How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equally. In fact, some retailers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being scammed, it's crucial to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!
The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to check the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another way to check the quality of a sofa is by touching its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is coarser and feels more like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart but it will last longer. It can become an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in an airy, cool room, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and the ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is used in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather for their products. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to examine it in person. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. While many faux leather couches use different materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a rich natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. This is typical with faux leather, but if it's on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Pricing and labels can give you a hint, but the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's genuine.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic design that will never be trendy and is accessible at a variety of prices.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. The two-seater is on the pricey side but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded 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 that you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, it is not genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been made.
A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's probably faux or it's bonded.
You can also take one of the cushions and look at the back. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is genuine the best method is to put it against your body and run your fingers across the surface. couches leather 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 authentic is to turn it on its side and check the back of the upholstery. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.