How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great addition to any room. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made equal. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers are more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to ask!
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa you must first examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on 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 confirm its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or is bonded.
Another way to test the quality of a sofa is the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. best leather sofa has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and Ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up close and close to it. The scent, the feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some 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 leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little, just like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The areas that are 'contact like seats and armrests as well as backs, are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice however, even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label You should examine it closely to see the material that the back is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to examine it in person. Check the back of the sofa for any signs 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 an additional sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use various materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another warning sign. This is common in faux leather, but if it is seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
Labels and pricing can give you an idea, but the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is genuine.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of style. It's also available in various price ranges.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is priced higher, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those who have small rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something more modern. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is crafted out of 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 the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you have it at home.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps just like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is a dead giveaway that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.
Consider how much you will 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 attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.