How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any space. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. However not all leather sofas are made equally. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with the purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.
Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be in a position 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 its imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is used in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of preparing genuine leather involves buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to examine it in person. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. This is common in faux leather, but if it's on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
Labels and pricing can give you a hint however the only way to determine is to be in close proximity with the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will feel rough to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that will never ever go out of fashion, and it's still available in a variety of prices.
For a timeless leather couch that can last for a long time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something a bit more modern. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used in the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it's not genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been constructed.
You can check the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely faux or the leather is bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. leather modular sofa has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. False and bonded leathers 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 grade of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.