How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some stores have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's essential to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!
The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still check its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.
Another way to test the quality of a sofa is the surface of the sofa using your fingertips. 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 feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart but it will last longer. It can become a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Check out the back
If the label does not tell you what type of leather is present in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The scent, the feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. modern leather sofa is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. Even if a couch is labeled as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and close to it. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize a mixture of materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another dead giveaway. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The label and price may provide an idea, but the only sure method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it should feel rough to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a 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. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of prices.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater is on the pricey side, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something a bit more contemporary. This couch is a mid-century modern design with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used for 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 smell. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it isn't genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been made and even once you take it home.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps like the skin of a human. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the back. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit on 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.
Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will also 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 quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.
