How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great option for any room. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are essential
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equal. tufted leather sofa have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than happy to provide you with this information, so don't hesitate to ask!
The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. In addition you should be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a light, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and Ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is used in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still be bumpy.
You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked in time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. A genuine leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when it's new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions, such as base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice and even if the couch has authentic leather labels You should examine carefully to determine what the backing is made from, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to look it over. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong, natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather. However, if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
The label and price may give you an idea, but the only sure way to know is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel rough to the touch. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a timeless style that won't be trendy and is accessible at a variety of prices.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those who have small spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, it is not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you take it home.
You can test the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the back. Faux and bonded hides will feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It should also feel warm to the touch.
Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check 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 one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you use your couch in a given time, the more it will 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.