How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. small leather sofa love its simple design and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Check the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made to be the same. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.
To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important 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. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to check the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials like fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label, you can still check its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. In addition you will feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up close and personal with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
small leather sofa can also test leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it by applying a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of 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. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, you should take a close look at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, you need to get up close and personal with it. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of different fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinct 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, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather, but if it's on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
Pricing and labels can provide a clue, but the only way to be sure is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is made of genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that will never ever go out of fashion and is accessible at a variety of price points.
For a timeless leather couch that will endure the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. This is a great choice for those with a limited space as it comes in with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 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 looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.
You can check the quality of leather by running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonding.
Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and inspect the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to hold it up against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the contact.
Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, consider the amount of use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.