How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful option for any room. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being scammed, it's crucial to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than happy to provide you with this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, you must first examine the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label but you can figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
Another way to check the quality of a sofa is by feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and the ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up close and personal with it. The smell, texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The preparation of genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and scars. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out in time if it's conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, seats and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a common practice, and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label, you should check it closely to see the material that the back is made of, as it is a clear indication that it's not authentic leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and intimate with it. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an excellent indicator of the quality. While modern leather sofa use various fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong, natural smell. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a warning sign. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to determine is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is genuine.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that will never be trendy and is accessible at a variety of price points.
For a timeless leather couch that will stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with 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 will fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something a 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 are a perfect blend of design and function. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice improvement over 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 distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been constructed.
You can check the quality of leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an indication that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to put it against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the feel.
Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single 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 is likely to get and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.