10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That'll Help You With Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. Customers love its simple styling and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at 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 leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It can become a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity and Ozone. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get up-close and personal with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's new. But, leather sofas for sale should not crack or dry out if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice, and even if a couch is branded with authentic leather labels You should examine it carefully to see what the backing is made of, since this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa 's seating is a good indicator of quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize various materials for upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a rich, natural smell. These features distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather. However, if it is seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
Labels and pricing can give you an idea however the only way to know for sure is to get up close with the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and feel uneven. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is genuine.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in different prices.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't fade away. This is a great option for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and fits in most rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend design and function. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it is a sign that it isn't genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been constructed.
You can test the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
You can also open up one of the cushions and look at the backing. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell if a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It also feels warm to the touch.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.