How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on price tags and product descriptions it's sometimes difficult to know whether you're buying an authentic leather sofa. You should get close to the couch and inspect it closely. Feel, smell, and turn the cushion over to see the back.
For instance, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered contact areas (such as the seats and armrests) with genuine leather. The the non-contact areas were made up of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will be a natural and rich scent. False leather on the other hand is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch is smelling bad smell, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning can eliminate the smell. If you're not happy with the results of your cleaning, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture levels which makes it softer and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant to smells.
You can also make use of a natural odor eliminator such as baking soda to remove unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to clean your leather couch. If leather living room sets starts to collect dirt, wring it out or switch to a new one. Alternately, you can pour the solution into a spray bottle and spritz it on your couch. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it off again.
leather couches for sale to get rid of odors from your leather is to air it out. Set the couch in a bright area to let it air. This will eliminate any unpleasant smells and give the sofa an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from taking in smells and will keep it smelling good for a longer time.
While the scent of natural leather is appealing, it can be difficult to maintain. Over time, leather can absorb odors such as those from cooking, smoking and even body smell. These odors are difficult to eliminate particularly when you have children or pets. Fortunately, genuine leather couches aren't able to trap these odors like fabrics can make them a great choice for families with active families.
It's crucial to act immediately if your couch smells like it was soaked with puppy pee. Try some of the suggestions above or use a specific product like Leather Honey to treat the problem. Prevention is the best option but be sure to train your dog not to pee on the couch!
2. Feel
When shopping for a new leather sofa There are a few things to be looking for. The most effective way to determine whether it's genuine is to smell it and feel it. Leather has a distinct distinctive natural scent. The scent can fade with age but it should remain evident when the couch is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa must be soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Bonded and faux leathers however are typically more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test this, gently press your fingers against the couch's surface and look for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it's likely faux-leather or bonded.
Another dead giveaway is if you can see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather isn't one piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of the frame on a leather couch can have a major effect on its lifespan however it's not always clear. To make sure you're buying a sofa which will last, inquire about the kind of wood is used in the frame. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and expensive alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames aren't as robust. For extra durability, a frame made of hardwood must also be dried to prevent warping and mildew.
If you're shopping on a tight budget There are plenty of affordable genuine leather sofas you can nevertheless be captivated by. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and versatile choice that's usually offered for sale and can be adapted to your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another budget-friendly option. It has a classic look and is available in a broad selection of fabrics that are resistant to fade. The sofa requires assembly at home, and its back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches have a certain appeal that other kinds of upholstery can't compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and endure wear and tear better than fabric. They last for a long time. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. But, like everything else in life, there are pitfalls when it comes to buying a leather couch and it's important to know what to look out for before you make your final decision.
If you are not sure if your new couch is made of fabric or leather it is best to first look at the tag that identifies the material attached to the frame. This will inform you exactly what kind of material it is. But, you should utilize your own senses to assist you in making an informed decision if you are unable to find any information about the material composition of the sofa.
The surface of the sofa should be examined closely with a keen eye on the texture, shading and patterns. Genuine leather couches are likely to have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern or shading won't be uniform. If the surface of a couch appears smooth and uniform, or has a mesh-like backing in place of coarse suede, this is an indication that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to look at the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching pattern on the back, it's not genuine leather. The reason is because animal hides are limited in their size, and can only be cut so big. To ensure the best quality of their products top-rated manufacturers will sew and stitch throughout the back of the couch to ensure it's genuinely leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able to, lift up an area and examine the padding on the back. If the back of the padding is covered with an woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another indication that the couch is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel sturdy and coarse when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a classic and for good reason. The warm, natural feel and look of the material can enhance any living space. Modern tanning methods give it additional durability, meaning it is resistant to cracking or sagging. Because each hide has its own unique markings and blemishes, grain, and marks each leather couch is truly one-of-a-kind.
While labels and prices are excellent indicators however, the best way to know whether you're buying authentic leather is to go close and intimate with it. To get a better idea of the authenticity of the leather, take a look at the texture of the surface patterns, structure, and pattern. If the structure is completely uniform and there aren't noticeable blemishes, it's likely fake or the leather is bonded.
Another dead giveaway is a backing of polyurethane on the back of the sofa. This is a common feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and will be backed with materials that closely match the fabric used in making the furniture.
Check the back of your couch to determine if there are any vertical seams. This is an indication of a top-quality piece of leather that has been carefully constructed to last. On the other the other hand, if you notice no seams and the back of the sofa looks like a continuous piece of cloth, it's likely a fake or bonded leather couch.
If you've concluded that a sofa is genuine leather, the next step is to pair it with the rest of your furniture in your living room. Combine leather living room sets with wooden furniture, and then add pillows that match the colors of your living space. Or, you can opt for a fluid, acoustic layout by placing your couch in a row with other furniture pieces, and a coffee table in between.
Remember to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit area to ensure it doesn't fade or leave scratches from direct sunlight. If you want to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment, apply a leather protector agent every other year.