How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are important
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for allergy sufferers. However not all leather sofas are created equally. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!
To identify a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is touching its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. In addition you should be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. You can limit the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get close and intimate with it. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked in time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it by applying a leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas' like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. This is a standard practice and even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label be sure to examine carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, since it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and intimate with it. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you notice this with 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, but the only sure method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills making it a good choice for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a classic style that won't ever go out of fashion and is still available in a variety of prices.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something a bit more modern. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that blend design and function. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not real. This is often caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been constructed.
You can check the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonded.
Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and look at the backing. The faux and bonded leathers may have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine, the best way is to place it against your body and move your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, take into consideration the amount of use it will receive and how long you want it to last. deep leather couch utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.