How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. leather couches for sale love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, you must first examine the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still work out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather to see if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and more akin to 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 may cost more than a faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up close and close to it. The smell, feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still be bumpy.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. A genuine leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact' areas, such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, whereas the non-contact areas, such as base and outside arms, are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice and even if the sofa has a genuine leather label You should examine it carefully to see what the backing is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Take a whiff, rub it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a rich natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another warning sign. This is common in faux leather, but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
The label and price may provide an idea, but the only sure method of knowing is to touch the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel rough to the feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great choice for families who have pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in various prices.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. The two-seater might be expensive however it's made of top-quality leather that can last a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those who have small rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something more modern. This couch is a mid-century modern design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that blend functionality and form. While the frame is constructed from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Look at vegan leather sofa has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you take it home.
You can determine the quality of leather by running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.
Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and look at the back. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to help support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic the best method is to place it against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the 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 your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.