How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. However, not all leather sofas are created equally. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!
The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other material such as cotton or fabric. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine if it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat, and the ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up close and intimate with it. The smell, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel perfectly smooth. l shape leather sofa is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and scars. A quality leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when new, but it should not break or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To cut costs, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The 'contact' areas like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions like the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to look it over. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality imitations.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather, but if it is seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
The price and label may give you an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in various prices.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't date quickly. It's an excellent choice for those with smaller spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If leather chaise lounge that you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home.
One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps just like the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's probably fake or bonding.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It also feels warm to the feel.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, consider the amount of use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.