How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any room. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Check the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Discerning retailers are more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate ask!
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you must first examine the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other material such as fabric or cotton. leather sofa with chaise must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still check its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. Additionally, you will feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It can become an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a light, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioners. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat, and the ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is used in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather includes buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. 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 putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This means that it is able to breathe, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and scuffs. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out in time if it's conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice and even if the sofa has authentic leather labels be sure to examine it carefully to see what the backing is made of, since this is an instant giveaway that it's not authentic leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to get up close and personal with it. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another dead giveaway. This is typical with faux leather but if it is seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
The price and the label might give you an idea, but the only sure method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel rough to the touch. It will also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart choice for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that won't be trendy and is still available at a range of prices.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't age quickly. This is a great choice for those with a limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used in the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been made.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonding.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers along the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.