How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic option for any room. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. Some retailers are even known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being scammed, it's essential to know the various types of Leather sofas Living room. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather sofa first glance at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. Furthermore you will feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become a family heirloom over time. You can minimize the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not tell you what type of leather is present in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The scent, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain pure leather sofa, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it's able to breathe, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A quality leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when new, however it should not break or dry out over time if conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to look it over. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is common in faux luxury leather sofa set. However, if it is seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
The price and label may give you an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great choice for families who have pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that won't ever go out of fashion and is available in a variety of price points.
For a classic leather couch that can stand the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't fade away. This is a great choice for those with a limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine l shape leather sofa Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps like the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also take one of the cushions and look at the backing. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine the best method is to place it against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will also tell you if it is 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 corner couch sofa, think about how much use it is likely to get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the vegan leather couch's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.