Real Leather Couch: A Simple Definition
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It can be difficult to determine if are buying genuine leather sofas due to inaccurate product descriptions and price tags. You should be able to walk up to the couch and examine it closely. Feel, smell, and turn the cushion to examine the back.
For instance, a sofa that was 'leather' CHOICE test had contact areas (such as seats and arm rests) covered in genuine leather but the non-contact areas were a mixture of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell natural, fresh and luxurious. Faux leather is, however is often chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad smell, it may be caused by pet urine or stains. In the majority of cases, a thorough clean will remove any smell. If you're not pleased with the results, consider applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture levels which makes it softer and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant to smells.
You can also make use of an organic odor eliminator like baking soda to remove unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth begins to collect dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it out or replace it with a fresh one. Alternately, you can pour the solution into the spray bottle and spray it onto your couch. Leave the mixture to dry before wiping it over again.
Airing your leather out is another way to get rid of odors. Place the sofa in a sunny area to air out. This will remove any unwanted odors, and give the couch an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to keep away from unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from soaking up smells and will keep it smelling nice for longer.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it can be difficult to keep clean. Over time, it can absorb odors from smoking, cooking, or even body smell. These odors are difficult to get rid of, especially if your home has pets or children. Fortunately, real leather couches don't hold the odors as fabric upholstery can, making them an ideal choice for families with active families.
It's important to take action immediately if your couch smells like it was soaked in puppy poop. Try some of the suggestions above or try using a dedicated product such as Leather Honey to address the issue. The best way to treat the issue is to stop the problem from occurring and ensure that you train your dog to not pee on your couch.
2. Contact us with any questions.
When you're looking for a brand new leather sofa there are a few things you should be looking for. However, the best way to tell if it's real is to smell and feel it. Genuine leather has a distinct natural scent that is unmistakable. The scent can fade as time passes but it should remain evident when the couch is new.
A genuine leather sofa must be soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Faux and bonded leathers on the other hand, often have a more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test it, gentle press your fingers on the surface of a couch and look for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it is likely faux-leather or bonded.
If you notice vertical seams stitched on the back of sofas, this is another indicator. This indicates that the leather is not one piece. faux leather sofa are identified by this.
The quality of the frame on a leather couch can have a major impact on its life span however, it's often not obvious. To ensure you're buying a sofa which will last, inquire about the kind of wood is used to construct the frame. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames are less robust. To ensure durability, wood frames should be kiln dried to avoid mildew or warping.
If you're on a budget but still want an authentic leather sofa you are awestruck with. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and flexible option that's often available for sale and can be customized to fit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another budget-friendly option. It has a classic style and is available in a broad variety of fabrics that are fade-resistant. This sofa is a bit difficult to assemble at home, and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches are an exception to other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are incredibly durable and can withstand wear and tear better than fabrics, which makes them last for many years to come. They also are resistant to staining and spills, and are less likely to attract allergens and dust which means they don't require the same amount of regular care and cleaning. Leather couches are no different. As with any other purchase, it's crucial to be aware of the risks before making a final choice.
If you're unsure whether your new couch is made of fabric or leather it is best to first look at the tag that identifies the material that is attached to the frame. This will tell you exactly what kind of material it is. If you cannot find any information about the sofa's material composition then you can utilize your senses to make the decision.
The most important indicator is to take a closer look at the surface of the couch and examine the texture, shading and patterns in detail. A genuine leather sofa is likely to have imperfections that are natural and will not be perfectly uniform in its structure, pattern, or shading. If the surface is smooth and uniform or if a mesh backing appears instead of coarse leather, it's a sure indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching on its back, it is not real leather. The reason for this is that animal hides are limited in their size, and they can only be cut so large. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you can, try to lift up a corner of the sofa or cushion and examine the back of the cushion. If the back of the padding is coated with a woven fabric or is covered with polyurethane, it is another indication that the couch is not genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to have a rough and coarse coating that feels solid when you touch it.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a timeless piece, and for good reason. The natural, warm feel and look of the material can enhance any living space. Modern tanning techniques give it added durability, so it is resistant to cracking or sliding. Because each hide has distinct patterns, grain, and blemishes each leather couch is unique.
The best way to determine whether the leather you are buying is authentic is to examine it closely. Examine the texture of the surface, its structure and pattern to get an in-depth look at its authenticity. If the structure is completely uniform and there aren't any noticeable blemishes, it's likely faux or bond leather.
Another sign of a dead sofa is a backing made of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a common characteristic of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and will be backed with materials that closely match the fabric used in making furniture.
Look at the back of your couch to determine whether there are vertical seams. This is a sign the leather was constructed with attention to last. On the other the other hand, if you notice no seams and the back of the sofa looks like a single piece of fabric, it's likely to be a low-quality faux or bonded leather couch.
Once you've determined that the couch is authentic leather the next step is to pair it up with the rest of your living room furniture. For a sleek, unified look, match your couch with other wooden furniture and line it with pillows that echo the colors in your living space. You can also opt for more relaxed, energetic layout by placing the couch between two pieces of furniture with a coffeetable between.
Keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight to stop it from fading or forming scuffs. If you're looking to safeguard your investment by extending its life, you should consider applying a leather protection agent once or twice a year.