How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Discerning retailers are more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa first glance at the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with the purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label, you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
Another way to check the quality of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool and cool room, far from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get up-close and personal with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it's 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 scuffs. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather for their products. The 'contact areas', like the arm rests, seats and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and close to it. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use different materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another warning sign. This is common with faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
Pricing and labels may provide a clue, but the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should be a bit uneven to the touch. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic design that won't be trendy and is available in a variety of prices.
For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is expensive, but it is made using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. This is a great option for those with a limited space as it comes in with three sizes and will fit in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something more modern. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it isn't genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger 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 have lumps and bumps like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonding.
Alternatively, you can open one of the cushions and examine the backing. The faux and bonded leathers may have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true 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 advises that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic, the best way is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers along the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the couch. vintage leather sofa and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.
