How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on price tags and descriptions of the product, it's sometimes difficult to know whether you're buying an authentic leather sofa. You need to get up close and personal with the couch - smell, feel and turn over a couch to look at the back.
For example, a "leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered 'contact' (such as the armrests and seats) in genuine leather, whereas 'non contact' areas were made of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should smell natural, fresh and luxurious. Faux leather is, however, often smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa smells unpleasant, it could be due to urine from your pet. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will remove the smell. If you're not happy with the results of your cleaning, apply a leather conditioner. This will help restore the leather's moisture levels which makes it softer and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant against smells.
You can also use an organic odor remover such as baking soda to remove unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the leather sofa. If the cloth begins to collect dirt, you can either wring it or replace it with a new one. You can also put the solution in spray bottles and spray it on your couch. Let the mixture dry before wiping it again.
Another natural way to remove the smells of your leather is to air it out. Set the couch in a bright area to let it air. This will eliminate any unpleasant odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors completely You can buy an oil-based leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresher for longer, keeping it from taking in the smells.
While the smell of natural leather is appealing, it can be difficult to maintain. In time, it may absorb odors from cooking, smoking, and even body odor. These odors are hard to eliminate, particularly when your home is occupied by pets or children. Fortunately, leather couches don't trap these odors like fabric upholstery can, making them an ideal option for families with active families.
It's important to take action immediately in the event that your couch smells like it was soaked with puppy pee. Use the tips mentioned above or a product such as Leather Honey to resolve the issue. Prevention is the best option but be sure to train your dog to not pee on the couch!
2. Contact us if you have any questions.
There are some clues to look out for when buying a leather sofa, however the most reliable way to determine if it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Genuine leather has a distinct unique, natural scent. The smell can fade as you age, but it should be evident when the couch is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa should also feel soft to the touch and warm to the. Leathers made of faux and bonded tend to be colder and have a plasticky feel. To test this try pressing your fingertips on the sofa's surface and feel for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it's likely bonded or faux leather sofa set-leather.
If you notice vertical seams stitched across the back of the sofa, it's another sign of a fake. This means that the leather is not one piece. Genuine leather couches are characterized by this.
The quality of the frame on the leather sofa can have a major impact on its life span however, it's not always obvious. To make sure you're buying a sofa which will last, inquire about the kind of wood is used for the frame. A solid oak frame is the most durable and costly alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames are less robust. For added durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln-dried to prevent warping and mildew.
If you're on a tight budget it is possible to find an authentic leather sofa you are awestruck with. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and flexible choice that's usually offered for sale and can be customized to suit your home.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa It is classic in design and is available in hundreds of fade-resistant fabrics. However, this sofa requires assembly at home, and its back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches have a certain aesthetic that other forms of upholstery just cannot compete with. Leather sofas are incredibly robust and withstand wear and tear far more than fabric, making them last for years to be. They also tend to resist staining and spills, and are less likely to attract allergens and dust which means they don't require more frequent maintenance and cleaning. Leather couches are no different. Like any other purchase, it is important to be aware of dangers before making a final decision.
If you're not sure whether your new couch is made of leather or fabric then you must first verify the tag that identifies the material that is attached to the frame. This will inform you exactly what kind of material it is. But, you should utilize your own senses to assist you in making a decision if you can't find any information about the composition of the material used in the sofa.
The couch's surface must be carefully examined and pay attention to the patterns, shading and texture. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern, or shading won't be uniform. If the surface is smooth and uniform or if a mesh backing appears instead of the coarse leather, it's a dead indication of fake or synthetic luxury leather sofa set.
Examine the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching on its back, it isn't genuine leather. This is because animal hides are limited in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather and not bonded leather or faux leather couch leather.
If you are able to lift a corner and inspect the padding on the back. If the back of the padding is covered by a woven material or polyurethane then it's an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather and fabric sofa. Genuine leather should feel sturdy and rough when the touch is made.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a timeless piece, and for good reason. The natural, warm feel and look of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Plus mid century modern leather couch tanning techniques gives it the added durability to resist cracking or sagging. Each hide is unique with its own unique markings, grain and blemishes.
While labels and prices are great pointers however, the best way to determine whether you're buying authentic leather is to get up close and intimate with it. For a better understanding of authenticity, examine the texture of the surface patterns, structure, and pattern. If the structure appears to be uniform and there are no visible flaws, it's most likely faux or bonded leather.
Another dead giveaway is a polyurethane backing on the back of the sofa. This is a common characteristic of bonded leather. Genuine leather will look more natural and will be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to create the furniture.
Take a look at the back of your couch to see if there are any vertical seams. This is an indication of a top-quality piece of leather that has been constructed with care to last. If there are no seams and the back appears to be a continuous piece of cloth, then it is likely to be a faux or bonded leather couch.
If you've decided that the couch is authentic leather the next step is to pair it up with the rest of the furniture in your living space. Combine your sofa with wooden furniture and add pillows that match the color of your space. You can also opt for a more comfortable, lively arrangement by placing your sofa in a row with other furniture pieces, and an occasional table.
Keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight to prevent it from fading or forming scuffs. And if you want to protect your investment by prolonging its lifespan, think about applying a leather protector once or twice a year.