How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!
To identify a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials like fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label you can still verify its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, 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 will often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to have a few bumps.
You can also test leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. This is a standard practice and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label You should examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, since it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to look it over. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a backing of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels can give you a hint however the only way to determine is to get up close to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of fashion. 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 model is priced higher, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. It's an excellent choice for those with smaller spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine design and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you have it at home.
You can determine the quality of leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or bonded leather.
Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and inspect the back. best leather sofa and bonded leathers may have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm to the touch.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before deciding on the best. The more you use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.