How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for allergy sufferers. However, not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some retailers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers will be more than happy to provide you with this information So don't hesitate ask!
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not happy 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 a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the 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 end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. You can limit the damage caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is used in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The scent, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking over time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it's printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scars. real leather couch is soft and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a standard practice, and even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label You should examine carefully to determine what the backing is made of, as it is a clear indication that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. 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
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of various materials for upholstery authentic leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality imitations.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
The price and the label might provide an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It also has large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of style. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater is on the pricey side but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. This is a great choice for those with limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a welcome step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, 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 made and even once you take it home.
A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.
You can also open up one of the cushions and inspect the back. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It also feels warm to the contact.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the upholstery. 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 when choosing the quality. The more you utilize a sofa, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.