How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers love its simple style, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six ways to tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made to be the same. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, you must first examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will be a family heirloom over the years. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it will still be bumpy.
You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if it is regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to make their products. The 'contact areas' like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic reupholster leather couch. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to inspect it up close. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a backing of polyurethane, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another obvious sign. This is typical with faux leather, but when it's seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
The price and label may provide an idea, but the only sure way to know is to feel the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is made from authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic style that will never go out of style and is still accessible at a variety of price points.
For a timeless leather couch that can endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. This two seater leather sofa-seater may be expensive, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in almost any room.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine functionality and form. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather sofa set [maps.Google.com.ar] leather only in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals used to make pure leather sofa. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
You can check the quality of the leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps as human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or bonded leather.
Alternatively, you can open one of the cushions and examine the back. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa, the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.