7 Little Changes That'll Make An Enormous Difference To Your Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. However not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some stores have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still verify its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if it has any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is coarser and feels more like suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity, and Ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is used in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The scent, the feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. sofasandcouches is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when new, but it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather for their products. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, seats and backs are made from real leather while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is labelled as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to inspect it up close. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you see this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels may give you an idea, but the only way to be sure is to get up close to the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good choice for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic design that won't ever go out of fashion and is accessible at a variety of price points.
For a classic leather couch that can stand the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is more expensive but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't fade away. It's a great option for those with smaller spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something a bit more modern. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine design and function. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a welcome step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong, artificial scent it's not real. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been made and even once you have it at home.
A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm to the contact.
Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the upholstery. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you utilize a sofa and the more you use it, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.