How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it ideal for those 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.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. It should clearly identify the type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other material such as cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. You should also be able feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Look at 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 back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion 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 running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
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 constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact portions such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. This is a common practice and even if the couch has authentic leather labels be sure to examine carefully to determine the material that the back is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and personal with it. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indication of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
The label and price may provide an idea, but the only sure way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is genuine.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a timeless style that will never be trendy and is accessible at a variety of price points.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will endure the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be on the pricey side however it's made using top-quality leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great choice for those who have limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in almost any room.
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.
A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. The faux and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the touch.
leather couch and loveseat to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch in a given time, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.