How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. People love its simple design and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six useful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. In fact, some stores have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being scammed, it's essential to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still check its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or bonded.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. In addition you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get close and intimate with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is unevenness or bumps on the 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 will still be some bumps.
You can also test leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it is new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. mid century leather sofa as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of genuine leather, while the non-contact portions such as the outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, you should take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to examine it in person. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you see this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels can give you an idea however the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a timeless style that will never be trendy and is still accessible at a variety of price points.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last a lifetime. This two-seater may be expensive, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. This is a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something a bit more contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend form and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood as well as composite and plastic. 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. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic 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 has been manufactured and even after you bring it home.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. Faux and bonded hides will feature a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic, the best way is to put it against your body and move your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm to the feel.
Another method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the upholstery. The faux leather and bonded leather 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 deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your sofa, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.