How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. People love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with a label, you can still work out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is by feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be able discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and the ozone. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up close and personal with it. The smell, feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. 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 putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. second hand leather sofas includes creases, scratches and scuffs. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it is new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas', like the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice and even if the sofa has a genuine leather label You should examine it carefully to see what the backing is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and personal with it. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a polyurethane backing which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indicator of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize a mixture of materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another obvious sign. This is typical with faux leather but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.
The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel rough to the touch. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is genuine.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of style. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. 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 little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine form and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you take it home.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell if a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel warm to the feel.
Another method to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, consider the amount of use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch in a given time, the more it will need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.