How The 10 Worst Genuine Leather Sofa Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. People love its simple design and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive appearance and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. Some retailers have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
To avoid being scammed, it's crucial to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!
The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with any label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see if it has any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be rougher 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 the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get close and personal with it. The smell, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will 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 means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas, such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a common practice however, even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label You should examine it closely to see what the backing is made of, since it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to examine it in person. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is an indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Look for leather sofa and loveseat set under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another obvious sign. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels can provide a clue, but the only way to determine is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills making it a good choice for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a timeless style that will never ever go out of fashion, and it's still available at a range of prices.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those with limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not real. It is usually due to the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been made.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also take one of the cushions and look at the back. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to place it against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm to the feel.
The sofa's back and checking 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 the bonded leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, consider the amount of use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.