How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are essential
Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to duplicate. vegan leather couch 's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. However, not all leather sofas are made equal. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa you must first examine the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other material such as cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable sellers must have clear policies for return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still check its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. Furthermore you should be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label does not identify the type of leather is used in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of preparing genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A genuine leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
To cut costs, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. This is a common practice however, even if the sofa has authentic leather labels be sure to examine it carefully to see what the backing is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, you need to get up close and close to it. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong, natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another warning sign. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might give you an idea however the only reliable way to know is to touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. 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 design that won't go out of style and is accessible at a variety of prices.
For a timeless leather couch that can endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is on the pricey side however it's made of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. It's a great choice for those who have limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something a bit more contemporary. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you bring it home.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps as human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonding.
Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and look at the back. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell if a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. 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 couch.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.