How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. Customers adore its simple styling and premium genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six suggestions to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some stores have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's crucial to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than happy to provide you with this information, so don't hesitate to ask!
The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier but you can figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will be a family heirloom over the years. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up close and close to it. The scent, the feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you contact it. small leather couch is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to be bumpy.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little as human skin does. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out if you condition 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 seats, armrests, and backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice however, even if the couch has authentic leather labels, you should check carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and intimate with it. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane 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 indication of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of different fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a strong natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another obvious sign. This is common with faux leather, but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
The price and label may provide an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel uneven to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath 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 a mainstay of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that won't go out of style, and it's still accessible at a variety of prices.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for years. Although this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those with smaller spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something a bit more contemporary. This sofa is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend design and function. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it is a sign that it isn't genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been made and even once you bring it home.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps like human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's probably fake or it's bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's an indication that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm to the contact.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider the amount of use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use a couch, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific conditioner for leather to keep the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.