How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. Customers adore its simple styling and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Look at the label
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being scammed, it's crucial to know the various types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than happy to provide you with this information So don't hesitate inquire!
To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather and determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching the surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. You can reduce the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up close and intimate with it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. leather modular sofa is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This means that it is able to breathe, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, whereas genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A genuine leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice and even if the couch has a genuine leather label be sure to examine it closely to see what the backing is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, you need to get up close and close to it. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
Labels and pricing can give you a hint however the only way to determine is to get up close to the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design and for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in different price ranges.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't fade away. It's an excellent choice for those who have small spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something a bit more contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend design and function. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it's not genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.
You can check the quality of leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.
You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the back. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another method to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use a sofa and the more you use it, the more it will require to be cared for. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's suppleness intact and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.