How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any space. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple style and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, first glance at 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. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label, you can still check its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. Additionally you should be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is used in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather involves buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still be bumpy.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it is new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
To cut costs, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather for their products. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice and even if the couch has an authentic leather label be sure to examine carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, since it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and intimate with it. Check Discover More Here of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
The price and label may provide an idea but the only certain way to know is to touch the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. 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 a sign of whether it is genuine.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a timeless style that will never be trendy, and it's still available in a variety of prices.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. Although this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't date quickly. This is a great choice for those with limited space, as it comes 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 mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, distressed leather couch is only used for the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonded.
Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and examine the backing. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric, it is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use your sofa in a given time, the more it will need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.