How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple style and high-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. The rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made equal. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have 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 examine the texture of the leather to determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. In addition you will be able to feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and the ozone. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get close and close to it. The scent, the feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack over 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 good genuine leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas, like the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to get up close and personal with it. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when touched. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you see this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels may give you a hint, but the only way to determine is to sit down to the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath 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 mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in different price ranges.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last a lifetime. Although this two-seater is priced higher but it's made of high-end 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 three sizes and can fit in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something contemporary. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux- leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. leather sofa set 's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.
A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and inspect the back. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa , consider how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.