How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple style and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Check the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being scammed, leather sofas near me sofasandcouches.com to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers are more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate inquire!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, you must first examine the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have any label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. In addition you should be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and will be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get up close and personal with it. The scent, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still be bumpy.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking over time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa is soft, a little stiff when new, but it should not break or dry out over time if conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas, like the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a typical practice however, even if the couch has a genuine leather label You should examine it closely to see what the backing is made of, as it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to inspect it up close. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you see this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels can give you an idea, but the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of prices.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for years. While this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. This is a great option for those who have limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in almost any room.
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that blend functionality and form. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you have it at home.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps just like the human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also take one of the cushions and inspect the backing. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the couch. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use a sofa in a given time, the more it will need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.