How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Take a look at the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some stores have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather sofa first glance at the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier, you can still work out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another way to check the quality of a sofa is by touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. You can minimize the damage caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is present in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The smell, feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still be bumpy.
You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit, just like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack 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 seats, armrests, and backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions, such as outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a typical practice however, even if the sofa has an authentic leather label, you should check it carefully to see the material that the back is made from, as it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to examine it in person. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another obvious sign. This is common in faux leather. However, if it's on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Pricing and labels may provide a clue however the only way to be sure is to sit down to the furniture. Real leather is not perfect and should be a bit uneven to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a timeless style that won't be trendy, and it's still accessible at a variety of price points.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. This two-seater may be on the pricey side but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with limited space, as it comes with three sizes and fits in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something a bit more contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it is a sign that it's not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you bring it home.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely faux or the leather is bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions and examine the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another method to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and check the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. leather couch and loveseat set utilize a sofa and the more you use it, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.