20 Tools That Will Make You More Successful At Real Leather Couch
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading price tags and descriptions of the product, it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying a real leather sofa. You need to get up close and personal - take a whiff, feel and flip over a cushion to check the back.
For instance, one sofa that was 'leather' CHOICE was tested with "contact" areas (such as seats and arm rests) covered in genuine leather however the non-contact areas were a mixture of cotton and polyester.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should smell natural, fresh and luxurious. Faux leather, on the other hand typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your sofa smells unpleasant it could be due to urine from your pet. In most cases, a good cleaning will remove the smell. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your cleaning, try applying a leather conditioner. This will help restore moisture to the leather which makes it softer and less brittle, as well as more resistant to odors.
You can also make use of an organic odor remover such as baking soda to get rid of unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather couch. If the cloth starts to collect dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it out or replace it with a new one. Alternately, you can pour the solution in the spray bottle and spray it on your couch. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it off again.
Another way to get rid of odors from your leather is by airing it out. If you are able, place the sofa outside in a sun-lit area to let it air out. This will help eliminate any unwanted odors, and also give the couch a fresh, natural scent.
If you'd like to stay clear of unpleasant odors then you should consider buying a leather conditioner that is made up of healthy oils. This keeps your leather looking fresher for longer, keeping it from absorption of the smells.
The scent of leather may be attractive, but it's difficult to maintain. Over time, leather may absorb odors, such as smoke, cooking and even body odor. These odors can be difficult to get rid of particularly when you have pets or children. Fortunately, genuine leather couches don't trap these odors in the same way that fabrics can make them a great choice for households with active families.
If your couch smells like the scent of a puppy's pee, it's important to take action immediately. leather sofas sofasandcouches can try a few of the tips above, or use a specific product such as Leather Honey to address the issue. Prevention is the best way to go but be sure to train your dog not to pee on the couch!
2. Feel
When shopping for a new leather sofa there are some things to look out for. The best way to determine whether it's genuine is to smell and feel it. Genuine leather has a distinct natural scent that is recognizable. The smell fades with age but it should remain evident when the sofa is fresh.
A genuine leather couch is supposed to be warm and soft to touch. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have a an unpleasant plastic feel. To test this, gently press your fingers to the surface of a couch and check for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, then the material is probably bonded or faux leather.
If you see vertical seams that are stitched on the back of sofas, this is another indicator. This indicates that the leather isn't a continuous piece, which is a characteristic of genuine leather couches.
The quality of the frame of the leather sofa can have a significant impact on its lifespan however it's not always obvious. Ask what type of wood was used to construct the frame. This will help you choose the right sofa that has an extended lifespan. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames aren't as robust. To ensure durability, a hardwood frame should also be kiln-dried to avoid mildew and warping.
If you are on a tight budget but still want an authentic leather sofa you will love. 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 fit your home.
Another budget-friendly option is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa, which is classic in design and is available in hundreds of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. The sofa is modular and a bit difficult to assemble at home and the cushions on the back tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches have a distinct appeal that other kinds of furniture cannot compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can stand up to wear and tear more effectively than fabric. They will last for many years. They also are resistant to staining and spills and are less likely to attract allergens and dust and therefore don't require more frequent care and cleaning. But, like everything else in life, there are a few issues to be aware of when buying a leather sofa - and it's important to know what to look out for before you make your final decision.
If you're not sure whether your new sofa is made of leather or fabric, you should first check the tag that identifies the material that is attached to the frame. This will tell you exactly what kind of material it is. If you can't find any information about the couch's material composition then you can use your senses to help you make the decision.
The most important indicator is to take a close look at the surface of the couch and examine the texture, shading, and patterns in greater detail. A genuine leather sofa is likely to have imperfections that are natural and will not be perfectly uniform in terms of structure patterns, shading, or pattern. If the surface is uniform and smooth or if a mesh-like backing is visible instead of the coarse leather, it's a sure indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to look at the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching on the back, it isn't real leather. This is due to the fact that animal hides are restricted in size and can be cut only to a certain degree. To ensure the highest quality of their products, top-rated manufacturers will sew and stitch across the entire back of a sofa to ensure that it's genuinely leather and not bonded or fake leather.
If you are able to, try to lift up a corner of the sofa or a cushion and inspect the back of the cushion. If the back of the cushion is covered with a woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another indicator that the couch is not genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to have a coarse and rough coating that feels solid when you contact it.
4. Patterns
A leather couch is a timeless design for reasons. The natural, warm feel and look of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Additionally modern tanning techniques gives it the added durability to withstand sagging or cracking. Each hide is distinct with its own unique marks, grain and blemishes.
While labels and prices are great pointers but the best way to know if you're buying authentic leather is to go close and close to it. Examine the surface texture, structure, and pattern for an even more precise view of its authenticity. If the structure is completely uniform and there are no noticeable blemishes, it's likely faux or bonded leather.
Another obvious sign is a backing of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a typical feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and is backed by materials that closely like the fabric used to create the furniture.
Take a look at the back of your couch to see whether there are any vertical seams. This is a sign the leather has been made with attention to last. On the other side, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa looks like a single piece of cloth, it's likely a fake or bonded leather sofa.
If you've decided that a couch is genuine leather the next step is to pair it up with the rest of your furniture in your living room. Match your couch with wooden furniture, and add pillows that match the colors of your space. You can also choose a more dynamic, relaxed layout by placing the couch between two pieces of furniture with a table in between.
Remember to keep your leather sofa in a bright area to ensure it doesn't fade or develop scuff marks due to direct sunlight. If you want to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage apply a leather protector agent every other year.