How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple styling, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Look at the label
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some retailers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather couch and loveseat set.
To help you avoid getting ripped off, it's important to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier but you can figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more like suede. In addition you will be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could become a family heirloom over time. You can minimize the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up close and intimate with it. The smell, feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine curved leather sofa requires buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux small leather corner sofa is printed and therefore has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft, a little stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather for their products. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if the couch 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 examine it in person. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indication of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of various materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another dead giveaway. This is common in faux leather. However, when it's seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
The price and label may provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of style. It's also available in different price ranges.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater might be expensive, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with a limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in almost any room.
If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a Mid century modern leather Sofa-century modern leather sofa set-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that combine functionality and form. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
You can check the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or made of bonded leather.
Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and inspect the backing. Faux and bonded hides will feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real 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 should make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before deciding on the best. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.