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 premium genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Look at the label
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. 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, however, are made equal. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers should have clear policies on exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still check its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and see if it has any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up close and personal with it. The scent, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. cheap leather sofa allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked in time.
Faux leather is printed and has a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather for their products. The contact areas, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to be able to get close and personal with it. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another dead giveaway. This is common in faux leather, but if it is seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
Pricing and labels can give you an idea, but the only way to know for sure is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic design that won't ever go out of fashion and is still accessible at a variety of prices.
For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be expensive however it's made of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. It's a great option for those who have small spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you bring it home.
One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or it's bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the back. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic the best method is to place it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.
When deciding on curved leather sofa of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.