How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers adore its simple styling and premium genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some sellers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on exchange or return in the event that you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indicators that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher 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 a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and often become family heirlooms over the years. related web site can minimize the damage that's caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Check out the back
If the label does not tell you what type of leather is used in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. The process of preparing genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to have some bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label be sure to examine it closely to see what the backing is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to look it over. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a backing of polyurethane, which is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indication of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong, natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather but if it is seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
Pricing and labels can give you an idea however the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made of genuine materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in various prices.
For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those with a limited space as it comes in with three sizes and will fit in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine form and function. While the frame is crafted out of 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 the year 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it's a sign that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been made.
You can determine the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonding.
You can also open one of the cushions and examine the backing. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the contact.
Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.