How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather sofa (Highly recommended Resource site) leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.
1. Check the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It's also robust and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equally. In fact, some stores have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers are more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!
The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of reupholster leather couch it is upholstered with, along with any other materials like cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with the purchase.
If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be able feel 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 but it's an investment that will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from heaters, fireplaces, and air cooling units. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat, and ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is present in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. 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 pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it is new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' like the seats, arm rests and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice however, even if the sofa has an authentic leather label You should examine carefully to determine what the backing is made of, since this is an instant giveaway that it isn't true genuine leather sofa set price.
Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3 seater leather sofa. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the 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 entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a large, 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 provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart choice for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that won't ever go out of fashion and is still available at a range of price points.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be on the pricey side however it's made using top-quality leather that will last a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those with small spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something more contemporary. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you bring it home.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely faux or the leather is bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the back. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is genuine the best method is to place it against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and checking the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it is likely to receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your sofa, the more it will need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.