How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers love its simple style and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Take a look at the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's 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 are created equal. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate ask!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials such as cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label, you can still check its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.
Another way to test the quality of a sofa is the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. american leather sofa Sofas And Couches has a soft, smooth texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more like suede. You should also be able discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather requires buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly, just like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and marks. A quality leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas', like the seats, arm rests and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice however, even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label You should examine it carefully to see what the backing is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to inspect it up close. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might provide an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in various price ranges.
For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be expensive but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those with small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical cushions that blend design and function. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it isn't genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.
You can check the quality of leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonded.
Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and examine the back. The faux and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic the best method 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 fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.