How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple styling, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are essential
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate ask!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, you should first look at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other material such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.
Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. Additionally, you will feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is used in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides come with 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 look out for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If distressed leather couch sofasandcouches is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice, and even if the couch has an authentic leather label, you should check it carefully to see what the backing is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to look it over. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a strong, natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a warning sign. This is typical with faux leather. However, if it is seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to determine is to get up close to the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will feel rough to the touch. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can 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. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that will never ever go out of fashion and is still available in a variety of prices.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. Although this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't fade away. It's an excellent choice for those with small spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend functionality and form. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it isn't genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps just like the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. The faux and bonded leathers may have a polyurethane backing that supports the fabric, whereas genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over 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.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you use a couch, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.