How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple style and premium genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some stores have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's essential to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have any label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see whether it has any flaws or bumps since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.
Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is by touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, while faux leather or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. In addition you should be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart but it will last longer. It can become an important family heirloom with time. You can minimize the damage caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The scent, 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 due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. The preparation of genuine leather involves 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 the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and crack with time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when new, but it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to examine it in person. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of materials for upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that feels smooth to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from imitations or cheap leather.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather but if it is seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
The price and the label might give you an idea however the only reliable way to know is to touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect and should be a bit uneven to the 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 reveal whether it's constructed with 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 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 it's still available in a variety of price points.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. This two-seater may be on the pricey side however it's made with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those with small spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern design with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that combine functionality and form. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. leather sofa with chaise remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you bring it home.
You can test the quality of leather by running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonded.
Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and look at the backing. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to get and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.