How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Look at the label
Real leather has a distinct appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some sellers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
Another way to test the quality of a sofa is by feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft 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 its faux counterpart but it will last longer. It can become an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. leather couch and loveseat set will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up close and close to it. The scent, the feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have a few 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 stops it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. A quality leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made from real leather, while the non-contact areas like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice however, even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label, you should check carefully to determine what the backing is made of, 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 It is however important to look it over. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a backing of polyurethane, which is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, that's another obvious sign. This is typical with faux leather but if it's on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Pricing and labels can give you an idea however the only way to know for sure is to sit down to the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made using genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design and for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of style. It's also available in a variety of prices.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be expensive but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last for a long time. It's a great option for those who have small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something more contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that blend design and function. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome improvement over 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 that is a natural organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you bring it home.
You can test the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and look at the back. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch, the more it will need to be cared for. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.