"The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any space. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Look at the label
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some sellers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Discerning retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information, so don't hesitate to ask!
The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to examine the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still check its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.
Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is touching 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. You should also be able to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not tell you what type of leather is in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing 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 sofa restoration by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine leather sofa set, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and scars. A good genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out in time if it's regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather for their products. The contact areas like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact portions, such as outside and base arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to examine it in person. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a Genuine leather sofa set leather sofa is another indication of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another warning sign. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you see this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
The label and price may provide an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great 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 is available in a variety of price points.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater model is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. It's a great choice for those who have small spaces, too, as 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 if you want something more contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine functionality and form. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used in the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it isn't genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.
You can check the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the back. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the upholstery. genuine leather couches leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before deciding on the best. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.