25 Surprising Facts About Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. real leather sofa love its simple style and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Check the label
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask discerning 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 as well as any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.
Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Bonded or faux leather is rougher and feels more like suede. Furthermore you will discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It can become a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and Ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get close and personal with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact' areas such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made from real leather, whereas the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. This is a common practice, and even if the sofa has authentic leather labels You should examine carefully to determine what the backing is made from, as it is a clear indication that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and personal with it. Feel it, smell it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when touched. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely to be a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels may give you a hint however the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a classic style that won't go out of style and is accessible at a variety of prices.
For a timeless leather couch that will stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't fade away. It's an excellent choice for those with small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something more contemporary. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that are a perfect blend of design and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used in the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you bring it home.
You can test the quality of leather by running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps just like the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely faux or bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the backing. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize a couch in a given time, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.