How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some stores have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being ripped off. modern leather sofa includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. In addition you should be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get up close and personal with it. The scent, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a common practice and even if the sofa has a genuine leather label, you should check carefully to determine what the backing is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to inspect it up close. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a backing 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 a further indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to determine is to sit down with the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and feel uneven. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is made of genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design, and with good reason. leather couch with chaise , long-lasting, and durable. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those who have limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend functionality and form. This sofa is made of plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been constructed.
A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonding.
You can also open one of the cushions and examine the backing. False and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine, the best way is to put it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to 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 the bonded leather.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.