How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic option for any room. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers will be more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to ask!
To identify a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with a label but you can figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are signs that the leather is fake or is bonded.
leather sofas for sale to test the quality of a sofa is the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. Additionally, you will be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit the damage caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not identify the type of leather is used in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to have a few bumps.
You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A good genuine leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas', like the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a common practice however, even if the sofa has a genuine leather label You should examine it closely to see the material that the back is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to get up close and intimate with it. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you see this on genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
The price and label may provide an idea, but the only sure method of knowing is to touch the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is genuine.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of style. It's also available in various prices.
For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be quite expensive however it's made with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. This is a great choice for those with limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice if you want something more contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been made and even once you bring it home.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
You can also open up one of the cushions and inspect the backing. False and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to help support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the sofa. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.