The Most Prevalent Issues In Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple style and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. sofasandcouches includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers must have clear policies for return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label, you can still check its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are signs that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more like suede. In addition, you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps 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 could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat and the ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get up close and close to it. The smell, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is uneven or bumpy surface. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it should still have a few bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. A genuine leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The areas that are 'contact like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions like the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice and even if the sofa has authentic leather labels, you should check carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to look it over. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of materials for upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another warning sign. This is common with faux leather, but if it is seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
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 will not be perfect and feel uneven. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design and for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of style. It's also available in different price ranges.
For a timeless leather couch that will last for a long time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is priced higher but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't age quickly. This is a great option for those who have limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something more modern. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. The frame is made out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been manufactured.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or bonded leather.
Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and look at the back. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is a dead giveaway that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the feel.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the sofa. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.