How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also 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 type of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still verify its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see if it has any bumps or imperfections, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. You should also be in a position to discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine 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 become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce 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 conditioners. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is used in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down 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 cracking over time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not crack or dry out in time if it's conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. vegan leather couch , such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made from real leather, whereas the non-contact areas like the outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice however, even if the sofa has an authentic leather label You should examine carefully to determine what the backing is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and personal with it. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is an excellent indicator of the quality. While most faux leather couches make use of different materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another dead giveaway. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you see this with real top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-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. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate 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 liquid spills. This makes it a great choice for families who have pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that will never ever go out of fashion, and it's still available at a range of prices.
For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. This is a great option for those with limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.
If leather living room sets looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and a sleek frame. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it is a sign that it's not authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been constructed.
A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or it's bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have some form of 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 spot a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It also feels warm to the touch.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic 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 the bonded leather.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.