How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. Customers love its simple styling, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for allergy sufferers. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equal. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still work out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine if it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is by touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. 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 in a position to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and the ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all obvious indicators.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it is able to breathe, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scars. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it by applying a leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. This is a typical practice however, even if the couch has an authentic leather label, you should check carefully to determine what the backing is made from, as this is an instant giveaway that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and intimate with it. Feel it, smell it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. While why not check here 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 entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another warning sign. This is common with faux leather but if it's on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Labels and pricing can give you a hint, but the only way to be sure is to get up close with the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will feel rough to the touch. It also has large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's built using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic design that will never ever go out of fashion, and it's still available at a range of prices.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. 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 mid century modern leather couch looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric, it is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic the best method is to put it against your body and move your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you use a couch in a given time, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.