How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any space. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple style and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. However not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some sellers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate ask!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. Additionally you should be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will be a family heirloom over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up close and personal with it. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked over 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 can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when it's new, but it should not crack or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas, such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions, such as outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and intimate with it. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels can provide a clue, but the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate 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 is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that will never be trendy and is available at a range of price points.
For a timeless leather couch that will stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is priced higher but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. This is a great option for those with limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in almost any room.
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. This sofa is made of plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been made and even once you bring it home.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the sofa. vegan leather couch and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.