How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. Some retailers are even known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step to identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and see whether it has any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to 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 a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in a light, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioners. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat, and Ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.
2. Check out the back
If the label does not tell you what type of leather is present in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it should still have some bumps.
You 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 similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa is soft, a little stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to make their products. The 'contact areas', such as the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and personal with it. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indication of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of materials for upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather it's likely to be a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
The label and price may give you an idea however the only reliable way to know is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether it's constructed using genuine materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in different price ranges.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be expensive, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. cheap leather couches 's an excellent choice for those with small rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. curved leather sofa is constructed of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used in the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you take it home.
You can test the quality of the leather by running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps just like the human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas 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 suggests that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm to the contact.
The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.
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 use a couch, the more it'll need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.