How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. genuine leather couches . Take a look at the label
Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for allergy sufferers. However, not all leather sofas are created to be the same. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa , first glance at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other material such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
Another way to test the quality of a sofa is by touching its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. In addition you should be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. You can minimize the damage 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. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is present in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked in time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when new, however 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 parts such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a common practice however, even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label, you should check it carefully to see what the backing is made from, as it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to examine it in person. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is an indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of different materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a obvious sign. This is common in faux leather, but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Labels and pricing can provide a clue, but the only way to know for sure is to sit down to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel rough to the feel. It will 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 indicate whether or not it's built with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however it's that it's a timeless style that will never go out of style, and it's still available in a variety of prices.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for years. While this two-seater model is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't date quickly. It's a great choice for those with limited space as it comes in with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend functionality and form. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a welcome improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it isn't genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you take it home.
One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps just like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonded.
Alternatively, you can open up one of the cushions and look at the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing to help support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.