How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great option for any room. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple style, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are crucial
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It's also robust, easy to clean and does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some retailers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's crucial to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers are more than pleased to provide this information, so don't hesitate to ask!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with a label but you can figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. Furthermore, you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the printed patterns 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 will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get up close and personal with it. The smell, feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of preparing genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked in time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A quality leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, you should take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and personal with it. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane, which is a clear sign that it's 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 various materials for upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another obvious sign. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
The price and label may provide an idea but the only certain method to determine is to touch the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel uneven to the touch. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design and for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in various prices.
For a classic leather couch that will stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is priced higher but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't age quickly. It's a great option for those who have small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
knowing it is a great choice if you want something more contemporary. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it isn't genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been made.
You can test the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the skin of a human. If leather sofa with chaise feels smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive conditioner for leather to keep the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.