10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. Customers love its simple style, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six suggestions to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. The rough edges.
1. Check the label
Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some stores have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate ask!
The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to examine the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like cotton or fabric. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on exchange or return in the event that you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label, you can still check its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check 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.
Another way to test the quality of a sofa is feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, 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 become an heirloom for the family over time. You can minimize the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up close and intimate with it. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of making genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather for their products. The 'contact' areas like seats, armrests, and backs, are made from real leather, while the non-contact portions such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice and even if the sofa has authentic leather labels be sure to examine it closely to see what the backing is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and close to it. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a polyurethane backing which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indication of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from imitations or cheap leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you see this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The price and label may give you an idea but the only certain way to know is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design and for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of style. It's also available in a variety of prices.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater is more expensive but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's a great option for those with small spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something more contemporary. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa has 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 that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also take one of the cushions and look at the backing. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to hold it up against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you utilize a couch in a given time, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.