How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. People love its simple design and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Check the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also robust and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created to be the same. Some retailers have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label but you can figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather and see if it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is by touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, 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 become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters, and air cooling units. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity, and Ozone. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get up-close and personal with it. The scent, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still be bumpy.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. leather sofa set means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather is prone to imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and scuffs. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it is new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, like the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. This is a typical practice however, even if the sofa has an authentic leather label be sure to examine carefully to determine what the backing is made of, as it is a clear indication that it's not 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 get up close and personal with it. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another obvious sign. This is common in faux leather, but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
The price and label may give you an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is genuine.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in various prices.
For a classic leather couch that will last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. It's a great choice for those with a limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something modern. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that combine form and function. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it isn't genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you take it home.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonding.
You can also open one of the cushions and inspect the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing to help support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
The sofa's back and examining the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before deciding on the best. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.