How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. Customers love its simple style, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six suggestions to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It’s also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn’t absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
To help you avoid getting ripped off, it’s important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top 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. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa as well as 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 happy with your purchase.
If the sofa isn’t marked with any label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see if it has any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you’re dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the sofa’s integrity by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather is soft leather sofa and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is rougher and feels more like suede. In addition you will feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart It’s a wise investment as it will last longer and often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and ozone. 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 doesn’t identify the type of leather is present in a sofa, it’s essential to examine it close. The scent, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather won’t feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there’ll still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather couch leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, seats and backs are made from real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a typical practice and even if the couch has authentic leather labels, you should check it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, since it is a clear indication that it’s not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it’s not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that’s another warning sign. This is common in faux leather but if it’s on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
The price and label may provide an idea, but the only sure method of knowing is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it’s genuine.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They’re elegant durable, long-lasting, and durable. It’s also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it’s a classic style that will never ever go out of fashion, and it’s still available at a range of price points.
If you’re looking for a classic leather sofa that will endure the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is expensive however it’s made of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. It’s an excellent choice for those with small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in the majority of rooms.
If you’re looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a improvement over Ikea’s faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE’s “Shonky” award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell – a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. If the sofa that you’re considering buying has a strong, artificial scent it’s not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you have it at home.
You can check the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it’s probably fake or bonding.
Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and look at the backing. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine, the best way is to place it against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it is likely to get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to help keep the suppleness of the l shaped leather couch and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.