How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful option for any room. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple style and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some retailers have even been known for passing off 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 the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather couch, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still verify its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong 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 intimate with it. The scent, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it is new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made from real leather, whereas the non-contact areas such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if a couch is labeled as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and close to it. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.
The price and label may give you an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to feel the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the touch. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. leather chaise lounge makes it a perfect option for families with 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 timeless leather couch that can endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be on the pricey side however it's made using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. This is a great choice for those with limited space as it comes in with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been made.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels cold and smooth it's probably fake or it's bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the back. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.