How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers 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 differentiate between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Check the label
Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. However not all leather sofas are created equally. In fact, some retailers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate inquire!
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with any label, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is by feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is coarser and feels more like suede. Additionally you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air cooling units. vegan leather sofa will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.
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 up-close and intimate with it. The smell, texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it's printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it won't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, seats and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if a couch is labeled as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if the couch 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 get up close and close to it. Feel it, smell it, and then check its back for a backing of polyurethane that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another dead giveaway. This is common in faux leather but if it's on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
The price and label may give you an idea but the only certain method to determine is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in various price ranges.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. The two-seater might be expensive, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. It's a great option for those with small spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you take it home.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.
You can also open up one of the cushions and inspect the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine 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 will cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, consider the amount of use it will receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive conditioner for leather to keep the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.