How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equally. In fact, some sellers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate inquire!
The first step to identify the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label but you can figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more like suede. Additionally you will be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is present in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have some bumps.
You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it is new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather to make their products. The 'contact' areas such as seats, armrests, and backs, are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact parts like the outside and base arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to examine it in person. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indication of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
The price and label may give you an idea however the only reliable way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the feel. It will also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal 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 a variety of price ranges.
For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't fade away. This is a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and fits in most rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, 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. Look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you take it home.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If curved leather sofa is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.
You can also take one of the cushions and inspect the back. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your sofa and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.