How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. Customers adore its simple styling and premium genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. However not all leather sofas are made equally. Some retailers are even known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather sofa you must first examine the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by examining 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 imperfections. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.
Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is coarser and feels more like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. You can minimize the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get close and intimate with it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's new. However, it won't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The contact areas, such as seats, armrests, and backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions such as the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to be able to get close and close to it. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs 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 an additional indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couch leather couches use a mixture of materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather chaise lounge from fakes or low-grade leather.
Another indicator is if the leather cloud couch is stitched in a continuous, large piece. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
The label and price may provide an idea, but the only sure way to know is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the touch. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a timeless style that won't be trendy, and it's still accessible at a variety of prices.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't date quickly. This is a great choice for those who have limited space, as it comes with three sizes and fits in almost any room.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine functionality and form. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather couches for sale near me has an unmistakable smell. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been made.
You can determine the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonding.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine the best method is to place it against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel warm to the feel.
The sofa's back and examining the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you utilize a couch in a given time, the more it will require to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.