How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple styling, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are crucial
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate inquire!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see whether it has any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. leather modular sofa or faux leather is more coarse and feels like suede. In addition you will be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart but it will last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. You can limit the damage that's caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not tell you what type of leather is used in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly, just like human skin. This means that it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A genuine leather sofa will be soft, a little stiff when new, but it should not break or dry out over time if conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to make their products. The areas that are 'contact such as seats, armrests, and backs, are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas like the outside and base arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to look it over. Feel it, smell it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize a mixture of materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another obvious sign. 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 can give you a hint, but the only way to determine is to get up close with the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect and should be a bit uneven to the feel. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great choice for families who have pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic style that won't ever go out of fashion and is still accessible at a variety of price points.
For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. This is a great choice for those who have limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in most rooms.
If you're looking for something a 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. real leather couch is made from plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been made and even once you bring it home.
You can determine the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. True leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the sofa. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.