What You Should Be Focusing On Improving Real Leather Couch
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on price tags and descriptions of the product, it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying a genuine leather couch. You need to get up close and personal to smell, feel and then turn over a couch to look at the fabric.
For example, one 'leather corner sofa' couch CHOICE tested had contact areas (such as seats and arm rests) with genuine leather upholstery however the non-contact areas were a mixture of coated polyester and cotton.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should smell natural, fresh and luxurious. The faux leather, however, is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch has a bad smell, it may be due to stains or pet urine. In most cases, a thorough cleaning will remove any smell. If you're not happy with the results, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture which makes it softer and less brittle, as well as more resistant against smells.
You can also use an organic odor eliminator like baking soda to get rid of unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth starts to collect dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it or replace it with a fresh one. Alternately, you can pour the solution in the spray bottle and spray it onto your couch. Leave the mixture to dry before wiping it off again.
Airing out your leather is another method to eliminate smells. Set the couch in a bright area to air out. This will remove any unwanted smells and give the couch a natural, fresh scent.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, you can purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will keep your Small Leather Corner Sofa smelling fresher longer by keeping it from absorbing smells.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing, it isn't always easy to maintain. Over time, it can absorb the odors of cooking, smoking, and even body odor. These odors are difficult to get rid of, especially in homes with children or pets. Leather couches don't absorb odors like fabric upholstery can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.
If your sofa smells like an odor of a dog that has peed on it, it's important to address the issue immediately. Try some of the suggestions above or you can try a specific product such as Leather Honey to treat the issue. Prevention is the best option but be sure to teach your dog not to pee on the couch!
2. Contact us if you have any questions.
When shopping for a new leather sofa, there are some things to be aware of. But the best way to determine whether it's genuine is to smell it and feel it. Leather has a distinct, distinct natural scent. The smell can fade as time passes, but it should be evident when the sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa should also feel soft to the touch and warm in temperature. faux leather sofa and bonded leathers on the other hand, often have a more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test it, gently press your fingers to the couch's surface and check for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it is likely to be faux-leather or bonded.
Another indicator is if you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather isn't one piece. Genuine leather couches are characterized by this.
The quality of the frame of the leather sofa can have a significant impact on its life span however, it's not always clear. Find out what kind of wood was used to construct the frame. This will help you select the right sofa that has longevity for a long time. A solid oak frame is the most durable and costly alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames aren't as sturdy. To increase durability, hardwood frames must be kiln dried to avoid mildew or warping.
If you're for a price that isn't too expensive There are a lot of cheap genuine leather sofas that you could nevertheless fall in love with. For example the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile option that is often on sale and can be easily personalized to fit your home.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa, which is classic in design and is available in hundreds of fade-resistant fabrics. The sofa is modular and quite difficult to set up at home and the cushions on the back tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas have a distinct appeal that other kinds of upholstery just can't match. Leather sofas are extremely durable and withstand wear and tear more effectively than fabric. They can last for a long time. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. But, like everything else in life, there are a few dangers when buying a leather sofa - and it is important to be aware of what to look for before you make your final decision.
If you're unsure if your new sofa is genuine leather, the first thing to do is look at the materials tag on the frame to find out what kind of fabric or leather it is made of. But, you should make use of your senses to assist you in making a decision if you can't discover any information regarding the composition of the material used in the sofa.
A key indicator is to take a closer look at the surface of the couch and observe the texture, shading and patterns in greater detail. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern, or shading won't be consistent. If the surface is uniform and smooth, or if a mesh-like backing appears in place of coarse leather, it's a clear indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Another test to take is to check the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching pattern on the back, it is not real leather. The reason is that animal hides are limited in their size, and they are only cut to a certain big. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
Finally, if you can, try to lift up a corner of the sofa or cushion and look at the back of the padding. If the back of the padding is covered in a woven fabric or covered with polyurethane, it is another indication that the sofa is not genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to have a coarse and rough surface that feels solid when you feel it.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a timeless classic with a reason. The warm, natural look and feel of the material can elevate any living space. Modern tanning methods give it added durability, so that it doesn't suffer from cracks or sliding. Each hide is distinct, with its own marks, grain and blemishes.
The best way to tell whether the leather living room sets you're buying is authentic is to inspect it closely. Examine the texture, structure, and pattern for a more detailed look at its authenticity. If the structure appears to be uniform and there aren't visible flaws, it's most likely faux or bond leather.
A polyurethane back on the sofa is a further indicator. This is a common feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and will be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to make furniture.
Finally, check the back of the couch to see two or three stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a top-quality piece of leather that's been constructed with care to last. On the other the other hand, if you notice no seams and the couch's back appears like a single piece of cloth, it's most likely a lower-quality faux or bonded leather sofa.
Once you've confirmed that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to pair it with your other furniture in your living room. For a sleek, unified look, match your couch with other wooden furniture and accent it with pillows that reflect the color scheme of your room. Or go for a more fluid, acoustic layout by placing your couch in a row with other furniture pieces, and the addition of a coffee table.
Make sure to keep your leather sofa in a bright space to ensure that it doesn't fade or develop scratches due to direct sunlight. If you're looking to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment, apply a leather protector agent at least once or twice a year.