How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful option for any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple style and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six ways to tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Check the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some stores have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Discerning retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information So don't hesitate ask!
The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers must have clear policies for return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather and see if it has any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. You can limit the damage caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is present in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, leather sofa set that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and scuffs. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The 'contact areas', like the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice however, even if the couch has an authentic leather label You should examine it carefully to see what the backing is made of, since it is a clear indication that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and personal with it. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you notice this with real top-grain leather, it's most likely to indicate that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it should feel rough to the touch. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in different prices.
For a timeless leather couch that can stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is priced higher 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, as it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather 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 distinct smell. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it is a sign that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you bring it home.
You can check the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's probably fake or bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. False and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If faux leather couch has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is authentic 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, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.
