The Reasons You Shouldn t Think About Enhancing Your Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers love its simple styling and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Take a look at the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.
To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's crucial to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information So don't hesitate inquire!
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is by touching its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded reupholster leather couch is coarser and feels more like suede. Furthermore, you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and Ozone. Additionally, you can use distressed leather sofa protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is present in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to be bumpy.
You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over 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 printed, and thus has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The 'contact' areas like seats and armrests as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact areas such as the outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice and even if the sofa has a genuine leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see what the backing is made of, since it is a clear indication that it's not authentic 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 intimate with it. Feel it, smell it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake fakes.
If the leather lounge suite is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, it's a obvious sign. This is common with faux leather, but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.
Pricing and labels can provide a clue, but the only way to determine is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is genuine.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a timeless style that won't ever go out of fashion and is available at a range of price points.
For a classic leather couch that can stand the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be quite expensive but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. It's an excellent choice for those with smaller rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you bring it home.
You can determine the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely Faux Leather couch or made of bonded leather.
You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas genuine leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It also feels warm to the feel.
Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When deciding on the grade of your vegan leather couch sofa, consider how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize a couch in a given time, the more it will need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.