How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are important
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equally. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to check the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other materials like cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. You should also be able 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 faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity, and Ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up-close and intimate with it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. 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.
Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A genuine leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The areas that are 'contact like seats, armrests, and backs, are made from real leather, whereas the non-contact areas like the outside and base arms, are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice however, even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see what the backing is made of, since this is an instant giveaway that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and close to it. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a warning sign. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
The label and price may provide an idea but the only certain way to know is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic style that won't go out of style and is available at a range of prices.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. This two-seater may be on the pricey side, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with small spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine form and function. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you have it at home.
You can check the quality of the leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the back. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and then gently run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, take into consideration the amount of use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prev ent it from becoming hard and dry.