How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. The rough edges.
1. Check the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some stores have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Discerning retailers will be more than happy to provide you with this information, so don't hesitate to ask!
The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up a 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 signs that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
Another way to check the quality of a sofa is feeling its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. You can limit the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not identify the type of leather is in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore 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 scuffs. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when new, but it should not 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 areas that are 'contact, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. rustic leather sofa is a typical practice however, even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label, you should check carefully to determine what the backing 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 inspect it up close. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake fakes.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather, but when it's seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Labels and pricing can give you a hint however the only way to determine is to sit down to the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is genuine.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in various prices.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. Although this two-seater is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't fade away. It's a great option 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 little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you take it home.
You can test the quality of leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine whether the sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.