How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on price tags and product descriptions it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying an authentic leather sofa. You must get up close and personal - take a whiff, feel and flip over a cushion to examine the back.
For example, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered "contact" areas (such as the armrests and seats) with genuine leather. The 'non contact' areas were made up of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should be a natural, rich and luxurious. False leather on the other hand often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If your sofa smells unpleasant it could be due to stains or urine from pets. 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 an organic odor eliminator like baking soda to remove unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather couch. If the cloth begins to pick up dirt, you can wring it out or swap for an alternative. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Let the mixture dry before wiping it over again.
The process of airing out your leather is another way to eliminate the smell. If possible, set the couch outside in a sun-lit area to let it air dry. This will help eliminate unwanted odors, and provide it with a fresh, natural scent.
If you want to avoid unpleasant odors completely, you can purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will stop your leather from soaking up smells and will keep it smelling good for longer.
The scent of leather may be appealing, but it can be difficult to maintain. In time, it may absorb smells from smoking, cooking, and even body odor. These odors are difficult to get rid of particularly when you have pets or children. Fortunately, leather couches aren't able to trap these odors in the same way that fabrics can make them a great choice for households with active families.
If your couch smells akin to an odor of a dog that has peed on it, it's important to address the issue immediately. You can use the tips mentioned above or a product such as Leather Honey to solve the problem. The best option is to prevent the problem and ensure that you train your dog to not pee on your couch.
2. Contact us if you have any questions.
If you are looking for a new leather sofa there are some things to be aware of. But the best way to tell whether it's genuine is to smell and feel it. Real leather has a distinct, natural scent that is not difficult to recognize. The scent can fade as time passes but it should remain evident when the sofa is fresh.
A genuine leather sofa should be soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have a a plasticky feel. To test it, gently press your fingers to the surface of a couch and look for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it's likely bonded or faux-leather.
If you notice vertical seams stitched on the back of sofas, this is another indicator. This means that the leather is not one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are characterized by this.
The quality of the frame on a leather couch can have a significant impact on its life span however, it's not always obvious. Ask what type of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you choose a sofa with longevity for a long time. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and expensive choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames aren't as robust. To ensure durability, wood frames must be kiln dried to avoid mildew or warping.
If you're on a budget, there are plenty of low-cost genuine leather sofa and loveseat set sofas that you could nevertheless fall in love with. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and versatile option that is often offered for sale and can be customized to suit your home.
Another budget-friendly option is La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa It is a classic style and is available in a wide range of fade-resistant fabric. This sofa is somewhat difficult to put together at home and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas are a class apart from other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and withstand wear and tear more effectively than fabrics. They last for many years. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. But, like everything else in life, there are dangers when buying a leather sofa - and it is important to be aware of what to look for prior to making your final choice.
If you're not sure whether your new sofa is made of fabric or leather, you should first check the tag that identifies the material on the frame. This will reveal exactly what kind of fabric it is. If you cannot find any information regarding the couch's materials, you can use your senses to make an informed decision.
A key indicator is to take a closer look at the couch's surface and look at the texture, shading, and patterns in detail. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern or shading will not be uniform. If the couch's surface 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 it has stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, this is an indication that it's not authentic leather. This is because animal hides are restricted in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. To ensure the best quality of their products, the top manufacturers will sew and stitch through the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able to attempt to lift a corner of the sofa or cushion and look at the back of the cushion. If the back of the padding is covered in a woven material or polyurethane then this is an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather. Genuine vegan leather sofa should feel solid and rough when the touch is made.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a classic and with good reason. The warm, natural appearance and feel of the material can elevate any living space. Additionally mid century modern leather sofa tanning techniques provides it with the added strength to withstand sagging or cracking. Because each hide has its own unique markings and blemishes, grain, and marks, every leather couch is truly one-of-a-kind.
While prices and labels are excellent indicators, the best way to determine if you're buying authentic leather is to get up close and personal with it. Inspect the surface texture, structure and pattern for an even more precise view of its authenticity. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible blemishes on the surface, then it's likely to be fake or bonded.
A polyurethane back on the sofa is a further indicator. This is a typical feature of the bonded leather modular lounge. Genuine light leather couch will have a more natural look and will be backed with materials that closely match the fabric used to make furniture.
Look at the back of your sofa to see whether there are vertical seams. This is a sign of a high-quality piece of leather that has been designed to last. On the other side, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa appears like a continuous piece of cloth, it's most likely to be a low-quality Faux Leather Sofa Set or bonded leather sofa.
Once you've determined that a couch is genuine leather The next step is to pair it up with the rest of the furniture in your living space. Find a match for your sofa with wooden furniture, and add pillows that match the color of your space. You can also go for an energizing, relaxing layout by putting the sofa in between two pieces of furniture with a table in between.
Be sure to keep your leather sofa in a bright area to ensure it doesn't fade or develop scuff marks from direct sunlight. If you're looking to safeguard your investment by extending its lifespan, consider applying a leather protection agent once or twice a year.