How To Beat Your Boss Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. Customers love its simple styling and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. However, not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some sellers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential 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. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!
The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather and see whether it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. In addition, you will be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong 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.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. faux leather sofa that is completely smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates 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 a bit similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack when you regularly condition it by applying a leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of real and synthetic leather for their products. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and personal with it. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality imitations.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather but if it's on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
The price and the label might give you an idea but the only certain way to know is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should be a bit uneven to the touch. It will also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is more expensive but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't age quickly. This is a great choice for those who have limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that combine functionality and form. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used in the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you have it at home.
You can determine the quality of leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps just like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.
You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the back. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if the sofa is genuine, the best way is to place it against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use a couch in a given time, the more it will require to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.