How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers adore its simple styling and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some stores have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To identify cheap leather sofa , first glance at the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with any label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching its surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. You can minimize the damage caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get up close and personal with it. The smell, feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it should still have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over 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 cracked as time passes.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft, a little stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather for their products. The contact areas, such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made from real leather, whereas the non-contact parts, such as outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to look it over. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indication of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
The price and the label might provide an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's built using genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design and 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 an ideal choice for families who have pets or children. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that won't ever go out of fashion, and it's still accessible at a variety of prices.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will stand the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is priced higher but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't fade away. This is a great option for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and fits in most rooms.
If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic scent it is a sign that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you have it at home.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and inspect the back. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing that supports the fabric, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the couch. 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 sofa.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use a sofa and the more you use it, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter recommends 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.