The Real Leather Couch Case Study You'll Never Forget
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on prices and descriptions of products, it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying a real leather sofa. It is important to get close and personal with the couch - take a whiff, feel and flip over a couch to look at the back.
For instance, one sofa that was 'leather' CHOICE test had 'contact' areas (such as arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather however the non-contact areas were made of cotton and polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should smell natural, fresh and luxurious. Faux leather, on the other hand typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad, it could be due to urine from your pet. In most cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you are not satisfied with the results of your cleaning, you can apply a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture levels and make it more supple, less fragile, and more resistant against odors.
You can also make use of an organic odor eliminator such as baking soda to remove unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe your leather sofa. If the cloth starts to collect dirt, wring it out or swap for an alternative. Alternatively, you can put the solution in spray bottles and spray it on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it over again.
Another way to get rid of odors from your leather is by airing it out. If you can, place the sofa outside in a sunny area to let it air dry. This will eliminate any unwanted odors and give it a fresh, natural scent.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant smells altogether, you can purchase a leather conditioner that is made up of healthy oils. This will keep your leather smelling fresher longer by preventing it from absorption of smells.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it can be difficult to maintain. In time, it may absorb the odors of smoking, cooking, or even body odor. These odors can be hard to get rid of particularly when you have children or pets. Fortunately, leather couches don't hold these odors in the same way that fabric upholstery and are a good choice for households with active families.
It's important to take action immediately in the event that your couch smells like it was soaked in puppy pee. Use the tips mentioned above or a product such as Leather Honey to solve the problem. Prevention is the best solution however, so make sure to train your dog to not pee on the couch!
2. Feel
If you are looking for a new leather sofa there are a few things you should be looking for. However, the most effective way to determine whether it's genuine is to smell it and feel it. Real leather has a distinct, natural scent that is unmistakable. small leather couch www.sofasandcouches.com can dull with age but there should be no mistaking it when the couch is new.
A genuine leather sofa must be soft to the touch and warm to the. Leathers made of faux and bonded are often colder and have a plasticky feel. To test this try pressing your fingertips on the surface of the couch and look for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the material is likely to be faux or bonded leather.
If you notice vertical seams stitched on the back of sofas, this is another indicator. This means that the leather is not one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of a leather frame of a sofa can have a significant impact on its longevity but this isn't always immediately apparent. To ensure that you're getting a sofa that will last, inquire about the type of wood is used to construct the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames will be less sturdy. For extra durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln dried to prevent warping and mildew.
If you are on a tight budget but still want an authentic leather sofa you will love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and flexible choice that's usually available for sale and can be adapted to your home.
Another budget-friendly option is La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa that is classic in design and comes in a variety of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. However, this sofa requires assembly at home, and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas are different from other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and endure wear and tear more effectively than fabrics. They will last for many years. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. Leather couches aren't any different. Like every other purchase, it is important to be aware of the dangers before making a final decision.
If you're unsure if your new sofa is genuine leather, the first thing to do is look at the materials tag on the frame to find out exactly what type of leather or fabric it's made of. But, you should make use of your senses to assist you in making a decision if you can't find any information on the materials used to make the sofa.
The couch's surface should be examined closely and pay attention to the patterns, shading and texture. A real leather couch will have natural imperfections and will not be perfectly uniform in structure patterns, patterns, or shading. If the surface is smooth and uniform or if a mesh-like backing is visible instead of the coarse leather, it's a sure indication of fake or synthetic leather.
Another test to take is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If it has a stitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, this is a sign that it's not true leather. The reason for this is because animal hides are limited in their size, and are only cut to a certain big. To ensure the highest quality of their products, the top manufacturers will sew and stitch through the entire back of a sofa to ensure that it's genuinely leather and not bonded or fake leather.
If you are able to lift one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is coated with an woven fabric or covered in polyurethane, this is another sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and coarse when the touch is made.
4. Patterns
A leather couch is a timeless classic for a reason. The natural, warm appearance and feel of the material can elevate any living space. Plus the modern tanning process adds a bit of durability to withstand cracks and sagging. Each hide is unique, with its own imperfections, markings, and grain.
While prices and labels are great pointers, the best way to tell if you're buying authentic leather is to get up close and personal with it. For a better understanding of the authenticity, look at the texture of the surface and the pattern as well as the structure. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible blemishes on the surface, then it's likely to be fake or bonding.
Another sign of a dead sofa is a backing of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a typical feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to create the furniture.
Also, look at the back of the couch to see two or three stitched vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather has been made with attention to last. On the other side, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa looks like a single piece of fabric, it's likely a fake or leather couch that has been bonded.
If you've concluded that a couch is genuine leather the next step is to pair it with the rest of your furniture in your living room. Find a match for your sofa with wooden furniture and add pillows that complement the colors of your living space. Or, you can opt for a comfortable, lively arrangement by placing your sofa in a row with other furniture pieces, and an occasional table.
Keep your leather sofa from direct sunlight to avoid it fading or forming scratches. If you're looking to protect your investment by prolonging its lifespan, consider applying a leather protection product every two or three times a year.