How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. Customers love its simple style and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. However not all leather sofas are made equally. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!
To identify a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft leather couch and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. You should also be able discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what type 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.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of making genuine curved leather sofa involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to be bumpy.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking over time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather modular sofa protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The 'contact areas' such as the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and close to it. Take a whiff, rub it, and then check its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another dead giveaway. This is typical with faux leather, but if it's on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
Pricing and labels may give you a hint, but the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great choice for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a timeless style that will never go out of style and is still available in a variety of prices.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's an excellent choice for those who have small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice if you want something more contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend functionality and form. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been made.
You can determine the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
You can also open up one of the cushions and look at the back. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if the sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
The sofa's back and examining the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about 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 using a special leather conditioner to help keep the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.