20 Myths About Real Leather Couch: Busted
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading prices and descriptions of products, it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying a real leather sofa. It is important to get close and personal to take a whiff, feel and flip over a cushion to check the backing.
For example, a "leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered contact areas (such as the seats and armrests) in genuine leather while the non-contact areas were a mix of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should smell natural, fresh and luxurious. Faux leather, on the other hand often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If your couch has a bad smell, it may be caused by pet urine or stains. In the majority of instances, a thorough cleaning will remove any smell. If you're not pleased with the results, consider applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the leather and make it more soft, less brittle, and more resistant to odors.
You can also make use of a natural odor eliminator such as baking soda to eliminate unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the leather couch. If the cloth begins to pick up dirt, wring it out or switch to another. You can also put the solution in the spray bottle and spray it on your couch. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it off again.
The process of airing out your leather is another natural way to remove smells. If you are able, place the sofa outside in a sunny spot to let it air out. This will help eliminate any unwanted odors, and give the sofa a natural, fresh scent.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, you can purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from taking in smells and will keep it smelling good for longer.
The smell of leather can be attractive, but it's difficult to keep. As time passes, it will absorb the odors of cooking, smoking, and even body smell. These odors are difficult to eliminate particularly when you have children or pets. Fortunately, genuine leather couches don't trap these odors like fabrics can make them a great choice for households with active families.
It's important to take action immediately in the event that your couch smells like it was soaked with puppy poop. Use the tips mentioned above or a product like Leather Honey to resolve the problem. Prevention is the best option, though, so be sure to teach your dog not to pee on the couch!
2. Feel
There are a few clues to look for when shopping for a comfy leather couch (explanation) sofa, however the most reliable method to determine whether it's genuine is to touch it and smell it. Leather with genuine leather has a distinct natural scent that is not difficult to recognize. The scent can fade as you age, but it should be evident when the couch is new.
A genuine leather sofa should also be soft to the touch and warm to the. Faux and bonded leathers are often colder and have an unpleasant plastic feel. To test this test, gently press your fingers to the couch's surface and look for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps, the leather is likely to be faux or bonded leather.
If you notice vertical seams stitched across the back of the sofa, it's another sign of a fake. This indicates that the leather isn't a single piece that is typical of genuine leather couches.
The quality of a leather frame for a sofa can have a major impact on its durability however, this isn't always immediately apparent. To make sure you're buying a sofa that will last, ask what kind of wood is used for the frame. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames are less robust. To increase durability, hardwood frames should be dried kiln to prevent warping or mildew.
If you're on a tight budget it is possible to find an authentic leather sofa you love. For instance the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a fashionable and versatile choice that's frequently offered for sale and is easily customized to fit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another budget-friendly option. It has a classic style and is available in a wide variety of fabrics that are fade-resistant. However, this sofa requires assembly at home and the back cushions have a tendency to slide down.
3 seater leather sofa. Backing
Real leather couches have a distinct aesthetic that other forms of upholstery just can't match. Leather sofas are extremely durable and endure wear and tear more effectively than fabrics. They can last for a long time. They also tend to resist staining and spills, and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens which means they don't require the same amount of regular maintenance and cleaning. Leather couches are no different. Like every other purchase, it's important to be aware of dangers before making a final decision.
If you are not sure whether your new sofa is made of fabric or deep leather couch, you should first check the tag that identifies the material attached to the frame. This will reveal the exact type of material it is. If you cannot discover any information about the couch's material composition or the type of leather it is, you can utilize your senses to make a decision.
The sofa's surface is worth a close examination with a keen eye on the patterns, shading and texture. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern or shading won't be consistent. If the surface of a couch appears to be smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like backing instead of coarse suede, it's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another way to test this is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If you see an unstitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, it's an indication that it's not true Leather sofas living room. The reason for this is because animal hides have a limit on their size, and can only be cut so big. To ensure the best quality of their products top-rated manufacturers will always stitch and sew across the entire back of a couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not fake or bonded leather.
If you are able to, lift up one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of the padding is covered by an unwoven material or polyurethane then this is an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel sturdy and coarse when the touch is made.
4. Patterns
A genuine leather sofa is a timeless piece, and with good reason. The warm, natural feel and look of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Plus modern tanning techniques gives it the added durability to withstand cracks and sagging. Each hide is distinct and has its own distinctive markings, grain and blemishes.
The best way to determine whether the leather you're purchasing is genuine is to examine it in person. Examine the texture, structure and pattern to get an in-depth look at its authenticity. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any visible flaws on it, then it's likely to be faux or bound.
Another obvious sign is a backing made of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a common feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will have a more natural appearance and will be backed with materials that closely match the fabric used in making the furniture.
Lastly, look at the back of the couch to see one or two stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a high-quality piece of leather that's been designed to last. If there aren't any seams and the back looks like a continuous cloth, then it is likely to be a fake or bonded leather couch.
Once you've confirmed that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to match it with your other furniture in your living room. Find a match for your sofa with wooden furniture, and then add pillows that match the color of your room. You can also opt for an energizing, relaxing layout by putting the sofa between two pieces of furniture, with a coffee table in between.
Be sure to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit area to ensure it doesn't fade or develop scratches from direct sunlight. If you want to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment use a leather protection agent at least once or twice a year.