How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful option for any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. People love its simple design and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some sellers have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being scammed, it's essential to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather couch, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.
Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa using your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. Furthermore, you will feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity and the ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is used in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The scent, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. 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 suggests it could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
l shaped leather couch can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will 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 is new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The 'contact' areas, such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of real leather, while the non-contact areas such as the outside and base arms, are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, examine the back 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 inspect it up close. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize different fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a obvious sign. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels can give you an idea however the only way to be sure is to get up close with the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made from authentic materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic style that won't go out of style and is accessible at a variety of price points.
For a timeless leather couch that can endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't date quickly. It's a great option for those who have small spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend functionality and form. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it's not genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even 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 skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and checking the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. Faux 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 quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize a sofa in a given time, the more it'll need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.