How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. People love its simple design and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are leather couch and loveseat to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. However not all leather sofas are created to be the same. In fact, some sellers have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than happy to provide you with this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!
The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have any label but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather and see whether it has any flaws or bumps since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. You can minimize the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is present in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all obvious indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it should still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit, just like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. tufted leather sofa will be supple and a little stiff when it is new. However, it won't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to examine it in person. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize different materials for upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a dead giveaway. This is typical with faux leather but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.
The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel uneven to the touch. It will also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good choice for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic style that won't be trendy, and it's still accessible at a variety of price points.
For a timeless leather couch that can last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is quite expensive but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. It's an excellent choice for those who have small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that blend form and function. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a nice improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not real. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been constructed.
You can determine the quality of leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps like the human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic the best method is to place it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It also feels warm to the contact.
Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.