How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple styling and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some sellers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate inquire!
The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still verify its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air cooling units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and the ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still be bumpy.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A good genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, seats and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to examine it in person. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another dead giveaway. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might provide an idea but the only certain method to determine is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in various prices.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. While this two-seater is more expensive but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those who have limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. The sofa is constructed of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. rustic leather sofa sofasandcouches.com is a step up from 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 distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong, artificial scent it's not real. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been made and even once you take it home.
A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the back. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an indication that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it is likely to get and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.