How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. sofasandcouches.com love its simple style and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equally. In fact, some retailers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get close and personal with it. The smell, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
To cut costs, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather to make their products. The contact areas, such as the seats, arm rests and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and prices 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 close to it. Feel it, smell it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indication of its quality. While many faux leather couches use different fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural smell. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality imitations.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. This is common with faux leather but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
The label and price may give you an idea but the only certain way to know is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made from authentic materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in different price ranges.
For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't date quickly. It's an excellent choice for those with small spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine form and function. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been made.
You can determine the quality of leather by 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 faux or it's bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.