How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers adore its simple styling and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some retailers have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate ask!
The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to check the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Look to the back
If the label does not tell you what type of leather is in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth 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 some of the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.
best leather couch combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas' like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if it is 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 personal with it. Feel it, smell it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear sign 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 most faux leather couches make use of various materials for upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong, natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather. However, when it's seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
Pricing and labels may give you a hint, but the only way to be sure is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in different price ranges.
For a timeless leather couch that will stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is expensive but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something modern. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that blend functionality and form. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been made and even once you have it at home.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps just like the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.
Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and inspect the back. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. True leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit 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.
Another method to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.