How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers love its simple style and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Real leather has a unique appearance 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 a great choice for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being 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, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers are more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate ask!
The first step to identifying the genuine leather sofa is to examine 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. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with an identifier but you can figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able 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 It's a wise investment as it will last longer and often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat, and Ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get up-close and personal with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will 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 allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when new, however it should not break or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather for their products. The contact areas such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, you need to get up close and personal with it. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at www.sofasandcouches.com is an excellent indicator of the quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize various materials for upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch, but 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 fake or low-quality fakes.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you see this with real top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign 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 be in close proximity with the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather is 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 a mainstay in interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in various price ranges.
For a classic leather couch that will stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's an excellent choice for those who have small rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something more modern. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that blend functionality and form. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been manufactured.
You can test the quality of the leather by running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
Alternatively, you can open up one of the cushions and inspect the backing. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery. True leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. 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. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use a sofa, the more it'll need to be cared for. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.