How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's crucial to know the various types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still check its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine if it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could become an heirloom for the family over time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up-close and intimate with it. The scent, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth 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. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This means it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it is new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it with a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to be able to get close and personal with it. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couches use different materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might give you an idea but the only certain method to determine is to feel the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's built with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design and 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 great option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that will never be trendy and is still available at a range of price points.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. The two-seater might be on the pricey side but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last for a lifetime. It's a great choice for those who have small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something a bit more modern. why not check here -century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only 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. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you take it home.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely faux or the leather is bonded.
Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and look at the backing. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic the best method is to hold it up against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. 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. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.