How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great option for any room. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. People love its simple design and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six suggestions to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some sellers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. Discerning retailers will be more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to ask!
The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material 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 come with a label, you can still verify its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. Furthermore, you will be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed 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 heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and the ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is present in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it's likely to be bumpy.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact' areas like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of real leather, while the non-contact parts like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice however, even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label You should examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and close to it. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for leather couches for sale under the surface as well as a deep natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from imitations or cheap leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. This is common in faux leather, but if it is seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
The price and the label might give you an idea but the only certain way to know is to feel the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will feel rough to the feel. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic design that will never go out of style, and it's still available at a range of price points.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. The two-seater might be on the pricey side, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last a lifetime. It's a great choice for those who have small rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine design and function. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been made.
You can check the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's an indication that the couch isn't 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 grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm 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 continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider the amount of use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.