How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers love its simple style and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some stores have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than happy to provide you with this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!
The first step to identify the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have any label, you can still work out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indicators that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, while bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. leather couches for sale will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat, and ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up close and close to it. The scent, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion 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 finger over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked in time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it's printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's brand new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather.
To cut costs, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather for their products. The contact areas, such as the seats, arm rests and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indication of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a strong, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, that's another dead giveaway. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to indicate that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might give you an idea however the only reliable way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built using genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in various prices.
For a timeless leather couch that can endure the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be on the pricey side but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last for a lifetime. This is a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something modern. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it's not genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been manufactured.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or bonded leather.
Alternatively, you can open up one of the cushions and look at the backing. Faux and bonded hides will feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine the best method is to hold it up against your body and then gently run your fingers along the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
The sofa's back and examining the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.