How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any room. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple style, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's crucial to know the various types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. It should clearly identify the type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as cotton or fabric. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with an identifier however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if it has any bumps or imperfections, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. 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 inform you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up-close and close to it. The smell, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic 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 cheaper polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, you should take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and personal with it. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a dead giveaway. This is typical with faux leather. However, when it's seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
Pricing and labels may give you a hint however the only way to be sure is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay 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 perfect choice for families who have children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that will never go out of style and is still accessible at a variety of prices.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. It's an excellent choice for those with small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If best leather couch that you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home.
You can check the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps just like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or made of bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to place it against your body and move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the feel.
Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.