Genuine Leather Sofa: 10 Things I Wish I d Known Sooner

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a great addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six useful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. However not all leather sofas are created equal. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate inquire!

To identify a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials like cotton or fabric. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that 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 by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. Furthermore, you will discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat and ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get close and personal with it. The scent, the feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have a few bumps.

You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and crack over time.

Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas', such as the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather couches for sale label be sure to examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, since it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to get up close and intimate with it. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an indicator of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize different materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather but if it's on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

The label and price may give you an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine Leather couches under $500 will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is quite expensive but it's constructed using top-quality leather modular sofa that will last a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small leather Corner Sofa enough to fit into most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something a bit more modern. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. It is usually due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you have it at home.

You can determine the quality of leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonded.

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.

Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers along the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it is likely to get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.