How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers love its simple style and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. Additionally, reliable sellers must have clear policies for return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If leather couch with chaise does not come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, while bonded or faux leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. Additionally, you will discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up-close and personal with it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little 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 uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scars. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, you should examine the back 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, it's important to get up close and close to it. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indication of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a rich, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather, but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Pricing and labels may give you an idea, but the only way to be sure is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a timeless style that won't ever go out of fashion, and it's still accessible at a variety of price points.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. This two-seater may be quite expensive, but it is made using top-quality leather that will last for a lifetime. This is a great option for those with a limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something modern. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it isn't genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been constructed.
You can test the quality of the leather by running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or it's bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel warm to the feel.
Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.
When leather sofas for sale are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, take into consideration the amount of use it will receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use a sofa and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.