How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. The rough edges.
1. Check the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. In fact, some stores have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials like fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is by feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. Additionally you will feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and the ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get up-close and intimate with it. The smell, feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing 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 running your finger over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus 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 marks. A genuine leather sofa will be soft, a little stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix 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 areas such as the outside and base arms, are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to examine it in person. Take a whiff, rub it, and then check its back for a polyurethane backing which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. While couches leather use different materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a warning sign. This is common with faux leather but if it's on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
Pricing and labels can give you an idea however the only way to determine is to get up close with the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made of genuine materials.
leather sofa and loveseat set are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic style that will never be trendy, and it's still accessible at a variety of prices.
For a classic leather couch that can stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is expensive, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last for a long time. This is a great option for those who have limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something more modern. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine form and function. This sofa is made of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic scent it's a sign that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been made and even once you bring it home.
You can determine the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.
You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the back. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It should also feel warm to the contact.
Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to help keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.