30 Inspirational Quotes On Real Leather Couch
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It can be difficult to determine if are purchasing genuine leather sofas due to inaccurate product descriptions and price tags. It is important to get close and personal - smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to examine the fabric.
For example, a "leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered contact areas (such as the seats and armrests) in genuine leather while 'non contact' areas were made of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should smell rich, natural and luxurious. Faux leather on the other hand often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If your sofa has a bad smell, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In most cases, a thorough clean will remove any smell. If you are not satisfied with the results of your cleaning, apply a leather conditioner. This will help restore moisture to the leather, making it softer, less fragile, and more resistant against smells.
Baking soda is an excellent natural odor-removing agent that can be used to get rid of unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the leather sofa. If the cloth begins to accumulate dirt, you can wring it out or replace it with a new one. Alternately, you can pour the solution into a spray bottle and spritz it over your couch. Leave the mixture to dry before wiping it off again.
Airing your leather out is another way to get rid of odors. If you can, place the sofa outside in a sunny area to air it out. leather couch and loveseat sofasandcouches will help eliminate any unwanted odors, and give the sofa an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to stay clear of unpleasant odors, you can purchase a leather conditioner that is made up of healthy oils. This will stop your leather from taking in smells and will keep it smelling good for a longer time.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing but it can be difficult to keep clean. Over time, leather can absorb odors such as those from cooking, smoking and even body odor. These odors can be hard to eliminate especially when you have children or pets. Real leather couches do not absorb odors like fabric upholstery can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.
If your couch smells like a pee-soaked puppy, it's important to take action immediately. You can try some of the suggestions above or you can try a specific product like Leather Honey to address the issue. Prevention is the best option however, so make sure to teach your dog to not pee on the couch!
2. Contact us with any questions.
There are a few indicators to look for when you are shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable way to determine if it's genuine is to touch it and smell it. Real leather has an unmistakable distinctive natural scent. The scent can fade as you age however there shouldn't be any doubt about it when the sofa is brand new.
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 try pressing your fingertips on the couch's surface and check for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it is likely bonded or faux-leather.
If you notice vertical seams that are stitched on the back of the sofa, it's another sign of a fake. This indicates that the leather isn't one piece. Genuine leather couches are characterized by this.
The quality of a leather sofa's frame can have a significant effect on its lifespan however, this isn't always evident. To make sure you're buying a sofa that will last, ask what type of wood is used to construct the frame. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames aren't as sturdy. To ensure durability, wood frames should be dried kiln to prevent warping or mildew.
If you are on a budget but still want a genuine leather sofa that you will love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is one example. It is a stylish and flexible choice that's usually on sale and can easily be customized to fit your home.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa, which has a classic design and comes in a variety of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. This modular sofa is a bit difficult to assemble at home and the cushions on the back tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches offer a unique appeal that other kinds of upholstery can't match. Leather sofas are incredibly robust and withstand wear and tear far more than fabric, making them last for years to be. They also tend to resist staining and spills and are less likely to attract allergens and dust, so they don't need more frequent maintenance and cleaning. However, just like anything else in life, there are some issues to be aware of when purchasing a leather couch - and it is important to know what to look out for before you make your final choice.
If you're not sure if your new couch is made of leather or fabric it is best to first look at the tag that identifies the material on the frame. This will inform you exactly what kind of fabric it is. If you are unable to find any information about the sofa's material composition, you can use your senses to help you make a decision.
The most important indicator is to take a closer look at the couch's surface and look at the texture, shading, and patterns in greater detail. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern, or shading won't be consistent. If the couch's surface appears to be smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like backing in place of rough suede, that's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If there is stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, it's an indication that it's not true leather. This is because hides from animals are limited in size and can only be cut to a certain extent. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able to lift a corner and inspect the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is covered with a woven fabric or covered in polyurethane, this is another indicator that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel solid and coarse when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a timeless piece, and for good reason. The warm, natural look and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Additionally modern tanning techniques adds a bit of durability to withstand cracks and sagging. Since each hide comes with its own unique markings, grain, and blemishes, every leather couch is unique.
While prices and labels are excellent indicators but the best way to tell if you're buying authentic leather is to go close and personal with it. To better understand the authenticity of the leather, take a look at the texture of the surface and the pattern as well as the structure. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible blemishes on the surface, then it's likely to be faux or bonded.
A back made of polyurethane on the sofa is another dead giveaway. This is a standard feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and is backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to make furniture.
Finally, check the back of the couch for two or three stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a top-quality piece of leather that has been constructed with care to last. On the other side, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa appears like a piece of cloth, it's likely a fake or bonded leather sofa.
Once you've established that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's now time to pair it with your other living room furniture. Match your couch with wooden furniture and add pillows that complement the colors of your room. You can also choose more relaxed, energetic layout by placing the couch between two pieces of furniture, with a coffee table in between.
Make sure to keep your leather sofa in a bright space to ensure that it doesn't fade or leave scuff marks due to direct sunlight. If you're looking to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment apply a leather protector agent every other year.