How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made to be the same. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being scammed, it's essential to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still work out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. Furthermore you will feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and often become family heirlooms over the years. You can limit the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up-close and close to it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. the full report of making genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. 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 into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, like the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if a couch is labeled as genuine leather, you should take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear indication 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 different from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a dead giveaway. This is typical with faux leather. However, if it's on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.
The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it should feel rough to the feel. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. 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 with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic style that will never go out of style and is accessible at a variety of price points.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will last for a long time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those who have limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something more contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical cushions that blend design and function. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used in the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you bring it home.
You can determine the quality of 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 feels cold and smooth it's probably fake or bonding.
You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the backing. The faux and bonded leathers may have a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric, it is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will receive and how long you want it to last. leather sofa set use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.