How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great addition to any space. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It's also robust, easy to clean and does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equally. In fact, some stores have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between top and full 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 identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine if it has any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the quality 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 feel 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 heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool and cool room, far from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get up close and close to it. The scent, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather involves buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked in time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather.
To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather for their products. The contact areas, like the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice and even if the couch has an authentic leather label You should examine it closely to see the material that the back is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to inspect it up close. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. While most faux leather couches make use of different materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. This is common with faux leather, but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.
Labels and pricing can give you a hint, but the only way to determine is to sit down to the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design for good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a timeless style that won't ever go out of fashion, and it's still available at a range of prices.
For a timeless leather couch that can last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't date quickly. This is a great choice for those with limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in almost any room.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you take it home.
You can check the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine if a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The roughness of the leather should make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It should also feel warm to the contact.
The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.