How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery, this sofa looks great 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 for the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are important
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. Some retailers are even known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather sofa you must first examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still check its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.
Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. Additionally you will discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. 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 heat, humidity and Ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Look to l shaped leather couch
If the label does not identify the type of leather is used in a sofa, it is essential to examine it close. 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 come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. A genuine leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when new, however it should not break or dry out in time if it's conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather for their products. The 'contact areas' such as the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact components, 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 an authentic leather label, you should check carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and close to it. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize different materials for upholstery authentic leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a dead giveaway. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels may give you a hint however the only way to determine is to be in close proximity to the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel rough to the touch. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is genuine.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of style. It's also available in different price ranges.
For a timeless leather couch that can stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is priced higher, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. It's a great option for those who have small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something modern. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and look at the backing. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an indication that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether the sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It also feels warm to the feel.
The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it will last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.