7 Little Changes That'll Make An Enormous Difference To Your Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple style and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some retailers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers will be more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate inquire!
The first step to identifying the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. l shaped leather couch should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still check its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather and see if it has any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. Furthermore, you should be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. You can minimize the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.
2. Check out the back
If the label does not identify the type of leather is used in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The scent, the feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
When leather chaise lounge touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking over time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. A good genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The contact areas, like the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to be able to get close and close to it. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a backing of polyurethane that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another warning sign. This is common in faux leather but if it is seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Pricing and labels may provide a clue, but the only way to know for sure is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The softness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in different price ranges.
For a timeless leather couch that can stand the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't age quickly. This is a great choice for those with a limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something a bit more modern. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine design and function. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you bring it home.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or made of bonded leather.
You can also open up one of the cushions and look at the back. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic the best method is to place it against your body and move your fingers across the surface. l shape leather sofa of the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the feel.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the sofa. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you use your couch, the more it'll need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.