How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. Customers love its simple style and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than happy to provide you with this information So don't hesitate ask!
The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.
Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more like suede. Furthermore, you will be able to feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label does not identify the type of leather is in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The smell, texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The preparation of 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 pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little as human skin does. This means that it is able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it's printed, whereas genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when new, however it should not break or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The areas that are 'contact like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact portions, such as outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a standard practice, and even if the couch has an authentic 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.
faux leather sofa and prices can point you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and intimate with it. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another obvious sign. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The price and label may give you an idea but the only certain way to know is to feel the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a timeless style that will never go out of style, and it's still accessible at a variety of price points.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater is quite expensive, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great choice for those with a limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something a bit more contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine design and function. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used in the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the 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 are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you have it at home.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofa s is to run your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps like the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or it's bonded.
You can also take one of the cushions and inspect the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and move your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will 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 check the back of the upholstery. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is 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 is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.