How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equally. In fact, some sellers have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being scammed, it's crucial to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly identify the type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still verify its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.
Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is by touching its surface with your fingertips. leather couch with chaise has a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. Additionally, you will discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Check out the back
If the label does not identify the type of leather is present in the sofa, it is crucial to look 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 contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it will still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it's printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and marks. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas like seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of real leather, while the non-contact portions like the base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, you need to meet up close and intimate with it. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another warning sign. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to determine is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic design that won't be trendy, and it's still available in a variety of price points.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's an excellent choice for those who have small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. This sofa is made of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it is a sign that it isn't genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been manufactured.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps just like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the back. The faux and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The roughness of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It also feels warm to the feel.
Turning the sofa on its back and checking the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. False and bonded leathers 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 you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize a couch in a given time, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.