How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. However not all leather sofas are created to be the same. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with any label, you can still work out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather and see if it has any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be in a position to discern 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 a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioners. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and the ozone. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up close and personal with it. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates 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 putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it is new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
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 of genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to examine it in person. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, it's a dead giveaway. This is common in faux leather but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Pricing and labels can give you an idea, but the only way to know for sure is to get up close to the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed using genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great choice for families who have pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic design that will never go out of style, and it's still accessible at a variety of prices.
For a classic leather couch that will stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be quite expensive but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last for a lifetime. It's a great option for those who have small spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something more contemporary. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell, it is not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you have it at home.
You can determine the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps just like the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonding.
You can also open up one of the cushions and inspect the back. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery. leather couch set has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.