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 premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equally. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting 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, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!
To determine if you've got 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 cotton or fabric. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any flaws or bumps since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and Ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Take a look at 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 smell, texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A quality leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to make their products. The 'contact' areas, such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made from real leather, while the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a common practice and even if the sofa has an authentic leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to look it over. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional 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 touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, that's another obvious sign. This is typical with faux leather. However, if leather sofa with chaise 's on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Pricing and labels can provide a clue however the only way to be sure is to sit down to the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made from authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic design that won't be trendy and is still accessible at a variety of price points.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't fade away. This is a great option for those with a limited space as it comes in with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.
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-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that blend design and function. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.
One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or the leather is bonded.
Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and examine the back. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. leather sofa with chaise of the leather should make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It also feels warm to the contact.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the upholstery. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it will last before deciding on the best. The more you use your couch the more attention it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.