How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some retailers have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on exchange or return in the event that you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with any label however, you can still figure out its authenticity 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 signs that the leather is fake or bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. In addition you should be able to feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become an heirloom for the family over time. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get up-close and personal with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to have some bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. l shape leather sofa allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The 'contact' areas such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a common practice and even if the couch has a genuine leather label, you should check it carefully to see what the backing is made of, since this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to inspect it up close. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a backing of polyurethane, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indication of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather. However, when it's seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
Pricing and labels can give you a hint however the only way to determine is to get up close with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel rough to the feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's genuine.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a classic style that will never go out of style and is still available at a range of price points.
For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be expensive however it's made with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great option for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something more modern. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not real. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you have it at home.
You can check the quality of leather by running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions and look at the back. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the touch.
The sofa's back and examining 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 you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to get and how long you want it to last. The more you use a sofa in a given time, the more it will require to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.