How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are important
Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equally. In fact, some retailers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be browse around this web-site to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step to identify the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with a label, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine if it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.
Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is touching its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be able feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and Ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get close and intimate with it. The smell, texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to be bumpy.
You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. A genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out in time if it's conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a common practice, and even if the couch has authentic leather labels be sure to examine carefully to determine what the backing is made from, as it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, you need to meet up close and personal with it. Examine the back of the sofa for 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 many faux leather couches use various materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this with real top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels may give you an idea however the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the touch. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. vintage leather sofa 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 a staple of interior design for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart choice for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic design that will never be trendy and is still accessible at a variety of price points.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will endure the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. This is a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and fits in most rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it's a sign that it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you have it at home.
You can check the quality of leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonding.
Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and look at the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports the fabric, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to hold it up against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
The sofa's back and examining the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how often soft leather sofa 'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you utilize a couch in a given time, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.