it with pillows that echo the color scheme of your space. You can also opt for a more comfortable, lively layout by placing your couch against other furniture pieces and placing an occasional table.
Make sure to keep your leather sofas for sale near me sofa in a bright area to ensure it doesn't fade or leave scratches due to direct sunlight. If you're looking to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment use a leather protection agent every other year.