How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six useful tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also robust and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to ask!
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, 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 will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is by feeling its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. Furthermore you will be able to 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 a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and Ozone. Leather protection creams 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 type of leather is present in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The smell, texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of preparing genuine leather includes buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still be bumpy.
You can also test leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking over time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to make their products. The contact areas such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of real leather, while the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to examine it in person. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take small leather couch at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is an excellent indicator of the quality. While many faux leather couches use different fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather, but when it's seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
The price and label may give you an idea however the only reliable way to know is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. 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.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're 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. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in different prices.
For a classic leather couch that can endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be on the pricey side, but it is made using top-quality leather that will last for a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those who have small spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something contemporary. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won 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 is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic scent it is a sign that it isn't 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 made.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions and inspect the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine the best method is to put it against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the feel.
Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.
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 sofa the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.