How to Identify Genuine Leather Sofas
Real leather furniture is durable and timeless. It isn't always easy to differentiate between genuine leather and "split", "bonded" or faux (fake leather) options.
Find rough or uneven edges that indicate the product is genuinely leather. True leather will also have an uneven underside or "fat wrinkles".
Top-grain
A leather sofa is an important investment and can last for a long time. If you take good care of it, a high-quality leather sofa can last for as long as three textile sofas. If you don't, it will last for a few years before it begins to peel and crack. Use a leather preserver keep your leather furniture soft and smooth.
It is also recommended to look for a sofa made of full-grain leather which is the highest-quality leather available. This type of leather has not been cleaned or buffed, and so it will keep its original appearance. This allows you to match the color and texture to your existing decor.
While full-grain leather can be a more expensive alternative than top-grain, it has many advantages over other types of leather. It is more durable, and it can be dyed in a variety of colors. It is also breathable, which means that it will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Full-grain is a great option for those suffering from allergies, since it doesn't trap dust mites and pet dander like upholstery fabric.
The other type of leather used in leather sofas is top grain leather, which is sanded and polished to remove imperfections. This reduces the durability, but gives the leather a uniform look and feel. This kind of leather is found in many high-end leather goods because it is softer than full grain leather and cheaper.
When you are looking to purchase a leather sofa, it's important to understand the distinction between top-grain and full-grain. While both types of leather are top-quality, full-grain is a more durable product than top-grain which is less durable and can be damaged easily if not properly maintained.
Full-grain
A leather sofa adds a touch of class to any room. You can dress it up with accent pillows and woven throws to add the color, or keep it simple to create a minimalist appearance. The kind of leather used in the sofa's construction will determine its style and durability. A quality leather will not only stand up with time, but also become more beautiful and unique with each use. The best kind of leather is full-grain, that retains the natural texture, markings and imperfections of the original hide, and is breathable. It also develops a beautiful patina over time that is coveted by many leather lovers.
The top grain leather has been sanded to eliminate any imperfections. The process of sanding and polishing also weakens the leather, causing it to crack, scratch and puddle easily. The tanning process is also harmful to the environment, however chrome-free tanning options are available to those who want to reduce their impact on the earth.
Full-grain is more expensive but it is also more robust and resistant to wear. It is also simpler to maintain, as it requires just an occasional cleaning with a soft cloth. It is a great choice for those who do not want to maintain leather sofas but do not want to spend extra money on premium leather furniture.
If you're shopping for a leather sofa that is full grain, keep in mind that it may not be as easily accessible as a top-grain version. You may want to go to an establishment to inspect the sofa and test its durability. You can also inquire about the tanning process and how it affects leather.
Choosing the most appropriate color for your leather sofa is an important factor to take into consideration. Traditional colors such as dark navy blue might seem outdated however they work with most decor styles. Other important features to consider include the design and height of the sofa. Sofas with thin or tapered legs are modern, whereas those that have turned or spindle feet are suitable for an old-fashioned interior design.
Semi-aniline
Many people have questions when they visit our showroom. They might be looking for information on the types of leathers we carry or require assistance in understanding terminology of the industry. This is especially true for shoppers interested in buying leather sofas. Leather is a popular material for upholstery in both residential and commercial buildings. However, a lot of people do not know the different finishes used to create these products.
We are often asked: What's the difference between aniline leather and semi-aniline? Both are top grain leather, but they have some important distinctions. Aniline leather is softer and has a more natural appearance however it is also more brittle. This type of leather can fade with exposure to sunlight, and it is easily stained by spilled liquids. If real leather couch is not taken care of for properly, it can dry out and crack with time. Aniline leather is brittle and requires a lot of care.
In contrast semi-aniline leathers are treated with a thin surface coating to offer more durability. This treatment process helps the leather resist staining and fading, making it more resistant to daily use. This treatment also helps to keep its natural appearance and softness.
Semi-aniline leather, even though it might not have the natural look and feel of full aniline, it is nevertheless stunning. This type of leather is favored by many families because it offers both beauty and protection.
Pigmented leather is the most durable kind of leather. It is more resistant to scratches, stains and fading than other kinds of leather. This makes it a good option for families with pets or children. It also requires less maintenance than other types of leather.
If it is not properly maintained, nourished or other types of leather may crack and dry out over time. To keep your leather moist and to keep it from cracking or drying out it is recommended that you condition it at least twice every year. When shopping for a used leather sofa, make sure you check the quality before buying it. By doing this, you can be confident that you're getting a quality product at a fair price.
Bonded
The leather-lovers should stay clear of fake leather or bonded furniture made of leather. The reason is simple: the bonded leather is fragments of shredded materials and fibers that are glued together and covered with polyurethane and embossed to appear like leather. It's not the most durable and can crack or peel off easily. It is also not as soft or soft as genuine leather. A sofa covered with leather bonded to look appealing in a showroom, but will not last.
When you are shopping for second hand leather sofas, make sure to choose a genuine top-grain piece of upholstery. This type of leather is more soft and more flexible than fake leather, and it will also look better. It is possible to tell the differences in the grain characteristics of real and fake leather. Look for the natural markings of hide scarring, creases, and creases. Also, look for fat wrinkles (caused by the animal's natural fat deposits). Genuine leather is characterized by these marks.
A genuine leather sofa can also be identified by its touch. Genuine leather is warmer in the winter and cooler in summer, while bonded leather is more rigid and doesn't adapt to your body's temperature. Genuine leather will also age gracefully and develop a beautiful patina over time.
It is possible to buy an authentic leather sofa at a fair price however it will require more maintenance than a bonded or faux leather product. A regular cleaning schedule will keep it soft and supple over a long period of time. Clean the furniture using a dry rag to remove any dirt. Then, make a mild soap solution by adding some drops of liquid detergent to water. Dip a dry, clean cloth into the solution, and rub it over the leather surface.
After you've cleaned your couch, make sure you wipe it dry with a clean cloth that is free of detergent. You should also apply a leather conditioner once or twice per year. This will maintain the quality of the leather and stop it from getting dry and cracking over time. Also, protect your furniture made of leather from direct sunlight as it is susceptible to degrading very quickly.