How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great addition to any room. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are important
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. However not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some sellers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!
To identify a genuine leather sofa first glance at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.
Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is feeling its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is coarser and feels more like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is used in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it's printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas such as the outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. american leather sofa is a typical practice, and even if the sofa has authentic leather labels be sure to examine it closely to see the material that the back is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and personal with it. Feel it, smell it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another obvious sign. This is typical with faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
Pricing and labels may give you an idea, but the only way to determine is to get up close with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should be a bit uneven to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is made from authentic materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great choice for families who have children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that will never be trendy and is still available in a variety of prices.
For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's a great option for those who have small spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that are a perfect blend of design and function. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you have it at home.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonded.
Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and examine the backing. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to place it against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last before deciding on the best. The more you use a sofa, the more it will need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.