20 Resources That'll Make You More Efficient With Real Leather Couch
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It is often difficult to determine if you are buying a genuine leather couch due to misleading product descriptions and price tags. You should be able to walk up to the couch and inspect it carefully. Touch, smell and turn the cushion to check out the backing.
For instance, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered "contact" areas (such as the armrests and seats) with genuine leather. The 'non contact' areas were a mix of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should be a natural, rich and luxurious. Faux leather, on the other hand typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch has a unpleasant smell, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In most cases, a thorough cleaning will remove any smell. If you're not happy with the results, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather, making it softer and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant against smells.
Baking soda is a great natural odor remover that can be used to get rid of unpleasant odors from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the surface of your leather couch. If the cloth starts to pick up dirt, you can wring it out or switch to a new one. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Leave the mixture to dry before wiping it over again.
Another method to eliminate the smells of your leather is by airing it out. If possible, set the couch outside in a sun-lit area to let it air dry. This will help eliminate any unwanted odors, and also give the couch a fresh, natural scent.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresh for longer by keeping it from absorption of odors.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it isn't always easy to keep clean. Over time, leather may absorb odors like those from cooking, smoking and even body odor. These odors are difficult to get rid of particularly if you have pets or children. Leather couches don't hold in these odors the way fabric upholstery can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.
If your sofa smells like an odor of a dog that has peed on it It's crucial to take action immediately. You can try a few of the suggestions above or try using a dedicated product like Leather Honey to address the issue. The best option is to prevent the problem therefore, make sure to train your dog to not pee on your couch.
2. Contact us if you have any questions.
If you are looking for a new leather sofa there are some things to be aware of. But the most effective way to determine if it's real is to smell and feel it. Genuine leather has a distinct distinctive natural scent. This scent may fade as time passes however there shouldn't be any doubt about it when the sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa should also feel soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have a plasticky feel. To test, gentle press your fingers on the surface of a couch and look for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it's likely bonded or faux-leather.

Another dead giveaway is if you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather isn't one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of the frame of a leather couch can have a major impact on its life span however, it's often not obvious. Ask what type of wood was used to make the frame. This will help you select the right sofa that has an extended lifespan. Solid oak frames are the most durable, however they are also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames are less durable. To increase durability, hardwood frames should be dried kiln to prevent warping or mildew.
If you're shopping on a tight budget There are plenty of affordable genuine leather sofas you can still be captivated by. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and flexible option that's often available for sale and can be customized to suit your home.
Another budget-friendly option is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa, which is a classic style and is available in hundreds of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. This sofa is a bit difficult to assemble at home and the cushions on the back tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches have a distinct appeal that other kinds of furniture cannot compete with. Leather sofas are incredibly robust and withstand wear and tear better than fabric, making them last for years to be. leather sofa with chaise are resistant to spills and stains and are less likely to attract allergens and dust and therefore don't require the same amount of regular maintenance and cleaning. But, like everything else in life, there are dangers when buying a leather couch and it pays to be aware of what to look for before making your final decision.
If you're unsure if your new couch is genuine leather the first thing you should do is examine the materials tag on the frame to determine what kind of fabric or leather it is made of. If you are unable to find any information about the couch's materials, you can utilize your senses to make an informed decision.
The sofa's surface is worth a close examination with a keen eye on the pattern, texture, and shading. A real leather couch is likely to have imperfections that are natural and won't be completely uniform in its structure patterns, patterns, or shading. If the surface is uniform and smooth, or if a mesh-like backing appears in place of the coarse leather, it's a sure giveaway of fake or synthetic leather.
Examine the back of the cushion casing. If there is an unstitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, this is an indication that it isn't genuine leather. This is because animal hides are restricted in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able lift a corner and inspect the padding on the back. If the back of the padding is covered with an woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another indicator that the sofa is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should have a coarse and rough coating that feels solid when you touch it.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a classic and for good reason. The material's warm, natural appearance and feel can enhance any living room. Plus modern tanning techniques provides it with the added strength to withstand sagging or cracking. Each hide is unique with its own unique marks, grain and blemishes.
The best way to know if the leather you are buying is genuine is to look at it in person. For a better understanding of authenticity, examine the texture of the surface patterns, structure, and pattern. If the structure is completely uniform and there aren't noticeable blemishes, it's likely faux or bonded leather.
A polyurethane back on the sofa is another dead giveaway. This is a common characteristic of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and is backed by materials that closely resemble the fabric used to make furniture.
Finally, check the back of the couch for one or two stitched vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather has been made with attention to last. If there are no seams and the back appears to be a continuous piece of cloth, then it is likely to be a fake or bonded-leather sofa.
If you've decided that the couch is authentic leather, the next step is to pair it up with the rest of the furniture in your living space. Match your couch with wooden furniture, and then add pillows that complement the colors of your living space. Or, you can opt for a relaxed, dynamic layout by placing your couch across from other pieces with the addition of a coffee table.
Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to prevent it fading or developing scuffs. If you're looking to protect your investment by prolonging its life, you should consider applying a leather protection product once or twice a year.