How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. However not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some retailers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate inquire!
To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather and see if it has any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get up-close and intimate with it. The smell, the feel, and the back are all obvious indicators.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents 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 scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather for their products. The 'contact' areas such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact portions like the base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, you should take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couch es use various materials for upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another warning sign. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
The label and price may provide an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel uneven to the touch. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's built with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of style. It's also available in different price ranges.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater is on the pricey side however it's made using top-quality leather that will last for a lifetime. This is a great choice for those who have limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something a bit more contemporary. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it isn't genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
You can check the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or the leather is bonded.
Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and examine the back. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to put it against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another method to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.