How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equal. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identify the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still verify its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. Furthermore, you will feel a difference between the 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 an investment that will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up close and intimate with it. The smell, feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's brand new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you regularly condition it 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 areas that are 'contact such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made from real leather, whereas the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice, and even if the sofa has authentic leather labels You should examine it closely to see the material that the back is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and intimate with it. Take a whiff, rub it, and then check its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
The label and price may give you an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of style. It's also available in different price ranges.
For a classic leather couch that will stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be on the pricey side, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. It's a great option for those with small spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern design with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used in the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, it is not genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been constructed.
You can determine the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or made of bonded leather.
Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and look at the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to place it against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider how much use it is likely to get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you utilize a sofa in a given time, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.