Genuine Leather Sofa: 10 Things I'd Love To Have Known Sooner
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful option for any room. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are important
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. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equal. In fact, some stores have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to know the various types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label you can still check its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching the surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. In addition, you will feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. You can minimize the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not tell you what type of leather is in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it will still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather is printed and has a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it won't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. This is a typical practice, and even if the couch has an authentic leather label You should examine carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to look it over. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
If leather couch set is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another warning sign. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to indicate that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels may give you an idea, but the only way to determine is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel rough to the feel. It also has large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is made of genuine 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 perfect option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of style. It's also available in different price ranges.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those with 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 if you want something a bit more contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been constructed.
You can check the quality of leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also open up one of the cushions and inspect the back. Faux and bonded hides will feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another method to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last when choosing the quality. The more you use a sofa, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.