How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design and premium genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Check the label
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some retailers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label, you can still verify its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Bonded or faux leather is more coarse and feels like suede. In addition you will be able to feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is used in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The scent, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it's likely to have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. leather sofa set allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and scuffs. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft, a little stiff when new, however it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, seats and backs are made from real leather while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice however, even if the sofa has an authentic leather label, you should check it closely to see the material that the back is made of, as it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to examine it in person. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct, natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels may provide a clue, but the only way to determine is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel rough to the touch. It will also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a timeless style that will never go out of style, and it's still available in a variety of price points.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't fade away. It's a great option for those with small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. This sofa is made of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
You can test the quality of leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the back. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.