Genuine Leather Sofa: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Sooner
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. People love its simple design and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six tips to help you tell 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 robust and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers must have clear policies for exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with any label, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether it's got any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Look to the back
If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to have a few bumps.
You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If l shaped leather couch is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. This is a standard practice and even if the couch has authentic leather labels be sure to examine carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to examine it in person. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat 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 rich natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another dead giveaway. This is common with faux leather, but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
The price and label may give you an idea but the only certain method to determine is to touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will feel uneven to the touch. It will also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed using genuine materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting, and durable. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in various price ranges.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. This two-seater may be expensive, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great option for those who have limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something a bit more modern. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that combine form and function. The frame is made out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you bring it home.
One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonding.
You can also open one of the cushions and look at the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing that supports the fabric, whereas genuine leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to hold it up against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. leather chaise lounge utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.