How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers love its simple style and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six ways to tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Check the label
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some stores have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate ask!
The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather and see whether it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. In addition, you will discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is present in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The scent, the feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it should still have 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. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A quality leather sofa is soft, a little stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out over time if conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather for their products. The 'contact' areas, such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made 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 a couch is labelled as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back 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. Examine the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. While most faux leather couches make use of different fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality imitations.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. While this is not unusual when using 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 price and the label might provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should be a bit uneven to the touch. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed using genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design for good reason. curved leather sofa , long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic design that won't be trendy and is available at a range of prices.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. The two-seater is on the pricey side but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. This is a great option for those with a limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in most rooms.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you bring it home.
A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the 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 inspect the backing. The faux and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's a dead giveaway that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to place it against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration the amount of use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.