How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic option for any room. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are important
Genuine leather is difficult 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 ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting ripped off, it's important to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to examine the label. It should clearly identify the type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other material such as cotton or fabric. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with the purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indicators that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be able feel the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It can become a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in an airy, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up close and personal with it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to be bumpy.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's brand new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you regularly condition it with a leather protection cream.
To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of real and synthetic leather for their products. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a typical practice, and even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label, you should check carefully to determine what the backing is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to look it over. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. While most faux leather couches make use of different materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a strong, natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another dead giveaway. This is common with faux leather but if it is seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
The price and label may provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the touch. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting, and durable. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great choice for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic design that won't go out of style and is accessible at a variety of price points.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. Although this two-seater is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't fade away. This is a great choice for those who have limited space, as it comes with three sizes and fits in almost any room.
If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been constructed.
You can check the quality of the leather by running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or bonded leather.
You can also open up one of the cushions and examine the backing. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to put it against your body and run your fingers along the surface. soft leather couch of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the sofa. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
When deciding on the grade 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 use your sofa, the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.