How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple style and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Take a look at the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some stores have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's crucial to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!
The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa along with 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 aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have any label however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, 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 touching the surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. In addition, you will discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and 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 often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.
2. Look to the back
If the label does not tell you what type of leather is present in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The smell, texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. leather chaise lounge will be supple and slightly stiff when new, however it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if a couch is labeled as genuine leather, look closely at the backing 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, it's important to be able to get close and personal with it. Examine the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a obvious sign. This is common with faux leather but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.
The price and the label might provide an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the feel. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good choice for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a timeless style that will never go out of style, and it's still available in a variety of price points.
For a timeless leather couch that will last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. leather chaise lounge -seater may be on the pricey side but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last a lifetime. It's a great option for those with small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something a bit more contemporary. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with a sleek, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that combine design and function. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home.
One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels cold and smooth, it's probably faux or bonding.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration the amount of use it will receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use a sofa in a given time, the more it will require to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.